Jean Poudrier was born in Quebec City and studied law at the Université Laval.  He was admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1967.  He also has a bachelor’s degree in industrial relations from the Université Laval (1968).

 
He chiefly practices labour law and administrative law.

  
Mr. Poudrier is currently Chairman of La Maison Michel Sarrazin’s board of directors, member of La Fondation de la Maison Michel Sarrazin’s board of directors, member of Hichaud inc.’s board of directors (Work Centre for the Disabled), and member of the Bureau des Gouverneurs du Noël du Bonheur.  He is also a grievance arbitrator (Canada Labour Code).
 
He was the founding administrator of the Club Nautique de l'Ile de Bacchus (1984 –1987).