As Canada’s legal landscape continues to evolve, a new generation of legal professionals is emerging, pushing the boundaries of excellence in various specialties. From criminal defense and corporate law to environmental and family law, the following is a list of the best lawyers in Canada for 2025, all renowned for their skill, integrity, and commitment to their clients.
1. Marie Henein
- Firm: Henein Hutchison LLP
- Specialization: Criminal Defense
- Notable Achievements:
- Marie Henein remains one of the most respected criminal defense lawyers in Canada, continuing to handle high-profile cases with remarkable skill.
- Known for her tenacity and sharp legal mind, she has successfully represented clients in some of the country’s most complex and publicized criminal trials.
- Her unmatched reputation for defending her clients fiercely while upholding justice and fairness sets her apart as a leading figure in criminal law.
2. Lorne Waldman
- Firm: Waldman & Associates
- Specialization: Immigration Law, Human Rights Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Lorne Waldman continues to be a pioneer in immigration law, advocating for the rights of refugees, immigrants, and those facing deportation.
- With over four decades of experience, Waldman has represented clients in significant legal matters involving constitutional challenges and human rights issues.
- His work has led to groundbreaking legal precedents, making him one of the foremost authorities on Canadian immigration law.
3. David A. Lutz
- Firm: McCarthy Tétrault LLP
- Specialization: Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions
- Notable Achievements:
- David Lutz remains a key player in corporate law, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, offering his services to both domestic and international corporations.
- He has played a pivotal role in some of Canada’s largest corporate transactions, bringing unparalleled expertise to corporate governance, securities law, and shareholder rights.
- Lutz is known for providing clients with strategic counsel, helping them navigate the complexities of the global business landscape.
4. Diane Redvers
- Firm: Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
- Specialization: Environmental Law, Natural Resources
- Notable Achievements:
- Diane Redvers has built a formidable career in environmental and natural resources law, advising both private and public sector clients on environmental regulations, sustainability, and compliance.
- Her legal expertise has been instrumental in handling energy law matters, land use disputes, and environmental litigation across Canada.
- Redvers continues to be a leading authority in environmental law, advocating for responsible and sustainable resource management.
5. John Campion
- Firm: Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
- Specialization: Litigation, Business Law
- Notable Achievements:
- John Campion’s exceptional litigation and dispute resolution skills have earned him a reputation as one of Canada’s top commercial litigators.
- His experience spans corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and securities litigation, and he is known for his strategic approach to complex business disputes.
- Campion’s ability to secure favorable outcomes for his clients has made him a trusted advisor to major Canadian businesses.
6. Rochelle L. W. Shapiro
- Firm: Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
- Specialization: Family Law, Divorce, and Child Custody
- Notable Achievements:
- Rochelle Shapiro is one of the leading family law practitioners in Canada, known for her skillful representation of clients in divorce, spousal support, and child custody matters.
- Her compassionate and strategic approach ensures her clients are well-supported throughout complex family law issues, especially those involving high-net-worth individuals.
- Shapiro’s ability to negotiate and mediate favorable outcomes has made her one of the most sought-after family lawyers in the country.
7. J. D. P. McCulloch
- Firm: Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
- Specialization: Tax Law, International Tax Planning
- Notable Achievements:
- J.D.P. McCulloch remains a leader in tax law, providing expert advice on international tax planning, cross-border transactions, and complex corporate tax structures.
- He continues to represent some of the largest corporations and financial institutions in Canada, offering strategic guidance on global tax compliance and corporate tax disputes.
- McCulloch’s reputation as a top tax lawyer is bolstered by his ability to handle intricate tax issues for high-net-worth individuals and large enterprises.
8. Sandy P. K. Jain
- Firm: Bennett Jones LLP
- Specialization: Litigation, Dispute Resolution
- Notable Achievements:
- Sandy Jain is known for his outstanding litigation and dispute resolution abilities, specializing in commercial and corporate law.
- His work has spanned various high-stakes commercial matters, including shareholder disputes, corporate governance, and large-scale class actions.
- Jain’s ability to strategize complex litigation cases has positioned him as one of Canada’s top business litigators.
9. Michael E. D. Schachter
- Firm: Goodmans LLP
- Specialization: Securities Law, Corporate Finance
- Notable Achievements:
- Michael Schachter continues to lead the field in securities law and corporate finance, advising public companies and financial institutions on capital markets, mergers, and regulatory matters.
- He has played a pivotal role in major public offerings, private placements, and compliance issues, earning recognition for his in-depth knowledge of Canadian securities law.
- Schachter’s legal acumen and strategic counsel have made him a top choice for businesses looking to navigate complex corporate finance matters.
10. Kimberly A. Orr
- Firm: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
- Specialization: Intellectual Property Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Kimberly Orr continues to be a prominent figure in intellectual property law, specializing in patent litigation and intellectual property strategy.
- She has represented major clients in patent infringement cases and has worked extensively in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and biotechnology.
- Orr’s deep knowledge of intellectual property law and her ability to secure patent rights and protect IP assets make her one of Canada’s leading IP lawyers.
11. Stephen A. L. Hart
- Firm: McMillan LLP
- Specialization: Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions
- Notable Achievements:
- Stephen Hart remains a leading corporate lawyer with vast experience in mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance.
- His work has involved some of the largest deals in Canada, with his counsel sought by businesses engaged in complex transactions and strategic partnerships.
- Hart’s reputation for providing sound legal advice has solidified his place as one of the foremost corporate lawyers in the country.
12. Jennifer R. Stoddart
- Firm: Stoddart Law
- Specialization: Privacy Law, Cybersecurity Law
- Notable Achievements:
- Jennifer Stoddart continues to be a leading voice in privacy and cybersecurity law, advising organizations on compliance, data protection, and breach response.
- As a former Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Stoddart has extensive experience in navigating privacy regulations and advocating for stronger privacy rights.
- Her work in data privacy and cybersecurity law remains pivotal in an era where digital security is critical for businesses and individuals alike.