Catherine Claveau
Partner, Lawyer-Investigator, Mediator & ASC
For over 20 years, Catherine Claveau has been working in labour law, where she has established herself as a leading authority in matters of psychological harassment. She is renowned for her expertise, leadership, and commitment. Elected Bâtonnière of Quebec for two consecutive terms (2021-2025), she has established herself as a key figure in Quebec’s legal community, which she has represented both nationally and internationally. Committed to sharing her knowledge and shaping the next generation, she enthusiastically joined Latitude as a partner to serve as a mentor and leader within a team recognized for its expertise in preventing and resolving situations of harassment.
An accredited investigator and mediator, Catherine assists organizations in effectively meeting their legal obligations while promoting healthy and respectful work environments. 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, which has become an indispensable reference. Catherine is also a Certified Corporate Administrator (ASC), with a wealth of experience in presiding over various committees and working groups, demonstrating her strategic vision and understanding of governance issues.
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, she 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
- Certified Corporate Administrator (ASC)
- « Bâtonnières du Monde » Collective, Board Member