Congratulations to Douglas Ward, K.C., a distinguished lawyer who has now retired from the practice of law and as a senior partner of our firm after an exceptional 54-year career.
Douglas has built a legacy of excellence in the fields of Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Insolvency and Bankruptcy, and Bet-the-Company Litigation. Recognized by peers and industry leaders alike, Doug’s contributions to the legal community earned him appointment to King’s Counsel, bestowed on lawyers with exceptional merit in their profession.
Douglas’s legal journey began with his graduation from the University of Manitoba in 1969, followed by his admission to the Manitoba Bar in 1970. Over the years, his expertise has extended into banking, financial services, corporate restructuring, and dispute resolution. It would be difficult to find a judge in the Federal Court who does not know and hold Douglas in high regard.
Over the course of his career, Douglas took on leadership positions in numerous legal organizations, such as serving as a Charter Member Emeritus of the Insolvency Institute of Canada and as a founding member of the Hecla Island Advocacy College. His impact on the legal profession is paralleled by his dedication to his community, having served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Wish Foundation and as a Governor of the University of Manitoba. Doug has also been an active lecturer, including at the University of Manitoba Law School, and has authored insightful works on trial advocacy and cross-examination.
Douglas has earned numerous prestigious accolades throughout his career. He was named by Best Lawyers® as “Lawyer of the Year” in Winnipeg in 2020 and 2012 for Insolvency and Financial Restructuring. He has been recognized as a Litigation Star by Benchmark Canada, honored as a Lifetime Member by the Worldwide Registry of Executives, Professionals, and Entrepreneurs, and is consistently listed by Best Lawyers® as one of Canada’s top lawyers in Bet-the-Company Litigation, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, and Insolvency and Financial Restructuring. He also holds a 5-star rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rank possible, and has been listed by Lexpert® Magazine and the Financial Post among Canada’s leading lawyers.
As Douglas enters retirement, his influence on the legal landscape, both in Manitoba and nationally, remains immeasurable. His exceptional career has shaped the fields of corporate law, insolvency, and litigation, and his legacy of mentorship and service will continue to inspire future generations of lawyers.
We bid farewell to Douglas in his professional capacity, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions to Pitblado Law. He will be missed.