Gatlin Smeijers brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and practical industry experience to effectively navigate complex environmental law and regulatory challenges.
He is a Law Society-certified specialist in environmental law and former Associate Vice President, Legal for a leading international commodity trading and mining company. Gatlin is a true subject matter expert with commercial acumen who excels in crafting innovative solutions bespoke to clients’ business and legal needs.
In his practice, Gatlin advises clients on transactional matters, including mergers and acquisitions, financings, real estate deals and development and major projects in the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors. In this context, he leverages his “boots-to-boardroom” experience and engineering background to identify environmental and regulatory risks and provide strategic advice regarding mitigation, management and resolution.
Gatlin also advises and supports clients through regulatory approval processes and the development of compliance management systems with respect to all manner of environmental and industrial regulatory affairs. He has specific expertise in chemical substances and hazardous materials, transportation of dangerous goods, waste and recyclable material management, industrial emissions, occupational health and safety, contaminated sites and mining and natural resource projects.
With substantial experience interfacing with all levels of government, Gatlin advocates for clients navigating governmental regulatory or legislative changes and in moments of crises. As an advocate, Gatlin helps clients facing regulatory investigations, enforcement, prosecution, administrative proceedings and environmental civil litigation.
Gatlin teaches two full-term courses on engineering law and ethics at the University of Waterloo to 300 students annually within the environmental, geological, civil and architectural engineering programs.
Bennett Jones