Jean-Philippe Groleau

Partner

Jean-Philippe Groleau

Jean-Philippe Groleau

Partner

Bar Admissions
  • Québec, 2004

A determined and skilled litigator, Jean-Philippe acts for a highly diversified range of public sector clients.

Jean-Philippe specializes in complex and high-profile cases, with a particular emphasis on public law disputes, including constitutional challenges and judicial reviews of administrative actions. He also has a wealth of experience in class actions – having acted for plaintiffs and defendants alike – , health law and consumer protection cases. Jean-Philippe has an excellent track record of success before administrative and arbitral tribunals and at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, where he has appeared as lead counsel on multiple cases that addressed a range of legal issues.

Jean-Philippe is a member of the board of directors of Health and Education Now!, an organization involved in community development in Benin and Cameroon. He is also a member of our Montréal Student Committee.

Jean-Philippe Groleau

Partner

A determined and skilled litigator, Jean-Philippe acts for a highly diversified range of public sector clients.

Jean-Philippe specializes in complex and high-profile cases, with a particular emphasis on public law disputes, including constitutional challenges and judicial reviews of administrative actions. He also has a wealth of experience in class actions – having acted for plaintiffs and defendants alike – , health law and consumer protection cases. Jean-Philippe has an excellent track record of success before administrative and arbitral tribunals and at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, where he has appeared as lead counsel on multiple cases that addressed a range of legal issues.

Jean-Philippe is a member of the board of directors of Health and Education Now!, an organization involved in community development in Benin and Cameroon. He is also a member of our Montréal Student Committee.

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Brault & Martineau Inc., Corbeil Électrique Inc. and Sears Canada Inc.

Acting for Brault & Martineau Inc., Corbeil Électrique Inc. and Sears Canada Inc. in defence of various class actions instituted on behalf of consumers alleging that the sale of additional warranties breaches the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

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Brault & Martineau Inc.

Acted successfully for Brault & Martineau Inc. in defence of a class action instituted on behalf of consumers who purchased goods with financing that was alleged to breach the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

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Confidential Client

Acted successfully for a Québec-based gas retailer in connection with criminal charges laid by the Competition Bureau for alleged price-fixing and related class actions. Davies has succeeded in obtaining a stay of the criminal proceedings against its client based on a breach of its constitutional rights.

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Société des casinos du Québec

Acting for the Société des casinos du Québec in connection with two class actions regarding electronic banking fees charged on certain transactions made in Loto-Québec's casinos.

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McInnis Cement Inc.

Acted for McInnis Cement Inc. in defence of a motion to quash a permit issued by the Minister of Environment allowing McInnis to move forward with its project to build a $1 billion state-of-the-art cement plant in Port-Daniel, Gaspésie.

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Concordia University

Acted successfully for Concordia University in the Bisaillon v Concordia University case before the Supreme Court of Canada. Davies argued that the Superior Court had no jurisdiction to entertain a class action initiated by Bisaillon claiming the payment by Concordia of well over $100 million to the pension fund of its employees.

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Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

Acted successfully for the Société de transport de Montréal in a dispute with Bombardier Transport Canada Inc. and Alstom Canada Inc. concerning the $1.2-billion contract for the renewal of the cars of the Montréal subway. The Superior Court of Québec granted the STM's motion to dismiss the motion for declaratory judgement instituted by the subway car manufacturers.

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Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Acted on a pro bono basis for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervener in S.L. v. Commission scolaire des Chênes, in which the Supreme Court of Canada had to decide the circumstances under which parents may request that their children be excused from attending mandatory classes on the basis that they interfere with their freedom of religion.

Mobile Content:

Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Acted on a pro bono basis for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervener in Loyola High School v. Attorney General of Quebec, 2015 SCC 12, where the Supreme Court of Canada had to determine, in the context of a mandatory pedagogical program, the proper balance between the objectives of promoting tolerance and respect for difference, on the one hand, and the religious freedom of the members of a particular community, on the other hand. The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously adopted the position advocated by the CCLA on the collective aspects of freedom of religion.

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Corus Entertainment Inc.

Acted successfully for Corus Entertainment Inc. before the Federal Court of Appeal in connection with a third party's challenge of a CRTC decision approving the sale of certain Québec radio stations from Corus to Cogeco Inc.

In the News
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Interview, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, “Proposed Quebec tax on unvaccinated likely is within rights of province to impose: Davies lawyer”

Jan. 25, 2022 - Read the full article.

