Jacques Viau

Jacques Viau O.C., c.r.
49th President of the Canadian Bar Association
In office 1977–1978
Preceded by	A. Boyd Ferris, Q.C.
Succeeded by	Thomas J. Walsh, Q.C.
Bâtonnier of the Barreau du Québec
In office 1974–1975
Preceded by	Jean Moisan
Succeeded by	Michel Robert
Personal details
Born	1919 Lachine, Quebec
Died	December 4, 2003 (aged 84) Montreal
Spouse(s)	Laurette Cadieux Viau
Children	Hélène and Jacques
Profession	Lawyer
Religion	Roman Catholic

Jacques Viau O.C., c.r., LL.L., LL.D., (1919–2003) was a Canadian lawyer practising in Montreal, Quebec. He served as bâtonnier of the Barreau du Québec and the Bar of Montreal. He also served as president of the Canadian Bar Association from 1977 to 1978. During his term in office, he chaired a committee which produced a major set of recommendations for reform of the Constitution of Canada.

Viau was born in 1919 in Lachine. He married Laurette Cadieux Viau. The couple had two children, Hélène and Jacques.

Viau earned his degree in Quebec civil law, a Licentiate of Laws, from the University of Ottawa. He was admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1942. He practised in Montreal, particularly in the area of municipal law. From 1947 to 1952, he was a municipal court judge in Lachine and Dorval. The government of Quebec appointed him Queen's Counsel ("conseillier de la reine" in French) in 1951.

Viau earned a reputation as an expert in municipal law. He was one of the first lawyers in Quebec to take an interest in municipal law in a systemic fashion. He was credited with being one of the originators of Quebec municipal law as a recognised discipline as it is now known.

In 1973-74, Viau served simultaneously as the Bâtonnier of the Barreau du Québec (the provincial bar association), and as Bâtonnier of the Bar of Montreal. He was the last person to hold both offices at the same time. He was bâtonnier at a time of considerable change in the legal profession in Quebec.

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