Owais Ahmed

Partner

He/Him

Owais is a leader in the next generation of securities litigators.

Biography

As a leading advocate, Owais excels at legal analysis and strategy, combined with honed communication skills and a creative approach. With nearly fifteen years of experience, he has a proven track record representing a diverse set of clients in securities litigation and commercial litigation and has successfully handled all types of disputes, including those involving shareholders, regulatory matters involving the Ontario Securities Commission, IIROC and the TSX, and securities class actions.

Owais’ clients range in industries and professions and in most cases the stakes are high, and the issues are complex. Clients trust and value Owais for his exceptional listening skills, his ease in translating technical jargon into simple language, and his ability to see issues from the client’s perspective.

For Owais, success is not limited to professional triumphs, and includes well-balanced contributions to both his profession and community. As Harper Grey’s Chief Diversity Officer, he is motivated to maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace that encourages and supports differences and promotes innovative perspectives reflects both the core values of our firm and the communities in which we live and do business. Owais is a self-aware and exceptional leader who gives his all to his clients, cases, colleagues, and causes he supports.

Education
  • Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.B., 2008

  • University of British Columbia, B.A., 2005

Bar Admission
  • British Columbia, 2011
  • Ontario, 2009
Languages spoken
  • English
Experience
Securities Litigation and Regulation
  • Defending directors and officers against allegations of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and negligence

  • Representing individuals and companies in oppression actions

  • Successfully represented a former director and officer of a high-tech company in an appeal against a criminal fraud conviction

  • Securities class actions

  • Represented a multinational company in an employment dispute with a former senior officer in Hong Kong

  • Disciplinary proceedings before the Ontario Securities Commission and IIROC, involving both individuals and financial institutions

  • Seeking court approval for plans of arrangement

Professional Credentials
Leadership
  • Harper Grey, Chief Diversity Officer
  • Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
Memberships
  • Advocates’ Society, Member
  • Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch, Member
  • The Law Society of British Columbia, Member

Recognition

Recognized as “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Litigation – Securities (Regional – British Columbia) by Chambers Canada®

2024

40 & Under Hot List – Leading Lawyers Under 40 award recipient, Benchmark Canada®

2023

Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Corporate and Commercial Litigation by Best Lawyers® in Canada

2023-2024

Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Securities Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada

2019-2024

Recognized as an ” Up and Coming Leading Lawyer” in the area of Litigation – Securities (Regional – British Columbia) by Chambers Canada®

2022 – 2023

Recognized as a “Future Star” in British Columbia by Benchmark Canada®

2022-2023

Recognized as a “Lawyer to Watch” in the area of Litigation – Securities by Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory®

2023-2024

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Commentaries

“Owais is a good commercial lawyer and a smart guy.”

Chambers Canada® 2024

“He mixes both an intellectual curiosity and an ability to apply common sense at a sophisticated level.”

Chambers Canada® 2024

“He’s developed an incredible practice, very smart and hard-working.” “He’s just a nice guy, who builds a lot of confidence in the negotiations.”

Chambers Canada® 2023

“Owais is addressed as one of the youngest lawyers in BC to routinely be lead counsel on high-value/high-profile trials, administrative hearings, and court appeals.”

Benchmark Canada® 2022

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Get in touch with

Owais Ahmed

The Latest

Owais Ahmed to speak at CLE BC Securities Litigation 2024 webinar
Owais Ahmed to speak at CLE BC Securities Litigation 2024 webinar Owais Ahmed to speak at CLE BC Securities Litigation 2024 webinar
22 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2024
22 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2024
Owais Ahmed recognized with 2023 Lexpert® Rising Star Award
Owais Ahmed recognized with 2023 Lexpert® Rising Star Award Owais Ahmed recognized with 2023 Lexpert® Rising Star Award
Harper Grey Sponsors and Attends 12th Annual FACL Gala
Harper Grey Sponsors and Attends 12th Annual FACL Gala
Owais Ahmed inducted as Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
Owais Ahmed inducted as Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America Owais Ahmed inducted as Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
11 Harper Grey lawyers recognized by Chambers Canada 2024
11 Harper Grey lawyers recognized by Chambers Canada 2024
Harper Grey receives 72 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2024
Harper Grey receives 72 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2024
Owais Ahmed included in Benchmark Litigation’s 2023 40 & Under Publication
Owais Ahmed included in Benchmark Litigation’s 2023 40 & Under Publication Owais Ahmed included in Benchmark Litigation’s 2023 40 & Under Publication
25 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as leaders in their field by Benchmark Canada 2023
25 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as leaders in their field by Benchmark Canada 2023
Owais Ahmed shortlisted by Benchmark Canada 2023 for Emerging Talent – British Columbia Litigator of the Year Award
Owais Ahmed shortlisted by Benchmark Canada 2023 for Emerging Talent – British Columbia Litigator of the Year Award Owais Ahmed shortlisted by Benchmark Canada 2023 for Emerging Talent – British Columbia Litigator of the Year Award
21 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2023
21 Harper Grey lawyers recognized as “Leading Practitioners” by Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory 2023
Owais Ahmed appointed Harper Grey’s Chief Diversity Officer Owais Ahmed appointed Harper Grey’s Chief Diversity Officer
11 Harper Grey lawyers recognized by Chambers Canada 2023
11 Harper Grey lawyers recognized by Chambers Canada 2023
Harper Grey receives 52 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2023
Harper Grey receives 52 rankings from Best Lawyers Canada 2023
25 Lawyers Recognized as Leaders in their field by Benchmark Canada® 2022
25 Lawyers Recognized as Leaders in their field by Benchmark Canada® 2022
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