In the News
Mobile Content:

Jean-Philippe Groleau Speaks to La Presse on Tracing Individuals with COVID-19

May 07, 2020 - With Ottawa and some provincial governments considering a national strategy to track Canadians infected with COVID-19 using geolocation technology, La Presse featured Jean-Philippe Groleau for his insights on the legal and constitutional questions that such a strategy might raise. In the...

Bulletin
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Québec Superior Court Enforces Right to Collective Bargaining of State Employees

Oct. 08, 2019 - The Québec Superior Court (QSC) recently struck down as unconstitutional back-to-work legislation (Bill 1271) aimed at the Québec government’s advocates and notaries. The decision, released on September 18, 2019, builds on the recent case law of the Supreme Court of Canada which...

Article
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“Les honoraires en demande en matière d’actions collectives : comment éviter de jouer à l’apprenti-sorcier en vue de moduler le comportement des avocats”, co-author

May 03, 2019 - Recent Developments in Québec, Canada and the United States, Vol. 455 (National Conference on Class Actions)
Read this article (in French).

Speaking Engagement
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Osgoode Professional Development, 16th National Symposium on Class Actions, “Case Study: The Biggest Case You’ve Never Heard Of”; Toronto, ON

Apr. 04, 2019

Speaking Engagement
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Barreau du Québec, National Conference on Class Actions, “Legal Issues Related to Multi-Jurisdictional Class Actions”; Montréal, QC

Mar. 22, 2019

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Litigation Counsel of America—Fellow

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Chambers Canada: Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business—Litigation, Administrative & Public Law: Québec

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Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canadas Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys—Commercial (Litigation Star)

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Benchmark Canada Impact Case of the Year Award (2020)—Recipient

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The Legal 500 Canada—Dispute Resolution: Québec (Next Generation Partner)

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The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada—Litigation: Corporate Commercial

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Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation

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Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences

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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory—Litigation: Corporate Commercial (Most Frequently Recommended); Class Actions

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Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40

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The Best Lawyers in Canada—Administrative and Public Law; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Appellate Practice (Lawyer of the Year 2023, Montréal); Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation

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Young Bar Association of Montréal—Civil and Commercial Litigation (Lawyer of the Year Award 2013)

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ARISTA Provincial Competition—Young Professional Category (Finalist 2014)

Bar Admissions
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Québec, 2004

Education
Mobile Content:

University of Cambridge, LLM (International Law) (First Class Honours, Senior Harris Scholar), 2004
Université de Montréal, LLB (Dean’s List), 2002
Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), French Law Cert., 2002

Professional Affiliations
Mobile Content:

Litigation Counsel of America—Fellow; Trial Law Institute, member; Diversity Law Institute, member

Board Memberships
Mobile Content:

Health and Education Now!

A determined and skilled litigator, Jean-Philippe acts for a highly diversified range of public sector clients.

Jean-Philippe specializes in complex and high-profile cases, with a particular emphasis on public law disputes, including constitutional challenges and judicial reviews of administrative actions. He also has a wealth of experience in class actions – having acted for plaintiffs and defendants alike – , health law and consumer protection cases. Jean-Philippe has an excellent track record of success before administrative and arbitral tribunals and at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, where he has appeared as lead counsel on multiple cases that addressed a range of legal issues.

Jean-Philippe is a member of the board of directors of Health and Education Now!, an organization involved in community development in Benin and Cameroon. He is also a member of our Montréal Student Committee.

Brault & Martineau Inc., Corbeil Électrique Inc. and Sears Canada Inc.

Acting for Brault & Martineau Inc., Corbeil Électrique Inc. and Sears Canada Inc. in defence of various class actions instituted on behalf of consumers alleging that the sale of additional warranties breaches the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

Brault & Martineau Inc.

Acted successfully for Brault & Martineau Inc. in defence of a class action instituted on behalf of consumers who purchased goods with financing that was alleged to breach the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act.

Confidential Client

Acted successfully for a Québec-based gas retailer in connection with criminal charges laid by the Competition Bureau for alleged price-fixing and related class actions. Davies has succeeded in obtaining a stay of the criminal proceedings against its client based on a breach of its constitutional rights.

Société des casinos du Québec

Acting for the Société des casinos du Québec in connection with two class actions regarding electronic banking fees charged on certain transactions made in Loto-Québec's casinos.

McInnis Cement Inc.

Acted for McInnis Cement Inc. in defence of a motion to quash a permit issued by the Minister of Environment allowing McInnis to move forward with its project to build a $1 billion state-of-the-art cement plant in Port-Daniel, Gaspésie.

