Canada’s legal community is home to some of the brightest minds in the field, spanning various specialties such as corporate law, criminal defense, family law, and more. The following is a comprehensive list of the best lawyers in Canada for 2024, each renowned for their exceptional skills, extensive experience, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
1. Marie Henein
- Firm: Henein Hutchison LLP
- Specialization: Criminal Defense
- Notable Achievements:
- Marie Henein is a highly respected criminal defense lawyer, known for her impressive track record in high-profile criminal cases in Canada.
- She gained national recognition for her work defending clients such as former CBC host Jian Ghomeshi, where her strategic and skilled representation garnered significant media attention.
- Henein is considered one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the country, known for her sharp intellect, attention to detail, and fierce advocacy.
2. Lorne Waldman
- Firm: Waldman & Associates
- Specialization: Immigration Law, Human Rights Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Lorne Waldman is a leading expert in immigration law and human rights, with extensive experience representing individuals and organizations in immigration and refugee matters.
- He has been involved in numerous landmark cases, advocating for the rights of immigrants and refugees in Canada.
- Waldman has also represented clients in constitutional challenges and cases involving human rights violations, earning a reputation for his tireless work and dedication to social justice.
3. David A. Lutz
- Firm: McCarthy Tétrault LLP
- Specialization: Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions
- Notable Achievements:
- David Lutz is a prominent corporate lawyer known for his expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and securities law.
- He has advised major Canadian and international corporations on some of the largest and most complex transactions in the country, earning recognition for his strategic approach to business law.
- Lutz is a trusted advisor to CEOs and executives, providing counsel on corporate strategy and risk management.
4. Diane Redvers
- Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
- Specialization: Environmental Law, Natural Resources
- Notable Achievements:
- Diane Redvers is a recognized expert in environmental law and natural resources, with a focus on energy law and environmental compliance.
- She has successfully represented clients in complex regulatory matters, including issues related to environmental assessments, compliance with environmental regulations, and land use disputes.
- Redvers has been involved in key environmental litigation and has worked with both private companies and government bodies to ensure responsible environmental practices.
5. John Campion
- Firm: Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
- Specialization: Litigation, Business Law
- Notable Achievements:
- John Campion is a highly regarded litigator with a focus on commercial disputes, securities litigation, and class action cases.
- He has represented clients in high-stakes litigation, including disputes involving corporate governance, shareholder rights, and regulatory matters.
- Campion’s work in the Canadian courts and his reputation for achieving favorable results in complex business disputes have made him one of the top lawyers in the country.
6. Rochelle L. W. Shapiro
- Firm: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Specialization: Family Law, Divorce, and Child Custody
- Notable Achievements:
- Rochelle Shapiro is one of Canada’s leading family law lawyers, with a focus on divorce, child custody, and spousal support.
- She is recognized for her compassionate approach to family law matters while maintaining a fierce dedication to her clients’ rights and interests.
- Shapiro has been instrumental in representing high-net-worth individuals and complex family law cases, ensuring a fair and equitable resolution for her clients.
7. J. D. P. McCulloch
- Firm: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
- Specialization: Tax Law, International Tax Planning
- Notable Achievements:
- J.D.P. McCulloch is a distinguished tax lawyer with expertise in international tax planning and corporate tax law.
- He is known for advising multinational corporations on cross-border tax strategies, mergers, and acquisitions, as well as complex tax litigation.
- McCulloch’s expertise in tax law has earned him a reputation as one of the leading tax lawyers in Canada, particularly for his work in resolving high-stakes tax disputes.
8. Sandy P. K. Jain
- Firm: Bennett Jones LLP
- Specialization: Litigation, Dispute Resolution
- Notable Achievements:
- Sandy Jain is known for his exceptional skills in litigation and dispute resolution, particularly in the areas of commercial and corporate law.
- He has successfully represented clients in both trial courts and arbitration settings, securing favorable results for businesses involved in complex disputes.
- Jain’s strategic legal approach and persuasive advocacy have earned him recognition as one of Canada’s top litigation lawyers.
9. Michael E. D. Schachter
- Firm: Goodmans LLP
- Specialization: Securities Law, Corporate Finance
- Notable Achievements:
- Michael Schachter is a leading expert in securities law and corporate finance, advising public companies, financial institutions, and institutional investors on capital markets and regulatory compliance.
- Schachter has played a key role in many significant public offerings, private placements, and corporate governance matters.
- His expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks has solidified his position as one of the top corporate lawyers in Canada.
10. Kimberly A. Orr
- Firm: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
- Specialization: Intellectual Property Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Kimberly Orr is a recognized leader in intellectual property law, particularly in patent litigation and IP strategy.
- She has represented clients in high-stakes patent infringement cases and has been instrumental in securing intellectual property rights for innovative companies.
- Orr’s work in IP law is widely respected, especially for her ability to protect the interests of clients in industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.
11. Stephen A. L. Hart
- Firm: McMillan LLP
- Specialization: Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions
- Notable Achievements:
- Stephen Hart is a highly respected corporate lawyer with significant experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as commercial contracts.
- He has advised clients on both domestic and international deals, providing strategic counsel on complex corporate transactions.
- Hart’s meticulous approach and broad knowledge of corporate law have made him a trusted advisor to many top executives and boards.
12. Jennifer R. Stoddart
- Firm: Stoddart Law
- Specialization: Privacy Law, Cybersecurity Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Jennifer Stoddart is a leading privacy and cybersecurity law expert, advising clients on data protection, privacy compliance, and handling complex data breach incidents.
- As Canada’s former Privacy Commissioner, Stoddart has a wealth of experience in regulatory compliance, making her a sought-after advisor for companies seeking to navigate privacy laws and safeguard personal data.
- Her expertise in both privacy law and cybersecurity issues positions her as a top lawyer in the evolving field of technology law.