Stephen Pike

Stephen A. Pike, based in Toronto, plays a pivotal role at Gowling WLG as a partner and co-leader of the firm's Canadian ESG Advisory Services practice. With a career spanning over decades, Stephen has become an indispensable advisor for businesses across Canada, the United States, and globally, guiding them through corporate governance, ESG issues, transactional matters, operational challenges, and risk management, including supply chain and product liability issues.

Stephen's international expertise is evident as he assists foreign businesses in navigating the Canadian market, advising on the introduction of new products and services. His contributions to the field include co-editing "ESG in the Boardroom: A Guidebook for Directors" with the American Bar Association, highlighting his thought leadership on ESG matters and modern slavery risks within supply chains and operations.

As an active member of the legal and business communities, Stephen engages with various organizations, including serving on the board of the International Commission of Jurists – Canada, and co-chairing the ESG Subcommittee of the Corporate Governance Committee of the American Bar Association's Business Law Section. He is also involved with the Canadian Cancer Society, contributing to its Finance, Audit, and Risk Management Committee.

Stephen's educational endeavors include teaching in the ESG, Climate Risk and the Law Professional Development Certificate Course at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2021. His speaking engagements cover vital issues like modern slavery in supply chains at forums such as PDAC, Women Get on Board, and the Ontario Bar Association, among others.

Holding the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and completing the Directors Education Program at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management, Stephen is well-equipped to guide CEOs and directors through modern slavery challenges in business. He has co-authored several chapters in the "Director's Handbook: A Field Guide to 101 Situations Commonly Encountered in the Boardroom," also published by the American Bar Association.

Stephen's practice areas are extensive, covering sectors from Oil & Gas to Tech and including specialties such as IP Litigation & Strategy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Law. His legal acumen has been recognized through consistent listings in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and other prestigious rankings.

Starting his legal career with his call to the Ontario bar in 1985, following an LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School and a BA Honours from York University, Stephen A. Pike has established himself as a leading figure in addressing the complex interplay of corporate, governance, and ESG issues within the legal and business landscapes.