John McLean, Q.C., a lawyer with Gowling in Vancouver whose 41 years practising insolvency law have seen him represent companies in sectors from forestry to shipping, is this year’s winner of the CBA Insolvency Section Lifetime Achievement Award.
McLean earned his LLB from Dalhousie University in 1976, was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 1977 and has practiced insolvency law ever since, including as leader of Gowling WLG’s Restructuring and Insolvency group. He has helped grow the group’s reputation and is recognized for his extensive industry knowledge and depth of experience.
He has been involved in a wide range of insolvencies, including:
- Leading the bankruptcy of Vancouver-based North America Steamships Ltd.
- The failure of Teachers Investment and Housing Cooperative
- The bankruptcy of Canada 3000 Airlines
He has also been an adjunct professor at the UBC Law School, sat as a member of the oral board of examiners for trustees in bankruptcy, written papers for and sat on numerous continuing legal education panels and been a member of the B.C. Model Order Committee.
The CBA Insolvency Law Section Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes senior members of the insolvency profession who have achieved excellence in their field. The award was to be presented at the CBA Insolvency Law Conference, held Sept. 13-14 in Vancouver.