Simon Hodgett

In the realm of legal expertise, Simon emerges as a beacon for entities navigating the complex corridors of technology and services. With a laser focus on outsourcing and procurement, his advice is sought after by businesses at the intersection of technology and service reliance. This includes a gamut of technology suppliers, from industry giants to innovative startups, across diverse sectors such as FinTech, artificial intelligence, data analytics, blockchain, AgTech, and eHealth. Simon’s role extends beyond counsel to leading a team dedicated to reshaping legal service models for burgeoning technology enterprises. These endeavors span a vast array of sectors including, but not limited to, technology, banking, healthcare, telecommunications, and retail, addressing both commercial and governmental interactions.

Simon’s legal acumen is underpinned by an illustrious education, marked by an LL.M. from the London School of Economics, an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a B.A. from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Admitted to the bar in Ontario in 1992 and Newfoundland in 1996, his command of the legal language is exclusively in English.

His portfolio of cases and deals is both rich and varied, showcasing his involvement in significant transactions such as Andgo Systems' Series A financing, AtomVie's Series A Financing following a spinout, and Canada Drives' $40 million financing round. The acquisition of Reamined Systems Inc. by Information Services Corporation and the collaboration of Signal 1 with Unity Health Toronto highlight his strategic prowess. Notably, Suncor Energy Inc.'s operations takeover at Syncrude and its investment in LanzaTech, alongside strategic partnerships for Bookmark Your Life and Q4 Inc., underscore his influence in shaping the legal landscape for technology-driven enterprises.

Simon’s contributions to the legal field are recognized widely, with accolades from Chambers Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, Best Lawyers in Canada, Legal 500, and Who's Who Legal. These commendations celebrate his expertise in information technology law and his significant impact on technology transactions.

Beyond his practice, Simon is an active participant in the legal community, serving as a past President of the Canadian Information Technology Law Association (IT.Can) and engaging in numerous speaking engagements. His presentations cover a broad spectrum of topics, from commercial contracting and payments law to the legal and ethical dimensions of AI and cybersecurity. These engagements reflect his commitment to advancing understanding and navigating the complexities of technology law.

Simon’s published works further exemplify his thought leadership, contributing to the discourse on AI, big data, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. His writings offer insights into mitigating data breaches, navigating the risks of cloud computing, and understanding IT contract management, among other topics. Through these publications, he extends his knowledge and expertise to a broader audience, enriching the legal and technological communities alike.

In sum, Simon’s practice is a testament to his profound understanding of the intersection between technology and legal services. His guidance empowers companies to navigate the evolving landscape of digital innovation, ensuring their operations are both legally sound and strategically positioned for growth.