About Karen E. Hennessey

Business owners who are reshaping a company, buying one or getting ready to sell will find Karen Hennessey in the business law group at Gowling WLG's Ottawa office, where Hennessey is a partner. The work runs from setting up and reorganizing a company's structure to carrying out growth or exit plans through mergers and acquisitions.

Clients turn to Hennessey for their everyday legal questions, too. When a matter needs specialists, the partner brings them in and keeps their work coordinated, acting as what clients count on as a "legal quarterback." A number of organizations in both the public and private sectors also rely on Hennessey as their outside general counsel.

Hennessey was the first in the family to go to university. Law school was at the University of Windsor, and the call to the Ontario bar came in 2005.

Away from the office, Hennessey chairs the board of Ronald McDonald House Ottawa, has a long record of community board service, and is an active member of the City View Curling Club.

Practice areas

Business & Corporate Law

Mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations

Hennessey advises on how a business is set up, organized and later reorganized, and on growth or exit strategies carried out through M&A deals. Listed areas of focus include corporate M&A, private equity, financial institutions and services, and retail, leisure and hotels.

Outside general counsel

Acts as outside general counsel to a number of public and private sector entities, handling day-to-day legal needs and coordinating specialists when a matter calls for them.

Education & credentials

  • LLB, University of Windsor (2004)
  • Called to the Bar of Ontario (2005)
  • BA, Psychology, Carleton University (2001)
  • Court and Tribunal Agent Diploma, Seneca College (2000)
  • BA (Hons.), Sociology and Law, Carleton University (1998)

Awards & recognition

  • Excellence Award, Female Trailblazer, Canadian Law Awards (2021)
  • Businesswoman of the Year, Professional Category, Women's Business Network (Ottawa) (2018)
  • Forty Under 40, Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce (2014)

Publications & speaking

Memberships & affiliations

In the community

  • Past board member of the Hnatyshyn Foundation (2013 to 2019), the Christmas Cheer Foundation (2010 to 2015) and H'Art of Ottawa (2007 to 2009).
  • An active member of the City View Curling Club, with a seat on its board from 2006 to 2008.

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This listing was generated by AI from public sources in October 2026. It may contain errors, and we can’t guarantee it’s accurate or complete. Before you rely on anything here, verify it on their firm’s website. Confirm Karen E. Hennessey’s licence and standing in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗

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