BY: Michel P. Coderre

In 2023, after more than three decades practicing law with global law firms, I felt it was time for something different—not just for myself, but for how I approach law in a world that’s rapidly evolving. The traditional ways of practicing no longer serve today’s challenges, and I’m determined to meet these changes head-on.

My journey has been as diverse as it has been fulfilling:

• Before becoming a lawyer, qualified as a CPA with Ernst & Young;
• Served as a Special Assistant to Canada’s Deputy Finance Minister;
• Legal counsel to the Finance Committee of the Canadian House of Commons;
• Invited to testify before the Senate of Canada on small business tax reform;
• 30+ years practising business and tax law, mostly with international law firms with 1,000 + lawyers;
• Tax partner with New York/Montreal global law firm ;
  
• Lectured for 10 years on business law at the University of Montreal (HEC);
• Listed by Lexpert as one of Canada’s top commodity tax lawyers;
• Legal counsel to Canada’s Minister of National Revenue on the reform of Canada’s duty-free shops;
  
• Through all this, advised a vast range of clients, from one of the “Big Three” automakers to a global insurer, as well as hundreds of Canadian and international clients of all types and sizes.

In the early 2000s, I had the privilege of becoming the Managing Partner of the Canadian office of Coudert Brothers, a global law firm with 1,000 lawyers across 26 offices. Coudert Brothers’ rich history dates back to its founding by French nationals in New York in 1853, and I was honored to be part of that legacy.

My partners often found it amusing that “Coudert” and “Coderre” were so similar. That connection wasn’t just a coincidence. My genealogy traces back to the Coudert family of the Périgord region in France, so it always felt like I was carrying a piece of that heritage with me.

When Coudert Brothers ceased operations in 2002, many of us felt the profound impact of its closure, a firm that had shaped so many of our careers. But the firm’s legacy was firmly implanted into history. Given my family connection to the Coudert name, and with the firm no longer active for over 20 years, I felt it was an appropriate tribute to carry forward its spirit of excellence. The name now represents a legacy, and it carries my vision for the future.

Yet, this is not the same firm as before. The world has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and so have the needs of clients. This firm is designed for the future, not the past. I encourage you to explore our Mission Statement and learn more about who we are by watching the video at the top of this page and reading our story.

Best regards,
Michel P. Coderre