Walied Soliman

Early life

Soliman was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1967. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Toronto and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2001. Not much is known about his childhood or early life before he began his education and career.

After completing his education, Soliman began working as a lawyer at the firm, McCarthy Tétrault LLP. He then joined Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP in 1996.

Career

Walied Soliman is a highly accomplished lawyer and corporate leader in Canada. He began his career as a lawyer, joining the prestigious law firm Norton Rose Fulbright in 1996. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the top lawyers in the country, known for his expertise in public policy and government relations. In 2011, he was appointed as the Chair of the firm’s national public policy and government relations practice, a role he continues to hold to date.

Soliman specializes in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities law. He has been involved in some of Canada’s largest and most complex transactions and has been recognized as one of Canada’s leading M&A lawyers.

In 2011, Soliman was appointed as the Chairman of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP. Under his leadership, the firm has expanded its presence and reputation both in Canada and internationally.

He has also served as the executive vice president and general counsel of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), one of the largest banks in Canada. He has also been a director of several companies including Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. and Brookfield Renewable Corporation. He is also a community leader and has served on boards of various organizations including the United Way of Greater Toronto and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights.

In addition to his successful career as a lawyer, Soliman is also a well-respected corporate leader. In 2012, he was appointed as the executive vice president and general counsel of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), one of the largest banks in Canada. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the bank’s legal and regulatory affairs and played a key role in shaping the bank’s strategy.

Throughout his career, Soliman has also served as a director of several companies including Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. and Brookfield Renewable Corporation. He is known for his ability to provide strategic counsel and his deep understanding of the business world.

Soliman is also a dedicated community leader and has served on the boards of various organizations, including the United Way of Greater Toronto and the Canadian Museum of Human Rights. He is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion and is committed to using his platform to effect positive change in society. He is an inspiration to many and continues to make a significant impact in his field.

Mr. Soliman sits on the board of the BlackNorth initiative against anti-Black racism, and among other philanthropic endeavors, he is a board member of the Toronto SickKids Hospital Foundation.

He has also had many speaking engagements, including:

• “Are you Prepared for Changes in Corporate Governance?” 9th Annual Corporate Governance 2016: What You Need To Know, Toronto, December 2016.
• “Investor Influence – Are you Ready?” CPA Canada Annual Audit Committee Conference, Toronto, November 2016.
• “Non-standard Accounting Measures: The Media, Regulators, and Shareholders Zero In,” Norton Rose Canada LLP, October 2016.
• “Active-Passive Investor Summit,” Information Management Network (IMN), New York City, April 2016, April 2015, April 2014 and April 2013.
• CIRI 26th Annual Investors Relations Conference, Whistler, BC, June 2013.
• ICD National Conference, Toronto, May 2013.
• ICD National Conference, Toronto, May 2013.
• “Proxy fights: Shareholder Activist and Defense Update,” Norton Rose Canada, Toronto, March 2013.
• “Shareholder Activism: What IRO’s Need to Know,” CIRI Ontario luncheon, Toronto, February 2013.
• “The Activist Investor Conference 2013,” Deal Flow Media, New York City, January 2013.

Net Worth

Walied Soliman’s net worth is not publicly disclosed.

Achievement

Soliman is also a member of the Board of Directors of several Canadian companies, including Canadian National Railway Company and Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. He is also a member of the Order of Canada and has received several other honors for his contributions to the legal community.

Achievements and awards include:

Best Lawyers in Canada, 2014-2015 – Mining Law; Natural Resources Law

Named as one of the 25 most influential lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer magazine in 2014

Best Lawyers in Canada, 2013 – Mining Law

Ranked as one of the Top 40 lawyers under 40 in Canada by Lexpert magazine in 2009

Was designated as a "Star Lawyer" by Acritas in 2017

Only lawyer recognized in the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Magazine Power 50 list for 2017

Ranked by Best Lawyers in Canada since 2013

Chambers Global, Canada: Corporate/M&A, Chambers and Partners, 2018-2022

Chambers Canada, Ontario: Corporate/Commercial, Chambers and Partners, 2017-2023

The Legal 500 Canada: Corporate and M&A (Next Generation Lawyer), 2020-2023

International Financial Law Review 1000, Canada: Mergers and Acquisitions, 2019-2023

Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyers, 2022

And many more