A law graduate of Université de Montréal and Harvard University, Daniel Jutras became the Rector of  University  of Montreal on June 1, 2020. Before this appointment, he had been a Professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Law since 1985. At McGill, Professor Jutras held the Wainwright Chair in Civil Law for 10 years, and served as Dean of the Faculty between 2009 and 2016. He also served as Executive Legal Officer of the Supreme Court of Canada, advising Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin between 2002 and 2005. 

An expert in civil and comparative law, his research focuses on judicial institutions and dispute resolution. His academic  career spans almost four decades. A member of the Quebec Bar since 1984, Daniel Jutras was twice designated  as amicus curiae by the Supreme Court of Canada to provide an independent argument in two of the most significant      public law cases of the past decade. Professor Jutras was also invited by the Canadian Judicial Council to participate in the revision of its Ethical Principles for federally-appointed judges.  

Between 2016 and 2018, Daniel Jutras served on the Independent Advisory Board for Nominations to the Senate of Canada.  

In 2019, Daniel Jutras’ contributions to academic endeavors, Canadian politician life and teaching innovations  were recognized through his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He also received the Order of Merit  from the Quebec Bar in 2016, after being appointed Advocatus Emeritus in 2014. Daniel Jutras also received Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2013.