Liane Langstaff

Liane Langstaff, operating out of Gowling WLG's Toronto office, is an esteemed environmental lawyer. Her unique educational background, which includes a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, an MBA, and a law degree, equips her to offer nuanced regulatory counsel and advocacy to both corporate and municipal clients.

Adept at navigating the complexities of environmental legislation, Liane excels at interpreting scientific and planning expert opinions for the judiciary and formulating compelling legal narratives to secure victories for her clients in both courtrooms and tribunals.

Liane engages with forefront environmental and legal matters, such as environmental assessments, endangered species protection, climate change, and constitutional law. Notably, she has contributed to the Canadian Public Health Association's interventions in the landmark Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act cases at various levels of Canada's judiciary, including the Supreme Court. Within Gowling WLG's ESG Advisory Service practice and as a Climate Governance Expert for the Canada Climate Law Initiative, Liane offers guidance on navigating the challenges and seizing the opportunities related to climate change and biodiversity.

Recognized for her eloquence and expertise, Liane is a sought-after speaker and educator, sharing her insights with professional organizations and serving as a past co-instructor of environmental law at Osgoode Hall Law School. Her writings on environmental law developments are widely respected, contributing regularly to Gowling WLG's newsletter, co-authoring A Guide to Canada's Impact Assessment Act, 2020 Edition, and writing a chapter in A Business Guide to Environmental Law.

Before her current role, Liane sharpened her legal acumen as a clerk at the Ontario Court of Appeal. She is an alumna of Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business, where she was honored with the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Scholarship and the Hennick Medal for Academic Excellence.

Her practice areas include Energy, Climate Change and Environmental Law, Environmental Litigation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), Municipal Law, and Administrative Law, showcasing her broad legal prowess.

Liane's contributions to the field have been recognized with accolades such as the Canadian Public Health Association's National Public Health Hero Award in 2021, underscoring her impact on public health through her environmental law practice. Her commitment to law and the environment was solidified with her admission to the Ontario bar in 2016, following her distinguished graduation from York University's Osgoode Hall Law School and Schulich School of Business. Her academic journey began with a BSc from the University of Guelph, where she graduated with distinction and received numerous awards, including the College of Management & Economics Distinguished Scholar Medal.