Jeremy Gellis

Member

Vancouver

(236) 317-6215

(236) 317-6702

Jeremy Gellis is a member in Cozen O’Connor’s White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. He represents clients in securities regulatory investigations and related litigation before securities commissions, the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and courts. Jeremy also conducts internal investigations for public company boards, audit committees, and special committees.

Jeremy brings over a decade of experience working at the British Columbia Securities Commission. As manager of the Litigation branch, he oversaw the commission’s administrative prosecutions and managed investigations, bringing enforcement actions for fraud, misrepresentation, unregistered trading and advising, the illegal sale of securities, insider trading, and market manipulation. Before that, Jeremy practiced as a criminal defense lawyer at two leading Vancouver firms, where he represented people accused of white collar crime.

Jeremy’s clients benefit from his extensive experience working with securities regulators across Canada, his role as a former member of the Canadian Securities Administrators’ Enforcement Committee, and his ability to create practical solutions to regulatory challenges. Jeremy has a proven track record of solving issues before they advance to a prosecution. However, when litigation is necessary, Jeremy’s experience before securities commissions, all levels of British Columbia courts, and the Supreme Court of Canada are key to his clients’ success.

Jeremy received his J.D. from York University Osgoode Hall Law School, his LL.M. from the University of London, and his B.Com. in finance from McGill University. 

News

Cozen O’Connor Announces New Group Chairs, Office Managing Partners, Other Promotions

February 15, 2024

The firm announced several new practice group chairs, office managing partners, and leaders of firm committees and initiatives

British Columbia Securities Commission Litigation Manager Jeremy Gellis Joins Cozen O’Connor in Vancouver

June 06, 2022

Gellis joins the firm as a member and will represent clients facing securities regulatory proceedings, enforcement-related litigation, and investigation matters.

Publications

BCSC Guidance on Joint Actors in Proxy Contests and Early Warning Disclosure Requirements [Alert]

February 07, 2024

Lucy Schilling, Jeremy Gellis, Theo Jeffreys, and Dilina Lallani discuss the BCSC's decision in NorthWest Copper Corp. clarifying when parties are considered to be “acting jointly or in concert” and the appropriate remedies for failing to meet the early warning requirements in the context of a proxy contest.

The British Columbia Securities Commission Implements a New Whistleblower Program [Alert]

November 22, 2023

Lucy Schilling, Zachary Janes, Jeremy Gellis, and Rebecca Sim discuss the BCSC's new Whistleblower Program to encourage individuals to voluntarily provide information about securities misconduct by offering them financial rewards of up to C$250,000.

The BCSC Obtains Significant New Enforcement Powers [Alert]

August 14, 2023

The BCSC can now impose market bans and financial penalties of $1m+ for the failure or refusal to cooperate with investigators.

The British Columbia Securities Commission Will Impose Monetary Penalties without a Hearing [Alert]

May 01, 2023

Jeremy Gellis discusses BC Notice 2023/03, permitting the executive director to impose monetary penalties for less serious contraventions of securities regulations and decisions without a hearing. It is the first program of its kind in Canada.

B.C.S.C. Provides Guidance on Investor Relations Disclosure in Social Media [Alert]

March 01, 2023

This decision provides guidance about what “clear and conspicuous” disclosure looks like, and what information is sufficient to satisfy the requirement.

BCSC Reaches First-Ever Settlement Agreements for 52(2) Violation [Alert]

October 04, 2022

These recent settlement agreements are the first public application of IR-related disclosure and demonstrate the BCSC’s expectations of how 52(2) will apply.

BCSC Denies Driving Privileges to Enforce Securities Fraud Sanctions [Alert]

June 16, 2022

The BC Securities Commission dismissed an application to overturn a decision to deny a man a driver’s license after committing 62 counts of securities fraud.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

Education

  • Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, J.D., 2000
  • University of London, LL.M., 2015
  • McGill University, B.Com, 1997
  • British Columbia
  • Ontario