
Overview
Jon Feldman is a partner and heads a business law group at Goodmans. His practice focuses on corporate and securities law with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jon has extensive experience acting for buyers and sellers in a wide range of industries in both private and public M&A transactions.
Jon’s market leading practice in Canada in the area of shareholder activism is highlighted by his involvement in a number of the most high profile proxy contests representing both dissident shareholders and boards of directors. Jon also provides strategic advice in litigation matters requiring corporate and securities law knowledge.
Before joining Goodmans in 2004, Jon was an associate in the M&A Group of White & Case LLP in New York, where he represented clients in a broad range of M&A transactions.
Jon is consistently recognized as a leading lawyer by publications including: Chambers Canada (corporate/commercial – Ontario), The Legal 500 Canada (corporate M&A), IFLR1000 (M&A), Euromoney's Banking, finance and transaction Expert Guide (M&A), The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (M&A, private equity and corporate finance & securities) and Best Lawyers in Canada (corporate governance, M&A, corporate, leveraged buyouts and private equity). He was recently featured in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2023. Jon has also been honoured as one of Lexpert’s Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40.
Expertise
Awards & Recognition
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Chambers Canada Recognized, Corporate/Commercial Ontario 2024
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Best Lawyers in Canada Recognized, Corporate Governance Practice, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law 2024
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Who's Who Legal Recognized National Leader, M&A 2023
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IFLR1000 Canada Highly Regarded, M&A 2023
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Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A Canada's Leading Finance and M&A Lawyers 2023
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The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory Recognized, Corporate Finance & Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions, Private Equity 2023
Credentials
Professional Involvement
Jon frequently authors and lectures on Canadian M&A market developments, the evolution of shareholder rights plans and the rise of shareholder activism in Canada.
Jon is an active member of the community. He currently sits on the board of directors of the York School and Baycrest Foundation and is a co-founder of the Barrie to Baycrest 100km annual bike ride. He has been instrumental in helping raise over $10 million for the Baycrest hospital in Toronto.
Jon has served as an Adjunct Professor and as President of the Alumni Association at the University of Toronto Law School, and was awarded the Arbor Award for outstanding voluntary service by the University of Toronto.
Credentials
- University of Toronto, LL.B., 1999
- McGill University, M.A., 1996
- L'Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris, PIER, 1995
- McGill University, B.A., 1994
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- New York Bar Association
Call to Bar
- 2005 Ontario
- 2000 New York
Insights
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Shareholder Activism
'The Shareholder Activism Phenomenon is Strong and Will Remain Strong for the Foreseeable Future', Lexpert
In a recent article for Lexpert.ca, author Jonathan Feldman discusses the state of shareholder activism in Canada and delves into what's top-of-mind for him as we head into the 2024 proxy… -
Capital Markets
CSA and CIRO Publish Summary of Comments and Responses to Short Selling Consultation
On November 16, 2023, the Canadian Securities Administrator (CSA) and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (now, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Association) (CIRO) published a… -
Capital Markets
Canadian Securities Administrators Proposes Amendments and Changes to Corporate Governance Disclosure Practices and Guidelines
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has published for comment proposed amendments and changes to: (i) Form 58-101F1 Corporate Governance Disclosure (Form 58-101F1) of National Instrument… -
Mergers and Acquisitions
Sandpiper Calls the Tune – Ontario Court Examines Shareholder Meeting Timing Requirements
How much time can a board take to convene a requisitioned meeting of securityholders? The recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Sandpiper Real Estate Fund 4 Limited Partnership v… -
Capital Markets
New CSA Exemption Clarifies Proxy Requirements for Uncontested Director Elections of CBCA Public Companies
On January 31, 2023, the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) published an exemption (the “Exemption”) that exempts public companies incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act (CBCA… -
Capital Markets
CSA and IIROC Seek Guidance on Regulatory Framework for Short Selling in Canada
The Canadian Securities Administrators (“CSA”) and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (“IIROC”) have released a joint Staff Notice 23-329 (the “Staff Notice”) seeking feedback…
News & Events
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Banking and Financial Services
Who's Who Legal Continues to Recognize Goodmans in the Canada 2023 Guide
We are pleased to share Goodmans lawyers have been recognized across Who's Who Legal's National Guide: Canada 2023. WWL National Guides identify national or regional leaders in a sector, industry… -
Banking and Financial Services
Goodmans Continues to Receive Top Tier Recognition from The Legal 500 Canada
We are pleased to announce Goodmans LLP has once again received top tier recognition from The Legal 500 Canada in their 2024 Guide released today. Recognition from The Legal 500 is based on… -
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Goodmans Presents: Taking Control of Your Brain Wellness: Strategies for the Busy Professional
A healthy brain can continue to be capable of regeneration, adaptation and learning, well into older age. But like any organ, the brain needs a healthy environment to thrive. In the whirlwind of…