Kadiatou Sow
Partner – Fasken

 

Description of field of expertise

A key player in Fasken’s private M&A and Private Equity practices, Kadiatou leads multidisciplinary teams in the successful completion of large-scale domestic, cross-border or international equity investment and buy-sell transactions. This strategic role also leads her to participate in managing some of the firm’s major clients.

Maintaining an extensive international network, Kadiatou is notably a trusted advisor for European companies wishing to set up operations in Quebec through strategic acquisitions or organic growth. Her clients operate in a variety of industries including luxury goods, manufacturing, life sciences, Agri-business, management consulting and transportation infrastructure. She regularly advises on hundred million dollars plus transactions, representing investors, buyer or sellers, with complexity ranging from regulatory issues, multijurisdictional considerations to managing various stakeholders’ interests.

Originally hailing from Guinea, Kadiatou developed an interest and a comprehensive understanding of the Francophone Africa market and its unique legal framework. Through a vast network in that region, she is one of few lawyers in Quebec versed in the OHADA law.

Kadiatou accompanies associates in their professional development, providing them with continued support to foster skills development while ensuring the highest standards of client service. She also dedicates personal time to young women and students of color seeking mentoring and is a cohort mentor to other emerging black leaders through the Black Wealth Club.

With a keen interest in corporate governance, Kadiatou sat for a number of years as a member of the Association of Quebec Women in Finance’s Governance Committee. She also was a Board member and President of the Governance Committee of BAnQ. In 2020, she received a Chartered Director Certification following a University certification training in Corporate Governance with the Collège des administrateurs de sociétés.

In 2017, Kadiatou was named Corporate Lawyer of the Year at the Young Bar of Montreal’s Leaders of Tomorrow gala.

 

What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?

The only limits are those we impose on ourselves. Meet the challenges presented to you in the early stages of your career head-on by finding the best people to learn from and hon your legal craftmanship, in whatever field of the law you find interest in, and find resilience in the face of adversity, long hours included 😉. By crafting and mastering your skills,  keeping focus, and above all, believing in yourself, you will be presented with endless possibilities.

Show passion in everything you do and surround yourself with people that can recognize your value and become allies as you progress in your career. Mastering your skillset and cultivating a strong network and creating meaningful connections is key to becoming a knowledgeable, respected and well-rounded professional.