Catherine Simard

Partner Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
Catherine Simard

Catherine Simard

Biography

Catherine Simard focuses her practice on construction and infrastructure law. She has advised and represented numerous clients in court, including owners, real estate developers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, in construction-related matters, particularly concerning delay claims, additional cost claims, construction insurance claims, construction defects, and issues related to tenders, bonds, legal hypothecs, and professional errors and omissions. 

Catherine has acquired particular experience in complex technical litigation involving multiple parties. She also represents manufacturers and distributors in product liability claims related to construction projects. She demonstrates skill in both judicial processes and alternative dispute resolution methods.

Professional experience

Representative experience

Representative experience

Catherine acted recently for the following clients:

  • A general contractor seeking the cancellation of a multi-million-dollar delay penalty in connection with the construction of a retention basin for a public client.
  • A general contractor who submitted a bid in a public tender for the construction of an industrial collector, in the context of litigation arising from the subsequent cancellation of the tender.
  • A general contractor, in connection with its multi-million-dollar claim for additional costs and loss of productivity, in connection with the construction of a university centre.
  • An entrepreneur, in the context of claims made against its subcontractors for additional costs and productivity losses in connection with integrated real estate projects (residential, commercial, office).
  • Contractors, subcontractors and owners, in connection with the enforcement of construction-related security (legal hypothecs and substitution of guarantees).
  • A general contractor, in an action to recover from guarantors sums disbursed as a result of a subcontractor's bankruptcy.
  • Manufacturers, suppliers, specialized subcontractors and professionals, in the context of recourse for loss of work.
  • Insurance companies, as issuers of bonds for the construction industry, in connection with the realization of collateral, debt recovery, and claims based on performance and labour and material payment bonds.
  • Accounting firms, as monitors or receivers, in the context of restructuring proceedings for issues related to construction law and security interests.
  • Contractors, subcontractors, and real estate developers on contractual matters, regarding the review and drafting of construction contracts. 

 

Rankings and recognitions

Rankings and recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in Canada: Corporate and Commercial Litigation, 2023-2026; Construction Law, 2024-2026; Professional Malpractice Law, 2025-2026

Education

Education

  • LL.B., Université Laval, 2008

Admissions

Admissions

  • Quebec 2009

Publications

Publications

  • "Prompt payments and dispute settlements in construction: What you need to know," legal update, Norton Rose Fulbright, September 5, 2025

Speaking engagements

Speaking engagements

  • Presentation on the Quebec Integrity in Public Contracts Act, guest speaker at the convention of the Bas-St-Laurent–Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine Bar, Matane, Quebec, May 2013.
  • "Le droit de la construction pour les architectes et ingénieurs" (with Kateri-Anne Grenier), Construction Superconference, Montreal, November 26, 2012.

Memberships and activities

Memberships and activities

  • Canadian Bar Association

 

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