Patrice Brunet

Immigration law, Sports law, Governance.

Patrice Brunet is the founder and Managing Partner of Patrice Brunet Avocats, a boutique firm specializing in business immigration, international mobility, and sports law. Called to the Barreau du Québec in 1992 and also a member of the Nunavut Bar, he has dedicated more than three decades to advising employers, executives, public-sector entities, athletes, coaches, and sports organizations on complex cross-border matters.

A recognized leader in the immigration bar, he served as Chair of the Quebec Immigration Lawyers Association (AQAADI) and currently sits on its Board of Directors. He is frequently sought by media outlets to comment on immigration policy, labour mobility, and sports law developments.

Mr. Brunet is particularly known for handling unique and high-profile mandates. His work has included obtaining a rare discretionary grant of Canadian citizenship for Olympic figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek, enabling her eligibility to compete for Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. He also developed innovative immigration strategies that allowed the entry of critical foreign workers during Canada's COVID-19 border restrictions, helping employers maintain essential operations.

In sports law, Mr. Brunet has practiced since 1995 and is an accredited arbitrator in civil and commercial matters. He serves as an arbitrator with ADR Chambers, the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He chaired the landmark Floyd Landis anti-doping arbitration panel and is among a select group of international arbitrators entrusted with high-level anti-doping disputes.

Known for direct partner involvement, strategic thinking, and a commitment to responding to clients within 24 hours, Mr. Brunet has built a reputation for practical solutions in matters where legal, business, and public-policy considerations intersect.

Quebec Bar (1992)

Nunavut Bar (2025)

Co-author of Le droit du sport au Québec et au Canada (Yvon Blais, 2018), a leading reference work on Canadian sports law covering governance, arbitration, doping, labour relations and professional sports.

Saroli, Marianne et Patrice Brunet. Le droit du sport au Québec et au Canada. Montréal : Éditions Yvon Blais, 2018. 998 p. ISBN 978-2-89730-229-0.

Immigration law attracted me because it is ultimately about people, opportunity, and building a future. What I find most rewarding is knowing that I have played a small part in helping individuals and families begin a new chapter in Canada. Two hundred years from now, many families will look back at the first person who arrived in Canada and changed the course of their family history. Being part of that story remains one of the greatest privileges of my career.

One of the most significant responsibilities I have carried throughout my career has been adjudicating sports and anti-doping disputes, where decisions can profoundly affect an athlete’s future. Many of the cases involve young athletes who have devoted years of discipline, sacrifice, and training in pursuit of their goals. In these matters, fairness, due process, and sound judgment are paramount. An arbitrator must balance the integrity of sport with the rights of the individual, recognizing that a single decision may influence not only competitive outcomes but also educational opportunities, professional careers, reputations, and lifelong aspirations. This responsibility has reinforced my belief that sport plays an essential role in society, and that those entrusted with resolving sports disputes must do so with independence, humility, and a deep appreciation of the human consequences of their decisions.

After more than three decades in practice, I remain motivated by the challenge of solving complex problems, leading a team of exceptional lawyers and professionals, and building a firm that continues to grow while maintaining a highly personal approach to client service. Creativity and responsiveness are values that have guided my practice from the beginning.

Sport has also been a defining influence in my life. I believe it is one of the cornerstones of a healthy society, which is why I have dedicated so much of my professional life to sports governance, arbitration, and athlete advocacy. I have copeted in over 100 triathlons, and have now turned my attention to powerlifting training.

Outside the office, I enjoy cooking and have developed what friends describe as near-chef-level skills. I am a lifelong fan of Rush, and above all, I value my family, whose support and perspective have shaped both my career and my approach to life.

French and English. Both native.