Top Lawyers In Canada In 2019

Lorne Waldman

Waldman & Associates, Toronto, Ont. Waldman is a great defender of refugees, immigrants, and human rights, immigration services canada. He's won a variety of important successes, such as health care for refugees in Canadian Doctors for Refugee Care v. Canada and a female 's right to wear the niqab whilst making her citizenship oath at Ishaq v. Canada with his partner Naseem Mithoowani. He also argued at the Supreme Court of Canada in J.P. v. Canada and G.J. v. Canada, that Canada's anti-human smuggling provisions should consist of asylum seekers participating in mutual aid. Along with Peter Edelmann, he acted on behalf of the CBA in the Harkat case prior to the SCC in 2014. On the global stage, he symbolizes Mohamed Fahmy (along with Amal Clooney), the Canadian journalist working for Al Jazeera. He has also been a vocal opponent of Bill C-51 and changes to Canada's citizenship law. What Republicans needed to say: Lorne reminded us all, especially today, to preserve democracy and to preserve the rule of law.

Justice Beverley McLachlin

Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A common member of the Top 25 list along with the very best vote-getter in years ago, McLachlin continues to make waves, handing down two quite significant decisions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'at Nation v. British Columbia decision directed by McLachlin is the first of its type in the history of British Columbia. Last year the Supreme Court of Canada granted announcement of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She is also responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal at Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) published in July 2014, she has what the Lamer court started and has left her mark in this region for decades to come. The chief justice continues to be a highly effective proponent of justice for all Canadians. As her unbelievable number of votes once again this season reveal, McLachlin is greatly admired not just for her rulings but her public aid in favour of free speech, diversity, and comprehensive direction. What voters had to say: A brilliant judge who, time and time again, marries the legislation with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the country; outstanding integrity; reliable public servant; clearly guided by the law and also a strong ideology.

Frank Iacobucci

Senior counselor, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. This heated justice has set the bar for authorities treatment of the mentally ill. His 2014 milestone report summarized 84 sound ways of helping to prevent shooting of mentally ill people by the Toronto Police. The implementation of the report would go a long way toward avoiding disastrous confrontations between police and emotionally disturbed individuals. A few of the recommendations include the use of body-worn cameras and enhanced use of tasers. The report is a strong message that the status quo is no more acceptable. As a Torys counsel, Iacobucci is accustomed to advising government and business on important legal and policy matters. What Republicans needed to say: Has anybody actually done more? and Energetic, not ceases.

Dawn Devoe

General counselor, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's key legal advisor because of its No Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at stopping child labor and human trafficking. As lead counsel for the Canadian negotiations regarding World Vision's partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, she has represented the company at global partnership meetings in South Africa, Kenya, and the Philippines. This partnership accounts for more than $30 million of annual food aid programmed through World Vision Canada. With jobs in almost 100 countries across the globe, Devoe manages a busy legal division and has managed to remain nimble and flexible. What voters had to say: Amazing lawyer and individual. She not only has a love for the legislation, but also cares deeply for others and shows that in her job. Brilliant legal counsel, very inventive problem solver, capable to integrate legal and taxation legislation into a beneficial solution to all parties.

Fred Headon

Assistant general counsel, labour and employment law, Air Canada, Montreal, Que. As chairman of the Canadian Bar Association's Futures Initiative, Headon has given over 25 presentations to attorneys, law professors, professors, librarians, law firm personnel, and regulators in Toronto to Buenos Aires, Victoria to Halifax, in person and online. The Futures report was released in August 2014 and its recommendations place Headon squarely in the midst of several vital discussions on subjects crucial to the profession. He continues to direct the Futures steering committee as it now turns its recommendations into actions. Headon is an essential component of the debate on the future of the profession and he was the first in-house counselor to become the president of the CBA. What voters had to say: Brings energy and decency and the smarts to what he does.