Vern Krishna stands as a preeminent figure in Canadian tax law, with a distinguished career spanning several decades. Since 1981, he has held a professorship in the common law program at the University of Ottawa, contributing significantly to legal education.
With a wealth of experience dating back to the recommendations of the Carter Commission in 1966, Vern has been actively involved in tax law practice. He adeptly represents clients in tax litigation and dispute resolution across all court levels. Additionally, Vern serves as counsel in income tax and wealth management matters, offering valuable insights to corporate and individual clients during administrative appeals and negotiations with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Widely recognized as a national expert, Vern has authored 17 texts on tax law, international taxation, and business law. His extensive body of work, including articles and case comments, has been cited by the highest echelons of the Canadian judiciary, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Tax Court of Canada, and various provincial superior courts.
Beyond his scholarly achievements, Vern’s contributions to the legal profession have garnered prestigious accolades. As a member of the Order of Canada and a Queen’s Counsel appointee, he has received both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Governor General’s 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal. Vern has consistently been recognized in Lexpert’s Directory of the Best Lawyers in Canada in the Tax Law and Estates and Trusts categories since 2006 and is featured in Who’s Who. He holds the distinction of being a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Certified Professional Accountants of Canada.
Since 1991, Vern has served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario and assumed the role of Treasurer from 2001 to 2003, further cementing his impactful leadership within the legal community.