Michael O'Keefe
Associate
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Suite 1100, Cabot Place
100 New Gower St.
St. John’s, N.L.
A1C 6K3 - +1.709.722.4565
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Language(s) spoken: English
Bar Admission(s): Ontario, 2025; Newfoundland and Labrador, 2026 (expected)
Legal Assistant(s): Tanya Snow
Michael is developing a broad practice with a focus on commercial and public law litigation, as well as public sector advisory services. He has assisted with an array of litigation and advisory matters, including breaches of contract, shareholder disputes, judicial reviews, constitutional challenges, and institutional investigations, including matters before the Ontario and Federal courts, as well as private arbitrators. He has also assisted with legal, policy, and advocacy initiatives at a national legal non-profit and legal governance work at one of Canada’s top universities.
Drawing on an interdisciplinary background spanning the academic, public, and private sectors, Michael offers clients strategic advice informed by both legal analysis and a broader understanding of public policy. A Rhodes Scholar with postgraduate degrees in music and public policy from the University of Oxford, Michael also holds a law degree from the University of Toronto and is a licensed lawyer in Ontario. He has worked in roles ranging from musician in the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra to member of the policy team in the Office of the Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as at a leading national law firm. Known for his collaborative and trust-building approach, Michael is committed to helping clients reach agreements efficiently and navigate disputes proactively, with an overarching emphasis on diplomacy and alternative dispute resolution processes.
Education & Career
Education
University of Toronto, Juris Doctor, 2024
University of Oxford, Blavatnik School of Government, Master of Public Policy, 2020
University of Oxford, Master of Studies in Music (Performance), 2019
Memorial University, Bachelor of Music (Honours), 2018
Activities
Board Director, Calos Youth Orchestras, Inc., 2020-2024
Board Member, Memorial University School of Music Advisory Board, 2019-2023
Senior Editor, University of Toronto Faculty of Law Review, 2023-2024
Co-Chair Massey College Law Society, 2022-2024
Co-Organizer, Massey College POWER TO THE ARTS Symposium, 2023
Legal Researcher, David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, 2021-2022
Board Director of Finance, Global Scholars Group, 2018-2020
Selected Delegate, Fulbright Youth Institute on Canada in the World, 2017
Senator, Memorial University, 2014-2018
Board Member, Memorial University Undergraduate Students’ Union, 2014-2018
Accolades
King Charles III Coronation Medal, 2024
Adrienne Clarkson Public Service Laureateship, 2024
Massey College Morris Wayman Prize, 2024
Massey College Junior Fellowship, 2021-2024
Law Foundation of Newfoundland & Labrador Law School Scholarship, 2021
University of Oxford Clarendon Scholarship, 2020
St. Bonaventure’s College MAGIS Award (Alumnus of the Year Under 30), 2019
Rhodes Scholarship, 2018
Memorial University Chancellor’s Undergraduate Leadership Award, 2018
Memorial University Fry Family Foundation Leadership Award, 2018
Memorial University Medal for Academic Excellence in Music, 2018
Canada 150 Outstanding Citizen Award, 2017
Memorial University Alumni Association Entrance Scholarship, 2013-2018
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