Top Canadian Lawyers In 2020

Alice Woolley

Professor and associate dean-academic, University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Calgary, Alta. Woolley is a true changemaker in the area of technology and law as well as law regulation. She has been a valuable member of the Canadian Bar Association's integrity and professional responsibility committee. Her job with the CBA Futures project as an ethics and regulatory problems team member is really making a mark at the legal community. Woolley is also responsible for sweeping educational changes as chairwoman of the committee that developed and adopted significant curricular changes at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, which focus on the technical elements of legal instruction and will come into effect in September. What voters had to say: top expert on legal profession and ethics; once she talks, people listen. Alice is a pragmatic visionary. Educating law students in a means that will prepare them for a 21st century clinic is of critical importance to the future of our profession.

Frank Iacobucci

Senior counselor, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. This retired justice has set the bar for police treatment of the mentally ill. His 2014 milestone report outlined 84 sound methods of helping prevent shooting of mentally ill people by the Toronto Police. The implementation of this report goes a long way toward preventing catastrophic confrontations between police and emotionally disturbed individuals. Some of the recommendations include using body-worn cameras and enhanced use of tasers. The report is a powerful message that the status quo is no more okay. As a Torys counselor, Iacobucci is accustomed to advising government and company on important legal and policy issues. What Republicans needed to say: Has anyone actually done more? and Energetic, never ceases.

Dawn Devoe

General counsel, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's key legal advisor because of the Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at stopping child labour 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 organization in global partnership meetings in South Africa, Kenya, and the Philippines. This partnership accounts for more than $30 million of annual food help programmed through World Vision Canada. With jobs in almost 100 nations throughout the globe, Devoe manages a busy legal department and has managed to remain flexible and nimble. What Republicans needed to say: Amazing lawyer and individual. She not only has a love for the law, but also cares deeply for others and shows that in her job. Outstanding legal counsel, very creative problem solver, capable to incorporate legal and taxation laws into a beneficial solution to most parties, citizenship by investment canada.

Justice Beverley McLachlin

Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A frequent member of the Top 25 list and the very best vote-getter in years past, McLachlin continues to make waves, handing down two quite significant conclusions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'at Nation v. British Columbia decision led by McLachlin is the earliest of its kind in the history of British Columbia. This past year that the Supreme Court of Canada granted announcement of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She's responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal at Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) published in July 2014, she has overhauled what the Lamer court began and has left her mark in this region for decades to come. The chief justice continues to be a powerful proponent of greater justice for all Canadians. As her unbelievable amount 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 nation; remarkable integrity; reliable public servant; clearly guided by law enforcement and a strong moral compass.

Marie Henein

Senior partner, Henein Hutchison LLP, Toronto, Ont. Considered one of Canada's best criminal defence lawyers, Henein is known for representing high-profile clients including former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi -- charged with seven counts of sexual assault, of which two have already been dropped -- former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant, along with junior hockey coach David Frost. Most recently Henein has taken on the case of defence counsel colleague Leora Shemesh, that was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice by Peel Police. Henein is well-known in the profession as a go-to attorney for most high-profile criminal issues. She has an excellent history of wins versus losses and was a part of the team that recently was victorious in getting John Salmon's conviction in a 1970s murder . What Republicans needed to say: Most visible leader of [the] criminal defence bar.

Justice Ian Nordheimer

Judge, Ontario Supreme Court, Toronto, Ont. Nordheimer's name is becoming synonymous with class action suits mostly because of his judgment, which overturned Justice Edward Belobaba's decision in a high-profile situation on carriage in the Barrick Gold class action suit. Nordheimer given the losing coalition of law firms leave to appeal Belobaba's decision in the Divisional Court. He's likely the most influential Superior Court level judge in the nation using a decade on the seat and produces perhaps the best number of comprehensive judgments each year compared to some trial level estimate. He is known for his quick wit and sharp decisions. In the past year, Nordheimer has made a significant splash in the legal community by upholding a professional discipline penalty for current LSUC bencher Joe Groia and releasing information that demonstrated Rob Ford was the topic of a police investigation.What that the panel had to say: He is the kind of judge who must be on the Court of Appeal... or higher. A judge of complete integrity.