John O'Connor

John O'Connor operates as a partner within the Tax Group, focusing his expertise on corporate tax encompassing complex mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and counsel for tax-exempt entities. His work also involves consulting on intricate tax issues.

A recognized member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Tax Foundation, John's professional engagement extends to his role as a councillor for the Canadian branch of the International Fiscal Association. He is known for his contributions to the Federated Press Corporate Finance periodical, Tax Times, and the Lawyer’s Daily as a frequent author, speaker, and contributor. Previously, John served as the Canadian Tax National Reporter for the International Bar Association.

Specializing in Tax law, John's academic credentials include an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto, graduating with High Distinction. He was admitted to the Ontario bar in 2008.

John's recent notable work involves advising on the transaction between Oxford Properties Group Inc. and TPG related to a C$1.3B deal involving Class-A industrial business parks in the Greater Toronto Area.

His reputation in the legal community is affirmed by his recognition in The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading lawyer in Corporate Tax and in The Best Lawyers in Canada for his expertise in Tax.

Among his publications, John co-authored articles offering insights into substantial issuer bids, leveraged buyouts in relation to Carmanah Technologies Corporation, and the intricacies of Canadian tax basis bump, contributing significantly to tax law literature.

John has also provided valuable insights into the taxation aspects of Canada’s COVID-19 economic response plan, Ontario’s action plan in response to the pandemic, and offered a non-technical perspective on the Canadian tax basis bump as a planning tool in various legal posts.

In the news, John is among the 187 Stikeman Elliott lawyers recognized for their excellence across numerous practice areas in the 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, contributing to the firm's commentary on the Federal Budget 2023, and celebrating the welcome of new partners to the firm.

John's dedication to sharing knowledge is evident in his roles as a co-chair and speaker at numerous conferences, including the 2022 IFA Canada International Tax Conference and discussions on budget implications and foreign affiliate dumping at the Canadian Tax Foundation's Annual Tax Conference, demonstrating his commitment to the advancement of tax law.