Jan’s practice is concentrated in the area of corporate and commercial law with an emphasis on transactional work, including mergers and acquisitions, project development, venture capital, private equity investment transactions and public and private debt and equity financings. She has extensive experience in developing innovative development structures and strategically planning negotiations with multiple stakeholder groups. Jan also acts for co-operatives, non-profits and charities and teaches Charity Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Manitoba.

EDUCATION: University of Manitoba, 1974, Bachelor of Arts
University of Manitoba, 1977, Bachelor of Laws
Harvard Law School, 1985, Program on Negotiation

CALL TO THE BAR: Manitoba, 1978

REPRESENTATIVE CASES/TRANSACTIONS: Acting for large and small businesses on acquisitions and divestitures.

Acting for venture capital investment firms on investment transactions.

Acting for a large utility company in negotiating and drafting development agreements for the development of large hydro-electric dams.

Providing advice to entrepreneurs, closely-held corporations and partnerships, public companies, governments, universities and Crown corporations.

Designing and conducting consultations and negotiations with First Nations and other Aboriginal groups.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002

Andre Mailhot Award in 2001

LEGAL TEACHINGS: University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
Law Society of Manitoba

OTHER SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS: Speaker on “Private Equity and Venture Capital Investment Agreements” at a conference on Major Business Transactions.


Speaker on "Business Financing" for the Canadian bar Association, Manitoba Section.

Guest lecturer on “Board Governance” at the Banff School of Management.

Guest speaker on “Corporate Social Responsibility” to the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association.

Speaker on Philanthropy and Non-Profit Organizations.

Presentation on Strategic Planning to the Board of Directors of United Way of Canada.

Keynote speaker on “Community Building” at a United Way of Canada annual convention in Quebec City.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba

Member of The Manitoba Innovation Council

Member of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council and Steering Committee member

Past President of Assiniboine Credit Union and former Board Member of Credit Union Central of Manitoba

Cabinet Member of the University of Manitoba's Capital Campaign

Past Vice-Chair of Crown Corporations Council

Former Board Chair of United Way of Winnipeg

Member of United Way of Canada’s Strategic Planning Committee

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