Firm names Jessica Watkins as chief administrative officer
Miller Thomson LLP has announced appointments in Toronto to two leadership roles within the business services team: John Esvelt’s addition as chief technology officer as of Nov. 11, and Jessica Watkins’s move to the chief administrative officer position.
According to Miller Thomson’s news release, in his new position at the firm, Esvelt will spearhead the technology strategy, advance responsible AI adoption, and oversee national operational initiatives.
The firm noted that he has over 25 years of experience in the legal sector, including legal training, operational leadership, and knowledge regarding technology, cybersecurity, and risk management.
“John’s experience at the intersection of law, technology and operations brings valuable perspective to our national platform,” said Enzo Di Iorio, Miller Thomson chair, in the news release. “His leadership will support the Firm’s broader goals in advancing innovation and maintaining a client-focused approach across all our services.”
“Miller Thomson’s national platform and strong local expertise create a solid foundation for the thoughtful use of technology across the Firm,” Esvelt added. “I look forward to working with the teams to support their work with clients and to advance initiatives that reflect the Firm’s entrepreneurial and business-focused culture.”
Alongside the University of Guelph’s computer science and AI department and the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law, Esvelt has been developing a think tank centred on AI in the legal sector, as well as standards and trustworthiness frameworks for legal AI products.
According to the firm’s news release, Watkins’s new role will entail advancing administrative functions, operational matters, and collaboration within Miller Thomson.
Esvelt’s LinkedIn page outlines his professional experience before joining Miller Thomson. He served as chief operating officer at Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP in Toronto from October 2022 to November 2025.
At Dentons in Toronto, he was chief risk officer from November 2020 to October 2022, chief practice officer and Canada chief legal officer from May 2018 to November 2020, and Canada region general counsel from March 2013 to May 2018.
At Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, Esvelt worked as technology director from 2002–08 and as legal applications advisor/manager of technology from 1997–2002. He was also a lawyer at MacMillan Rooke Boeckle LLP from 1993–97.
According to his biography on Miller Thomson’s website, he obtained his LLB from Western University in 1993 and his BA in logic and mathematics, including studies in AI, from the University of Toronto in 1990.
Watkins’s LinkedIn page provides more information regarding her work experience.
At Miller Thomson’s Toronto office, she was chief people and culture officer from June 2025, chief talent officer from May 2022, chief legal talent officer from October 2021, and national professional resources director from February 2020 to October 2021.
Also at that firm, Watkins was talent management director from September 2016 to February 2020, professional development assistant director from May 2010 to September 2016, and student programs manager from October 2008 to May 2010.
Before joining Miller Thomson, she served as an associate focusing on trusts, wills, and estate planning at WeirFoulds LLP in Toronto from September 2005 to January 2008.
According to her biography on Miller Thomson’s website, Watkins can speak French. She earned her LLB from Queen’s University Faculty of Law in 2004 and her BA (honours) from the University of Toronto in 2000.
