Mtre Noël Saint-Pierre’s story

Contributing to advancement

“Thanks to my involvement within the Bar of Montreal, I feel that I can contribute to the advancement of issues that are of particular concern to me. From 2012 to 2015, I chaired the Ethnocultural Diversity Committee, which, in addition to being a forum for exchange, aims, among other things, to create tools to enhance access to the profession for young lawyers and lawyers from different cultural communities. Through my commitment to the Bar of Montreal, I can share my experiences, increase my knowledge, and take my place within the profession. For many years, the Bar of Montreal has become increasingly involved in the various cultural communities in Montreal and is capable of opening up its doors to be inclusive and welcoming. I am proud to be a member.”

Noël Saint-Pierre, lawyer

Born in the United States, Noël Saint-Pierre studied linguistics in Germany before returning to Quebec, where he obtained a law degree from UQAM. Admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1981, Mtre Saint-Pierre started off his career in private practice at a law firm specializing in labour law, immigration law and social law. He then joined the Centrale des syndicats du Québec (formerly the CEQ), where he was responsible for international relations, before working for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Then, in the early 1990s, Mtre Saint-Pierre returned to private practice, and has remained there ever since.

Noël Saint-Pierre’s practice is divided between immigration law and human rights. He has been very active in promoting the recognition of same-sex couples and was involved in the process that culminated in civil unions in Quebec.

A strong advocate of human rights, Noël Saint-Pierre was a member of the Barreau du Québec’s cultural communities committee for nearly 10 years, and  from 2012 to 2015, he has chaired the Bar of Montreal’s Ethnocultural Diversity Committee. This committee, which comprises about 15 members, organizes conferences and training sessions on human rights, and aims to raise the Bar of Montreal’s awareness of the members from cultural communities within its ranks. Mtre Saint-Pierre is also involved in building up his community. He was Vice-President of the Ligue des droits et libertés, and also served on the strategic committee of community partners of the Montreal police (SPVM).