John is a senior partner who is Past Chair of the firm’s Technology practice group, and was Co-Founder of both the Outsourcing practice group and the Privacy and Access to Information practice group. His practice is focused on technology, outsourcing and system implementation, artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and issues and privacy law matters.
John works closely with clients in advising on and negotiating various technology-related transactions, including outsourcing, system implementation, licensing, development, procurement, distribution, technology transfer, strategic alliance and e-commerce related transactions, including in the health care, financial/insurance institution and public sector contexts. John often advises clients on privacy law and access to information matters, and has been developing and implementing privacy compliance programs for more than twenty years.
The Who’s Who Legal - Data - Information Technology has ranked John as one of only four “Global Elite Thought Leaders” in North America, and states that “John Beardwood focuses his top-drawer practice on technology, outsourcing and procurement and privacy law matters, areas in which he is highly sought after by clients”. The Who’s Who Legal - Data - Privacy & Protection has listed John as one of only four “Global Elite Thought Leaders” in North America, and notes that he “is endorsed for his first rate practice, which encompasses access to information, privacy law and implementation of compliance programs”. The Who’s Who Legal Canada Data has identified John as a “National Leader”, and one of the Top Six “Most Highly Regarded” leading figures in the Canadian market for his work in assisting clients in complex data protection, privacy, cybersecurity and IT matters, noting that “John Beardwood is celebrated for his 20-plus years of experience providing top-notch private compliance advice to a broad range of clients.” Chambers Global reports that clients have said, “John did an excellent job negotiating as he really knows his stuff”, and that “[they are] glad [they] have him negotiating for [them]”. Additionally, Chambers Canada notes that “John is a strategic thinker and always focused on solutions. His commercial acumen is excellent and we have relied heavily on it.” John has also received rave reviews as 'a go-to expert in Canada for privacy and IT law' from The Legal 500. John is consistently recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada.
Co-editor and contributing author of the only loose-leaf outsourcing publication Outsourcing Transactions: A Practical Guide [since 2006], co-author of the Canada Chapter in PLC Outsourcing Handbook, co-author of the Canada Chapter in Proskauer on Privacy. Has prolifically spoken and published for more than more than 25 years on various outsourcing, technology, AI regulation and privacy/access topics. John has been interviewed by leading business-media outlets including The Globe and Mail, CBC Marketplace and Canadian Business Magazine.
