Top Lawyers In Canada In 2019

Poonam Puri

Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ont. Although Puri might not be involved in the biggest transactions of this year or most publicized litigation, her work indelibly shapes the arguments and strategies of several attorneys. Her influence is reflected by the eagerness of the Canadian legal community to listen to and respond to her viewpoints and observations on the present state of the law and recommendations regarding what can be done to develop a more fair, just, and responsive legal system. She has directed research programs including significant corporate securities regulation initiatives in Canada (National Securities Regulator file) and has been appointed by the Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa, since the specialist adviser for the Credit Unions' legislative framework review. She's a respected and popular professor and highly recognized by professionals in the corporate-commercial pub. What Republicans needed to say: Exceptional gift. Unassuming trendsetter. Wise beyond her years. Will be an impact for many years to come on the corporate phase in Canada. Outstanding research and practical capabilities, immigration experts here.

Marie Henein

Old 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, and junior hockey trainer David Frost. Most recently Henein has taken on the event 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 lawyer for most high-profile criminal matters. She has a superb history of wins versus losses and was part of the team that recently was victorious in having John Salmon's conviction in a 1970s murder overturned. What Republicans needed to say: Most visible leader of [the] criminal defence bar.

Sara Cohen

Creator, Fertility Law Canada in D2Law LLP, Toronto, Ont. Cohen has devoted her career to 2 activities that have changed the practice of fertility law to the greater in Canada and beyond. She has spent hundreds of hours teaching and mentoring on the subject of fertility as an adjunct professor, at home and overseas. Her collegiality in a highly aggressive region of the law, really underlines Cohen's dedication to enhancing the practice of fertility legislation. More importantly she pushes for change she wishes to view in this burgeoning area of the law. Recent lobbying efforts are sure to pay off; among them to acquire coverage for in vitro fertilization services through Ontario's health program as well as changes to the family law legislation that would explain a sperm donor is not a parent only by virtue of being a donor. Finally, she is the first adjunct professor in the nation to give a course exclusively devoted to reproductive law in Canada, helping clear the path for prospective area practitioners. What voters had to say: Sara was instrumental in improving the law in assisted reproductive technologies. Genuinely cares about her field of expertise. This isn't simply a task for Sara, it is her passion.

Orlando Da Silva

President, Ontario Bar Association, Toronto, Ont. Da Silva's heartfelt public confession of a very long and profound depression and attempted suicide has opened discussion on mental health within the legal community like never before. While there is a deep-rooted stigma against mental illness eased by a dominance of type A personalities, Da Silva's courageous leadership has helped develop technical support programs for lawyers who struggle in silence. Like this was not sufficient, Da Silva has gone one step farther and asked lawyers to call him if they need assistance. His supporters underline that Da Silva's efforts are crucial in a business that promotes bravado and frequently mistakes mental illness for an individual weakness. What voters had to say: Mr. Da Silva's bravery in grounding increasingly recognized mental health issues in the legal profession in his own personal expertise will advance these issues among lawyers and lead to positive ends.

Louise Arbour

Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montreal, Que. An international lawyer who has recently settled back in Canada, Arbour has earned a spot on the Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential record again this year. She's a winner of the 2015 Simons Foundation Award, realizing world leaders that shape and create an environment for a safer and more just world. Arbour has spoken out from prolonged use of solitary confinement and has been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. She has been a Supreme Court of Canada judge, an global war crimes prosecutor, and a law school professor. Her ability to pick things up quickly led her to different roles nationally and globally. Arbour says economic disparities between and within counties is that the number-one inexcusable human rights issue at the moment. Always craving fresh and challenging surroundings, only last year she finally did something she had never done: joined a law firm in Montreal where she proceeds to struggle for individual rights. What Republicans needed to say:Her stunning contributions speak for themselves. International superstar.