Joel Rochon

Overview

Joel Rochon is a founding partner of Rochon Genova and one of Canada’s leading plaintiff-side class action lawyers. For more than three decades, he has represented individuals and communities in complex litigation involving securities, consumer protection, competition law, institutional abuse, product liability, defective drugs and medical devices, and transportation disasters. His practice is defined by a commitment to holding powerful corporations and governments accountable and advancing access to justice through class proceedings.

Since co-founding Rochon Genova in 1999, Joel has acted as lead or co-lead counsel in many of Canada’s most significant class actions, helping to shape the development of class proceedings across the country. Clients and peers alike recognize Joel for his judgment, leadership, and ability to navigate the most complex disputes:

“Joel is an excellent advocate. He takes on difficult cases, pushes them ahead, and achieves results for his clients.”

“Joel Rochon is able to see the big picture very quickly. His wisdom and insights are invaluable.”

– Chambers Canada, 2026

Recognized among Canada’s leading litigators, Joel is ranked by Chambers for Plaintiff-Side Class Action Litigation and by Lexpert as Most Frequently Recommended in both Class Action Litigation and Cross-Border Litigation.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Western Ontario and his LL.B. from the Université de Moncton before being called to the Ontario Bar in 1988. Joel is also the co-author of The Emotional Consequences of Personal Injury – A Handbook for Psychiatrists and Lawyers and Interlocutory Proceedings – Strategy and Practice. He remains active in organizations dedicated to trial advocacy and the continued development of class actions in Canada.

Areas of Practice

Recognition & Awards

Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Plaintiff)

Recognized by Chambers Canada for plaintiff-side class action litigation.

CHAMBERS CANADA 2026

Most Frequently Recommended

Recognized by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as Most Frequently Recommended in Class Actions and Cross-Border Litigation.

LEXPERT 2026

Best Lawyers in Canada™

Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Class Action Litigation and Product Liability Law.

BEST LAWYERS 2026

Education & Bar Admissions

• Law Society of Ontario, 1988
• LL.B., Université de Moncton, 1986
• B.A., University of Western Ontario, 1983

Speaking Engagements & Publications

• Co-author, The Emotional Consequences of Personal Injury – A Handbook for Psychiatrists and Lawyers, Butterworths, 1992
• Co-author, Interlocutory Proceedings – Strategy and Practice, Butterworths, 1996
• Regular speaker at class action conferences in Canada, the United States, and France
• Author of articles on class action litigation

Professional Involvement

• Canadian Bar Association
• Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
• The Advocates’ Society
• Law Society of Upper Canada
• Trial Lawyers for Public Justice
• American Association for Justice

Languages

• English
• French