Respected Litigator Takes On Top Legal Job at EY Canada

A commercial litigator with one of Canada’s top litigation boutiques will be the new chief legal counsel of EY Canada.

Shara Roy, a partner at Lenczner Slaght for more than 10 years, joins former client EY in Toronto as a partner and will transition to the top legal role for Canada, replacing retiring counsel Doris Stamml.

“I’m thrilled to start this new chapter at EY. The firm’s commitment to innovation makes it an incredibly exciting environment to join,” Roy said in a statement.

Recognized as one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for her work in fostering equity, diversity and inclusion in the profession, Roy was instrumental in launching ReferToHer.com, a website promoting the referrals of female lawyers. She also co-founded and led the ED&I subcommittee of the User’s Committee of the Commercial List Court, Canada’s busiest court dedicated to commercial cases. A longtime mentor, Roy also helped implement name-anonymized hiring for students at Lenczner Slaght.

Roy’s practice focused on complex commercial litigation, securities, and insolvency and restructuring, and she has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada and the Ontario Securities Commission.

“Navigating the increasingly complex business landscape will require the knowledge, passion, and diverse thinking that Shara brings to the table and we’re incredibly excited to have her join the EY team,” said Jad Shimaly, chair and CEO of EY Canada.

Lenczner Slaght, in a statement about Roy’s move, said she “made a tremendous positive impact” on the firm.

“This a remarkable opportunity for Shara to continue her leadership in the law. We are very proud of her and look forward to continuing our work with EY Canada, one of our firm’s most cherished and longstanding clients, with a trusted friend at the helm,” said Tom Curry, the firm’s managing partner.

Stamml, who began her career with EY Canada in its general counsel’s office in 1988, moved on to become chief legal counsel in 2008. She also acts as the executive managing partner of EY’s affiliated law firm, EY Law LLP. Throughout her career, she has championed diversity and women practitioners in the accounting and legal professions, and is counted among the most esteemed general counsels in the country.

“I’m honoured to be passing on the reigns to a passionate, highly respected leader, in and outside of the courtroom, with a strong track record of building the next generation of leaders by placing empathy and diversity at the heart of what she does,” Stamml said in a statement.