Karen Shaw

Karen Shaw has extensive work experience in the legal field and has held various roles throughout their career. Karen started their career as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and later worked as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School. At both institutions, they conducted research in cancer and molecular immunology.

After their research career, Shaw transitioned into the legal field and worked as a Senior Associate at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt L.L.P. Karen then moved on to become the Senior Legal Counsel at Standard Life Investments Inc., where they reported directly to the President and worked on governance matters and strategic initiatives.

Shaw continued to advance in their legal career and became the Managing Director and Senior Counsel at Manulife Investment Management, where they supported alternative investment projects and oversaw legal work for investment funds.

Following their role at Manulife, Shaw became the General Counsel for nesto, a fintech company, where they built the legal team and managed all legal, regulatory, and compliance matters. Karen also worked with senior managers on growth and business diversification.

Currently, Shaw is working as a Consultant for venture capital start-ups, portfolio companies, technology companies, and investment funds. Karen provides advisory services on board governance, growth strategy, IP management, and strategic planning.

In 2023, Shaw will join Fairstone Bank as the Director of Legal Affairs.

Karen Shaw earned their B.Sc. degree in Honours Immunology from McGill University in 1987. Karen continued their education at McGill University and completed their PhD in Experimental Medicine in 1992. Finally, they obtained their BCL, LLB degree in Law from McGill University in 2002.