Admitted to the Bar in 1963, Mr. Jacques Sylvestre Sr. obtained his law degree from the University of Sherbrooke and has primarily practiced in the areas of civil law, family law, business law, and as a mediator in civil and commercial matters. His exemplary career as a lawyer has been recognized on two occasions by his professional association. In 2004, he was awarded the “Médaille du mérite” by the Barreau du Québec, and in 2007, he received the distinction of "Avocat émérite" from the Barreau du Québec..

Mr. Sylvestre Sr. has long been a role model for many in the profession, starting with his own children, who followed in his footsteps. The family law firm now includes four generations of Sylvestres. His extensive litigation and negotiation experience, namely as legal counsel, is a major asset for all the lawyers in the firm, especially in this time of growth and expansion.

He is also a businessman involved in managing several large companies and sits on a number of boards of directors, such as Carrières Saint-Dominique’s board, as chair. For more than a quarter of a century, he has also shown great dedication and shared his professionalism through Desjardins Group, which named him an Ambassador in recognition of his work. In 2015, he was also awarded the Ordre du mérite coopératif et mutualiste, 4th degree, for helping build the cooperative and mutualist movement.

Mr. Sylvestre Sr. is also known for his community involvement as an elected member of Saint-Hyacinthe’s municipal council from 1968 to 1971. He also served as president of the Saint-Hyacinthe area’s Corporation de développement économique et industriel for more than six years. He has volunteered his time in many federal and provincial election campaigns in our RCM.

After more than 60 years as a member of the Bar, Mr. Sylvestre Sr. still practices as legal counsel and this with the utmost skill and dignity, like a good father. In addition to the major contribution he has made to his region’s economic and political development, his career has had positive impacts that extend far beyond Saint-Hyacinthe.