David Lametti is currently Counsel at Fasken and an Adjunct Professor at McGill University, Faculty of Law. As the most recent former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada he has a unique blend of legal acumen and political insight following over 25 years of experience as a Professor and Associate Dean of the Faculty of Law at McGill University, Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, Member of Parliament for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.
From a young age his interest in politics and the law was strong. His educational background in economics and political science (Toronto 1985) and and law (McGill 1989) culminated in the completion of a Master of Laws degree from Yale Law School in 1991 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in law at Exeter College, Oxford in 1999. He served as a Clerk to Supreme Court Justice Peter deCarteret Cory in 1989-90.
During his political career he developed both a strength and a passion for Indigenous Relations and the regulatory and ethical considerations of technologies such as AI and blockchain. As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development David was a key contributor to establishing AI and technology law policy. As Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada he played a critical role in bringing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) into Canadian law. His subsequent development of an action plan in 2023, crafted in collaboration with Indigenous leadership, was a transformative step towards a fairer and more prosperous future for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians alike.
At Fasken, David’s practice extends nationally and he works closely with the Indigenous Legal Matters group and the Government Relations and Political Law group, dividing his focus between Indigenous matters and advising on the development, governance and use of cutting-edge technology. He is widely recognized for his integrity, trustworthiness and keen intellect, and is pivotal in helping clients navigate the complexities faced by governments and corporations alike amidst rapid societal and technological change.
When he steps away from his legal and political endeavours, David tunes into his love for vinyl records, curating a collection that echoes his diverse interests and rich taste in music. He was even known on the Hill for having turn tables in his office.
