2021 Lexpert Rising Star: Paul-Erik Veel
This prestigious honour celebrates leading lawyers under the age of 40 who have an outstanding track record of success in their field, are changemakers in the legal industry, leaders in the community, and important contributors to their firm’s success. Paul-Erik Veel is exemplary in each of these areas.
“Paul-Erik is a once-in-a-generation talent. He combines an exceptional legal mind and an infectious positive attitude. He plays a leading role in a number of our practice groups, including in class proceedings, appeals, competition, and medical malpractice,” says Managing Partner, Tom Curry. “He is also our resident economist with a passion for teaching the next generation and a keen interest in legal innovation. He is changing the way we practice law by developing and leading our unique Data-Driven Decisions program. Paul-Erik is a key ingredient to our current and future success.”
Paul-Erik’s exceptional advocacy and innovative approach to client service is also widely recognized by his clients and peers. They had this to say about him:
“Paul-Erik has been an invaluable resource. He is not only willing and able to break down complex legal issues into clear analysis but he has also shown a strong business sense and is able to determine what the client is actually asking even if the questions are unclear.”
“Paul-Erik is our go-to for high-quality and focused advice. He led several of our significant, sensitive matters to positive resolution. He excels at finding innovative ways to simplify and quickly resolve complex issues.”
“Paul-Erik is a young lawyer with the skills of a significantly older lawyer! [He has an] eye for the key facts and issues, a strategic approach that is effective and efficient, and an ever-calm demeanor when matters take an unanticipated turn. He is a thoughtful problem solver, a trusted advisor on thorny issues, and a strong advocate for his clients.”
Paul-Erik also makes significant contributions to the legal and broader community. He is a prolific writer having published dozens of articles cited by the courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He regularly shares his expertise at educational events, is an active member of the OBA’s Civil Litigation Executive and Past-Chair of the Health Law Executive, and he has taught 14 half-year courses as an adjunct professor at the University of Toronto since 2010.
Among his significant pro bono work, he was co-counsel on a first-degree murder trial, lead counsel to electors in proceedings to hold elected officials accountable for election campaign misconduct, and lead counsel to amateur athletes in sports arbitrations. He also represented Douglas Cardinal to restrain the use in Canada of the Cleveland baseball team's racist name and logo on human rights grounds.
Congratulations, Paul-Erik, on this well-deserved recognition!