Catherine Claveau
Partner, Lawyer-Investigator, Mediator & ASC

Catherine Claveau is a lawyer, accredited mediator with both the Quebec Bar and the Institut de médiation et d’arbitrage du Québec (IMAQ), an accredited investigator, and a Certified Corporate Director (ASC). With more than 36 years of professional experience, she has built a strong reputation in ethics, integrity, the management of sensitive matters, and dispute resolution within complex organizational environments.

Elected Bâtonnière of Quebec for two consecutive terms (2021-2025), Catherine has established herself as a key figure in Quebec’s legal community, which she has represented both nationally and internationally. Through her leadership of numerous committees, including those dedicated to governance and ethics, she has developed deep insight into the strategic and governance issues confronting organizations today. She is also co-author of the Guide des meilleures pratiques à l’intention des avocats menant des enquêtes sur des plaintes de harcèlement en milieu de travail (Best Practices Guide for Lawyers Investigating Complaints of Harassment in the Workplace), published by the Barreau du Québec.

Today, as a Partner at Latitude, Catherine brings this experience to organizations, helping them address issues related to ethics, integrity, prevention, and governance. Recognized for her leadership and her ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations, she combines legal expertise, strategic vision, and a human-centred approach in her practice.

Catherine serves a diverse clientele across Quebec, notably in the education, public and parapublic, municipal administration, and banking sectors. She also works with Band Councils and Indigenous organizations. Originally from Chicoutimi, she practiced for many years in Quebec City, where she co-founded a boutique law firm. She therefore has a keen understanding of regional realities.

Beyond her practice as a lawyer, Catherine has distinguished herself by her consistent commitment to mental health and balance in the legal profession. She contributed to the creation of the Déclaration d’engagement envers le bien-être dans la profession juridique (Declaration of Commitment to Well-Being in the Legal Profession) and the Déclaration de principe sur la conciliation travail-vie personnelle dans le cadre des instances judiciaires (Policy Statement on Work-Life Balance in the Judicial System), signed by Quebec’s chief judges and several key players in the legal community. During her bâtonnat, she represented the Quebec Bar in the review of over twenty bills of law, strengthened ties with Indigenous communities, and developed national and international partnerships that reflect her influence and unifying vision. Her commitment to the next generation of lawyers is also reflected in her annual law school tour, which focused on the well-being of young lawyers.

Prior to her Bâtonnat, Catherine held various governance roles within the Barreau du Québec, serving on the Board of Directors, the Executive Council, and the General Council, as well as on the Board of Directors of the Fonds d’assurance responsabilité professionnelle du Barreau du Québec (FARPBQ) for eight years. These experiences led her to spearhead strategic initiatives in governance, ethics, human resources, and finance, cementing her reputation as a unifying and committed leader.

Education

Corporate Administrator Certification (ASC), Université Laval
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.), Université Laval

Activities and Memberships

Quebec Bar, Member and Accredited Mediator
Institut de médiation et d’arbitrage du Québec (IMAQ), Member and Accredited Mediator
Certified Corporate Administrator (ASC)
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