Concordia University

Acted successfully for Concordia University in the Bisaillon v Concordia University case before the Supreme Court of Canada. Davies argued that the Superior Court had no jurisdiction to entertain a class action initiated by Bisaillon claiming the payment by Concordia of well over $100 million to the pension fund of its employees.

Société de transport de Montréal (STM)

Acted successfully for the Société de transport de Montréal in a dispute with Bombardier Transport Canada Inc. and Alstom Canada Inc. concerning the $1.2-billion contract for the renewal of the cars of the Montréal subway. The Superior Court of Québec granted the STM's motion to dismiss the motion for declaratory judgement instituted by the subway car manufacturers.

Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Acted on a pro bono basis for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervener in S.L. v. Commission scolaire des Chênes, in which the Supreme Court of Canada had to decide the circumstances under which parents may request that their children be excused from attending mandatory classes on the basis that they interfere with their freedom of religion.

Canadian Civil Liberties Association

Acted on a pro bono basis for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association as intervener in Loyola High School v. Attorney General of Quebec, 2015 SCC 12, where the Supreme Court of Canada had to determine, in the context of a mandatory pedagogical program, the proper balance between the objectives of promoting tolerance and respect for difference, on the one hand, and the religious freedom of the members of a particular community, on the other hand. The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously adopted the position advocated by the CCLA on the collective aspects of freedom of religion.

Corus Entertainment Inc.

Acted successfully for Corus Entertainment Inc. before the Federal Court of Appeal in connection with a third party's challenge of a CRTC decision approving the sale of certain Québec radio stations from Corus to Cogeco Inc.

In the News

Interview, Canadian Lawyer Magazine, “Proposed Quebec tax on unvaccinated likely is within rights of province to impose: Davies lawyer”

Jan. 25, 2022 - Read the full article.

In the News

Jean-Philippe Groleau Speaks to La Presse on Tracing Individuals with COVID-19

May 07, 2020 - With Ottawa and some provincial governments considering a national strategy to track Canadians infected with COVID-19 using geolocation technology, La Presse featured Jean-Philippe Groleau for his insights on the legal and constitutional questions that such a strategy might raise. In the...

Article

“Les honoraires en demande en matière d’actions collectives : comment éviter de jouer à l’apprenti-sorcier en vue de moduler le comportement des avocats”, co-author

May 03, 2019 - Recent Developments in Québec, Canada and the United States, Vol. 455 (National Conference on Class Actions)
Read this article (in French).

Speaking Engagement

Osgoode Professional Development, 16th National Symposium on Class Actions, “Case Study: The Biggest Case You’ve Never Heard Of”; Toronto, ON

Apr. 04, 2019

Speaking Engagement

Barreau du Québec, National Conference on Class Actions, “Legal Issues Related to Multi-Jurisdictional Class Actions”; Montréal, QC

Mar. 22, 2019

Litigation Counsel of America—Fellow

Chambers Canada: Canada's Leading Lawyers for Business—Litigation, Administrative & Public Law: Québec

Benchmark Canada: The Definitive Guide to Canadas Leading Litigation Firms & Attorneys—Commercial (Litigation Star)

Benchmark Canada Impact Case of the Year Award (2020)—Recipient

The Legal 500 Canada—Dispute Resolution: Québec (Next Generation Partner)

The Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada—Litigation: Corporate Commercial

Lexpert Special Edition: Litigation

Lexpert Special Edition: Technology and Health Sciences

The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory—Litigation: Corporate Commercial (Most Frequently Recommended); Class Actions

Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40

The Best Lawyers in Canada—Administrative and Public Law; Alternative Dispute Resolution; Appellate Practice (Lawyer of the Year 2023, Montréal); Class Action Litigation; Corporate and Commercial Litigation

Young Bar Association of Montréal—Civil and Commercial Litigation (Lawyer of the Year Award 2013)

ARISTA Provincial Competition—Young Professional Category (Finalist 2014)

Bar Admissions

Québec, 2004

Education

University of Cambridge, LLM (International Law) (First Class Honours, Senior Harris Scholar), 2004
Université de Montréal, LLB (Dean’s List), 2002
Université Panthéon-Assas (Paris II), French Law Cert., 2002

Professional Affiliations

Litigation Counsel of America—Fellow; Trial Law Institute, member; Diversity Law Institute, member

Board Memberships

Health and Education Now!