Tom Houston, Law’78, (Com’75), will tell you that he’s a “rare beast” among lawyers – and couldn’t be happier about it. Houston explained the reasons at the September 6 reception in Ottawa where he received the Queen’s Law 2018 H.R.S. Ryan Law Alumni Award of Distinction (which recognizes overall distinction in the legal profession).

What qualifies a distinguished lawyer as a rarity among his peers? Houston he has been with the same law firm – Dentons Canada LLP and its predecessor, initially in Toronto and then in Ottawa – and has been happily married to the same woman for 40 years. “I’m either very stable or else I’m not very adventurous. Or maybe I’m both,” Houston said with a laugh. “Regardless, it’s all worked out very well for me.”

Professionally, Houston is one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the fields of corporate and securities law. His reputation, like the quality of his counsel, is stellar.
“I do a lot of work with start-ups in Ottawa’s high-tech sector. It’s both rewarding and frustrating,” he said. “The good part is that I get to work with so many bright, talented young people who are passionate about what they do. The bad part is that they don’t always value legal advice. Some of them have short attention spans. I do, too. Maybe that’s why I get along so well with them.”

The self-effacing humour is typical of a man who is as well-grounded professionally as he is personally. First and foremost, Houston is a devoted family man. He and his wife Jan raised three daughters, and they now have six grandchildren whom they dote upon. In the summer months, the Houstons love spending family time swimming, boating, and hiking at their cottage on Big Rideau Lake, 70 kms southwest of Ottawa.

Houston is only slightly less engaged in the Ottawa community. His late father, an engineer-turned-soldier, instilled in his son an indefatigable community ethic and a willingness to “give back.” As a result, Houston has served on the boards of the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, United Way Ottawa, and the Ottawa Art Gallery. In addition, he has been a loyal alumnus of Queen’s Law, sitting as a member of the Dean’s Council (2011-17), supporting the law school with his donations, and volunteering his time as a mentor to students and young alumni.

“Queen’s Law has always been a place with a welcoming learning environment and superb faculty. I received a wonderful legal education at the school. In particular, I have fond memories of classes taught by Noel Lyon, Mark Weisberg, Alan Gold, Don Carter, and David Bonham,” Houston said.

“Unfortunately, I never took a course from Professor Ryan, but I certainly knew of him by reputation. He was an excellent lawyer and teacher and, I’m told, a very kind and decent man. I’m deeply honoured to receive the award from Queen’s Law that commemorates his memory.”