Suzanne Côté
Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
Honorary Doctorate in Law
The Honourable Suzanne Côté, a prominent figure in Canada’s legal landscape, exemplifies excellence in civil and commercial litigation. She is the first woman from private practice to be appointed directly to the Supreme Court of Canada and has distinguished herself through her leadership, keen intellect, and unwavering commitment to justice.
The Université Laval law graduate began her career in a smaller community before joining some of the country’s leading law firms and rising quickly through the ranks to become one of Canada’s top trial lawyers. As head of litigation groups at the Montréal offices of Stikeman Elliott and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, she played a key role in big national cases, helping shape Canadian case law for class actions, product liability, shareholder disputes, and complex commercial litigation.
Driven by a deep desire to transmit knowledge and inspire young people, she is actively involved in education at École du Barreau du Québec and in overseeing moot court competitions, guiding the next generation of legal experts with compassion and a firm commitment to excellence. Beyond her legal practice, Justice Côté demonstrates a profound commitment to community service by sitting on several boards of directors, including at Fondation Paul Gérin-Lajoie, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and Fondation du Centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec.
Justice Côté is well-known for her impact in the legal community and her outstanding work in the courtroom. She has received numerous prestigious distinctions, including the title of Avocate émérite from Barreau du Québec in 2011 and her 2005 induction as a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Her exceptional career and dedication to legal education have made her a pillar of Canada’s legal landscape.
Université Laval is proud to award an honorary doctorate in law to Justice Suzanne Côté in recognition of her outstanding career, her inspiring leadership, and her invaluable contribution to the justice system and legal education in Canada.