Steve Levitt has been appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Bar Association, effective November 4, 2024.
“The opportunity to lead the CBA resonates profoundly with me,” Steve said of his appointment to the role.
“As the voice of Canada’s legal profession, the CBA is pivotal in promoting fair justice systems, driving law reform, and championing equality. These principles not only reflect my core values but also fuel my aspirations. I am dedicated to ensuring the CBA continues to be a respected leader in advocacy, creating meaningful value for its members. I am honoured to lead the CBA in fulfilling its mission and making a lasting impact on the legal profession and its stakeholders.”
Steve joins the CBA with a wealth of extensive leadership experience as a solicitor and litigator, in private practice, in-house and with advising and leading in private and public sector organizations.
He is currently General Counsel at Carleton University, where he is responsible for protecting Carleton’s legal interest and maintaining its operations within the scope established by law. In this role, he has identified and analyzed legal issues, provided hands-on counsel, legal and strategic advice, and has recommended the development of policies, process or targeted interventions to mitigate legal and strategic risks. As General Counsel he is also responsible for representing the University in litigation, tribunal and dispute resolution processes and for advising and acting on labour relations, employment law, student issues, academic and equity matters. Throughout his tenure, Steve was seen as a respected leader and a go to resource across the University sector both provincially and nationally.
Before joining Carleton, Steve was Partner and Associate at Nelligan O’Brien Payne for 14 years. He has extensive commercial experience as a solicitor and litigator advising businesses and not-for-profit organizations. He also served for three years as a Corporal with the Canadian Grenadier Guards in the Canadian Armed Forces.
Steve earned his LL.B. Bachelor of Laws in Common Law from the University of Ottawa and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McGill University. He is bilingual in both official languages.
Steve is a collaborative leader who has shown a steadfast commitment to advancing the principles of justice and equality. The CBA welcomes him to the team.