Bennett Jones has announced a significant transition in its leadership.
John M. Mercury has been elected as the new Executive Chair and Dominique T. Hussey will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2024.
They succeed Hugh L. MacKinnon KC, who has been the firm’s Chairman and CEO since 2005.
Mercury brings extensive leadership experience to his new role, having served more than 11 years on the firm’s Partnership Board, including terms as Lead Director and Vice Chair of Clients and Industries. He has been instrumental in driving the firm’s client and industry initiatives and shaping its international strategy.
His professional background is marked by a successful cross-border M&A and private equity practice, which has seen him represent a diverse array of financial investors and companies in strategic transactions. Prior to joining Bennett Jones in 2006, Mercury honed his expertise in corporate and U.S. tax law in New York and also worked in investment banking.
Hussey, elected to the Partnership Board in 2017 and its Lead Director in 2018, has been a key player in the firm’s leadership. Her appointment as Vice Chair and Toronto Managing Partner in 2020 was a testament to her leadership skills. Renowned for her expertise in Intellectual Property Litigation, Hussey has co-headed the Innovation, Technology, and Branding group since 2011.
Her accolades include being ranked among the Top 250 Women in IP globally and receiving the inaugural Chambers Canada Law Firm Leaders Award in 2021. She also holds the presidency of The Advocates’ Society, emphasizing her prominence in the legal field.
Hugh L. MacKinnon praised the incoming leaders, expressing confidence in their ability to elevate Bennett Jones to new heights while maintaining the firm’s core values and culture. Under MacKinnon’s 18-year leadership, the firm has seen significant growth, expanding geographically and diversifying its client base.
As they step into their new roles, both Mercury and Hussey will continue their legal practices.
