Leveraging Technology for Geopolitical Risk Management

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Imran Ahmad is a senior partner, the Canadian head of Technology, and co-head of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy. He is based in our Toronto and Montréal offices and is recognized as a leading cybersecurity and privacy lawyer by several legal directories. Imran advises clients across all industries on a wide array of technology-related matters, including outsourcing, cloud computing, SaaS, strategic alliances, technology development, system procurement and implementation, technology licensing and transfer, distribution, open-source software, and electronic commerce. As part of his cybersecurity practice, Imran works with clients to develop and implement strategies related to cyber threats. He advises on legal risk assessments, compliance, due diligence, cybersecurity, and data breach preparedness and response. Imran often acts as "breach counsel" in the event of a cybersecurity incident and has extensive experience managing complex cross-border cybersecurity incidents. He also provides representation in the event of an investigation, enforcement action, or litigation.

Stephen Burns is the co-chair of the firm's Technology and Intellectual Property group. He focuses on technology transactions, industrial technologies, information law, and business process automation, including artificial intelligence. Thomson Reuters Stand-Out Lawyers Stephen understands our business. He is an expert in his field and is renowned for his expertise in IT and privacy. He brings strong business acumen and a keen eye for value, while also ensuring that he provides practical business solutions. Stephen has significant technology-related experience (IT and OT) with clients across the energy, utility, infrastructure, agriculture, health, financial services, and commodity markets. His work includes matters related to CCUS, hydrogen, LNG, oil sands (mining and in situ), pipelines, storage, upgrading, refining, power generation (coal, natural gas, biomass, wind, solar, hydro), power transmission, and power distribution (including automated meter infrastructure and billing systems). He has also advised on water and sewage treatment, carbon credit and commodity markets, fertilizer, agricultural operations, and nutraceuticals. Stephen has led numerous large, multi-stage, multi-vendor technology transactions on behalf of major international clients, including the creation of multi-vendor private technology marketplaces. Recognized for his thought leadership in information law, Stephen advises clients on artificial intelligence, data governance and compliance, cybersecurity, seismic data, privacy, social media, records management and retention, and access to government information. He regularly appears before various Canadian Information and Privacy Commissioners. Stephen serves as a member of the Steering Committee for Working Group 13 (Artificial Intelligence and the Law) of The Sedona Conference. He also advises on matters concerning the licensing, registration, and protection of intellectual property in Canada and internationally. Stephen is a registered trademark agent.

Ronak Shah (he/him/his) is Counsel in the Business Law Group at Cassels. Ronak’s practice focuses on data- and technology-centric regulatory issues, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity, and data governance. He advises national and international clients on matters relating to data use and ownership, complex business transactions involving data-based assets, outsourcing, and artificial intelligence. Ronak routinely advises clients on AI, privacy, and data protection issues, including cross-border data transfers, global AI and privacy compliance, workplace privacy matters, data subject rights requests, data inventories, anti-spam regulations, data ethics, and data governance. He regularly counsels clients on the implications of ongoing international AI, privacy, and data protection law reform and works with clients to make submissions before regulators and policymakers on the development of technological regulatory frameworks, particularly those related to AI and privacy. He also assists clients with enterprise-wide privacy audits and privacy check-ups. Ronak regularly liaises with IT and forensic professionals to manage breach investigations and implement remediation plans. His background in intellectual property, commercial contracting, and litigation allows him to assess relevant industry standards for data protection, business objectives, and legal risks when designing cybersecurity strategies and resolving information security incidents. He also assists clients in developing effective privacy and AI training programs and awareness initiatives, including breach and safety preparedness. Additionally, he advises and represents clients in responding to AI and privacy investigations and complaints raised before the relevant regulatory authorities. Prior to joining Cassels, Ronak was Privacy and Regulatory Affairs Counsel at an enterprise-focused generative AI model developer and previously gained private practice experience at two top-tier Canadian international firms.

Wendy J. Wagner serves as Head of Gowling WLG Canada’s International Trade Group and co-leads the Cyber Security & Data Protection Group. Wendy's proficiency in international trade law is widely acknowledged. She is recognized as a Leading Individual in International Trade by Legal 500, by Chambers Global (International Trade and WTO), by Lexpert (International Trade Regulation, Commodity Tax/Customs), and by Best Lawyers (International Trade and Finance). In 2022, Best Lawyers named her Lawyer of the Year for International Trade and Finance Law. She currently serves on the Canadian International Trade Tribunal Advisory Committee, which provides recommendations to enhance the accessibility, fairness, and transparency of the Tribunal’s rules and procedures. She is also a member of the Planning Committee for the Canadian Council on International Law (CCIL) Annual Conference. In her Cyber Security and Data Protection practice, Wendy is at the forefront of addressing challenges posed by the digital age. She adeptly advises on and drafts policies, data processing agreements, and privacy impact assessments, ensuring her clients have robust frameworks in place. Wendy tackles intricate issues such as de-identification, the use of AI tools, biometrics, and automated decision-making, providing strategic guidance that aligns with legal and ethical standards. Her multifaceted practice extends to handling breach incidents, making her a trusted breach coach for clients navigating the complexities of data breaches. Wendy is a member of the steering committee of the Cambridge Forum on Cyber Security and was selected to participate in the Sedona Conference WG6 drafting team on Cross Border Data and Information Governance. She is also a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) and holds a CIPP/C designation. Her international engagement is further exemplified by her role as the Canadian delegate to the International Network of Privacy Law Professionals (INPLP). Her prowess in technology law has been acknowledged by Legal 500, where she is recognized as a Leading Lawyer, and she is repeatedly recommended for Data Privacy & Cybersecurity in Lexpert. Wendy’s broad litigation practice includes appearances before the Federal and Ontario courts, where she engages in judicial reviews and appeals. Her litigation experience includes administrative law, constitutional challenges, and defamation law. She is recognized for her expertise in these areas in Best Lawyers (Administrative and Public Law) and is repeatedly recommended in Lexpert for Litigation – Defamation & Media. Prior to joining Gowling WLG, she clerked for the Honourable Mr. Justice Bastarache of the Supreme Court of Canada. She received her LLB from the University of Ottawa, where she was awarded the University Gold Medal, and holds an MA in International Affairs from Carleton’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs.