Nicole D'Aoust

Nicole D’Aoust shines as a beacon in the realm of charity and not-for-profit law. Her specialization covers a vast terrain, guiding organizations through the maze of governance, taxation, and compliance with Canadian Revenue Agency regulations. Nicole’s expertise doesn’t stop there; she adeptly navigates her clients through the nuances of operational and financial planning, cross-border activities, and the intricate world of social finance. Her advice spans the gamut from charitable giving and fundraising to navigating audits and steering through complex mergers and restructuring efforts.

Fully versed in both of Canada's official languages, Nicole extends her reach, offering counsel in French and English to clients scattered across the nation. Her insights and leadership were recognized in 2020 when she was chosen to lend her voice to the federal government's Technical Issues Working Group (TIWG) on behalf of Imagine Canada. This role places her at the forefront of advising the CRA on the oversight of charities and qualified donees within Canada, marking a significant nod to her expertise and standing in the field.

Her affiliations are as impressive as her contributions. Nicole holds key positions within the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, specifically within their Charity and Not-for-Profit Law sectors, and is an active participant in the Canadian Association of Gift Planners’ Government Relations Committee.

Nicole's educational background is equally comprehensive, boasting a three-year completion of CPA Canada's In-Depth Tax Course. Her tenure as co-editor of the Canadian Tax Focus newsletter and her involvement with the Canadian Tax Foundation's Young Practitioners’ Steering Committee highlight her commitment to her field. Furthermore, her leadership skills were honed as the co-chair of the Toronto Orchestra’s Young Leadership Council, adding a unique dimension to her profile.

Before her current role, Nicole cut her teeth in corporate tax, tax litigation, and dispute resolution at a prominent accounting firm in Toronto, setting the groundwork for her legal career. Her law school days were marked by significant achievements, including an internship at the Supreme Court of Canada’s law branch and making it as a semi-finalist in an international commercial negotiation competition in Paris.

Nicole's academic pursuits were not limited to law; she delved into French literature and political science, achieving her Master's and Bachelor's degrees from Western University. Her law degree from the University of Ottawa came with a special nod for her major paper in her final year, underlining her academic diligence.

2024 stands as a testament to Nicole’s professional excellence, with recognitions such as being named an Up and Coming lawyer in Charities/Non-profits by Chambers Canada, and securing spots in The Best Lawyers in Canada for Trusts and Estates, as well as The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for her work in Charities/Not-For-Profit Law.

Nicole D’Aoust is not just a lawyer but a visionary in her field, driving change and guiding charitable organizations to not just navigate, but thrive within the legal landscape of Canada.