Nicole Duchesne
Legal Counsel
Give us a brief overview of your role.
As Legal Counsel, I provide full-service legal support across all departments of the company. My responsibilities shift depending on what is required on any given day, whether that involves reviewing contracts, advising on land or project development, or collaborating with other teams to address legal matters. The variety of the work keeps things interesting and is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the role.
What is the most memorable moment you have had working for GSI?
One of my most memorable experiences so far has been working on large-scale renewable energy projects. They are among the most impactful developments I have been involved in, both in terms of their scale and their environmental focus. Being part of initiatives with ambitious sustainability goals has made the experience incredibly rewarding. It is exciting to contribute to work that will have a meaningful, long-term impact.
What led you to a legal career and what have you found rewarding from working in the renewables sector?
My journey to law was not a traditional one. I began my academic path in commerce, specializing in accounting, and went on to complete my graduate studies in that field. However, during my undergraduate degree I had taken several corporate law courses that sparked my interest and that ultimately led me to law school. I started my legal career working in tax and estates law because of my accounting background, but I found myself looking for ways to expand my horizons beyond these limits. Renewable energy and environmental advocacy has always been an interest of mine and I was excited to break into this field when I joined GSI and switched to renewable energy law. It has been a refreshing transition to pivot to this new career path.
Tell us one interesting fact about yourself that your colleagues might not know.
I love a good adventure trip! Soon I will be crossing off a bucket list item with a two-week trek in Botswana where I will be camping in the wild among the animals in their natural habitat, and I could not be more excited. I do not think many people know where I am heading, so this might be an interesting fact.
How do you spend your time outside of work?
I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors. I horseback ride regularly, and my two-year-old dog keeps me busy with daily walks. My husband and I also enjoy playing tennis, and our home backs onto a wooded area where we often go hiking as a trio. Being in nature and staying active are an important part of my routine outside of the office.
What is one thing you’d like to cross off your bucket list?
Visiting Antarctica is very high on my bucket list. I have always wanted to experience its wildlife and unique landscapes and am especially excited about the possibility of seeing penguins in the wild. I am passionate about animals and hope to continue checking off travel experiences like gorilla trekking in Rwanda or a horse safari in Mongolia. This upcoming trip to Botswana is hopefully just the beginning!
Rapid Fire Favorites
- Movie: Mamma Mia!
- TV Show: Friends
- Musician/Band: Ed Sheeran
- Restaurant (City): L’Oree Du Bois (Chelsea, QC, just outside Ottawa)
- Food: Chocolate anything
- City: Cusco, Peru