20 Under 40: Maciek Piekosz

Meet Maciek Piekosz, 39, partner at Siskinds LLP and one of our 20 Under 40 Class of 2023 recipients

AS A PARTNER and civil litigator with the Siskinds personal injury law group, Maciek Piekosz has represented clients before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, as well as before numerous administrative tribunals. Sitting on several external boards, including the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, the Middlesex Law Association and the editorial board of The Litigator magazine, he has also remained an active part of the London community, including co-founding the Kickabout Charity Soccer Tournament with a group of friends and colleagues and contributing over $80,000 to local charitable causes in just four years.

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What would you say is your single biggest business achievement, and why?

Being invited by my colleagues to join the Siskinds LLP partnership.

Who, or what, was your biggest business influence?

My friend and mentor Doug Bryce, my colleagues in the Siskinds LLP personal injury group and the lawyers at the board of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. Each has provided guidance, input and set an example for the shaping of my practice and business — from legal knowledge, ­community involvement, professional ­development and commitment to client interests.

What’s left for you to do — ­professionally or personally?

Professionally my career is still in its early stages and there is a great deal left to do: ­representing individuals in difficult cases, conducting trials, advocating for positive changes to legislation governing available assistance for injured people. Personally, I have two kids — and one on the way — and have a great deal left to do in raising them.

You’re marooned on a desert island — what’s the one thing you need with you?

A collection of Les Stroud’s classic Canadian television program Survivorman — and a way to watch it. Perhaps an all-purpose survival tool with a fire-starting kit. Alternatively, a hammock so I can enjoy the peace and quiet of a desert island.

What’s the best movie or show you’ve watched this year?

Triangle of Sadness, an analysis of serious ­contemporary issues ­punctuated by a Nutella airlift, vomiting and — spoiler alert — a ­shipwreck. Also rewatched Downton Abbey — I really enjoy a calming, low-stakes historical drama. Interview by Kieran Delamont