Providing strategic advice to Canada’s premier Atlantic and entrepreneurial law firm as it innovates to provide critical services in a post COVID remote world.

A former army officer and Director of Legal Services for the Minister of Veterans Affairs, Watson’s research focuses on transition from military service to civilian life, and in particular, determining what enables successful transitions. Watson also supports the Gregg Centre's International teaching experiences and War and Society mandates. Watson’s work encompasses social and economic historical analysis in addition to public policy and program review. Watson has delivered papers at nine national and international conferences, published in two journals, and provided historical commentary on Veterans Transition and employment on a CBC episode of “Good People” hosted by Mark Sakamoto.

Providing sophisticated strategic policy and legal solutions to corporations, government agencies, and family offices where critical issues or opportunities confound the usual approach and require the experience of a well-travelled guide.

Providing strategic guidance and execution to Public and Private Companies, Governments and Non-Governmental Institutions.

Responsible, in conjunction with the existing Talent and Operational team of teams, for developing a Veterans' Program and delivering Leadership and Operational Training for the Worlds Best in Class Gold Miner. This global task includes the recruitment, mentoring, and skills development of the exceptional individuals who have served their countries and bringing their talents, dedication and service to Barrick. The cross-pollination of the skills of these great people, whether new hires or existing Barrick team members with the already Best in Class team will bring further benefit to Barrick, its employees, its shareholders, its stakeholders and the countries that we operate in.

Joel maintained a Counsel practice and frequently served as trusted advisor and / or lead litigation counsel with respect to private and public corporations and individuals in the course of their investments and businesses. He appeared or gave advice in significant oppression remedy, securities, insolvency, fraud, insurance, mining, and technology matters. He has a particular background in resource, infrastructure, and technology matters. Joel has had cases before every level of Court in Ontario, The Supreme Court of Canada, The Federal Court of Canada (Trial and Appellate Divisions), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, various tribunals and private courts such as ADR Chambers in addition to appearing before the Grand Council of the Cree. Joel has also acted as a mediator to assist parties resolve their differences without formal litigation. Prior to entering law, Joel was an officer in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canadian Army, Special Service Force.Specialties: Litigation, litigation minimization and risk management. Procurement, Public Private Partnerships (P3), fraud recovery, insurance defence, commercial construction, real estate, energy, liens, commercial leasing, financing, mining, conveyancing and professional negligence.

Provided legal counsel to the Minister of Veteran's Affairs. Negotiated interim solutions in two billion dollar class actions. Supervised all in-house legal matters and national litigation. Instituted new Veteran-centric protocols for both legal and operational staff. Supervised and performed legislative and regulatory drafting.

Prior to his of Leave of Absence serving Veterans and Canada, Joel maintained a Counsel practice and frequently served as trusted advisor and / or lead litigation counsel with respect to private and public corporations and individuals in the course of their investments and businesses. He has appeared or given advice in significant oppression remedy, securities, insolvency, fraud, insurance, mining, and technology matters. He has a particular background in resource, infrastructure, and technology matters. Joel has had cases before every level of Court in Ontario, The Supreme Court of Canada, The Federal Court of Canada (Trial and Appellate Divisions), the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, various tribunals and private courts such as ADR Chambers in addition to appearing before the Grand Council of the Cree. Joel has also acted as a mediator to assist parties resolve their differences without formal litigation. Prior to entering law, Joel was an officer in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Canadian Army, Special Service Force.Specialties: Litigation, litigation minimization and risk management. Procurement, Public Private Partnerships (P3), fraud recovery, insurance defence, commercial construction, real estate, energy, liens, commercial leasing, financing, mining, conveyancing and professional negligence.

Litigation and Infrastructure PartnerCounsel to the Mechanical Contractor and FM Provider on the Woman's College Hospital, Bermuda Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital (London & St. Thomas) Projects. Counsel to the Mechanical Contractor on a PPP sewage and wastewater project, including litigation matters.Counsel to prominent investors in the High Tech Sector with respect to investments, corporate re-organization, cross-border enforcement of security and insolvency proceedings.

Litigation Partner with emphasis on Infrastructure (PPP / Construction) and High Tech Sector (Asphalt and Internet Highways). Counsel for Telus against the Music Industry in the Music Sharing case. Counsel on a significant cross-border enforcement of security and insolvency matter in the high tech sector. Counsel for lenders in various infrastructure and construction projects and insolvencies. Counsel for several technology companies and technology consulting firms in the course of their businesses.

Litigation Practice involving round 3 of the Maple Leaf Garden's battle for control, Architect's liability defence, Oppression Remedy applications and Construction disputes.Counsel to Several Mining Interests in claims and investment related matters.

Litigation associate, junior to Richard Shibley, Q.C. Engaged in a Barrister's practice with court appearances at least once a week if not more. Counsel to the Minority Shareholders of Maple Leaf Gardens as well as numerous municiplities in precedent setting appeal decision on building permit rates. Conducted trials as lead counsel in second year of practice.

To plan and implement combat training for the Horse Guards, including live fire and tactical movement exercises.

Troop Leader, Liaison Officer, and Acting Battle Captain Reconnaissance Squadron with the Royal Canadian Dragoons in Petawawa, Ontario when it was the lead element of Canada's Special Service Force. Increasing level of leadership responsibility in cold war, domestic security and counter-insurgency operations. Successfully completed Military Parachutist and Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Warfare Specialist courses in addition to course in Military Law.