Revealing the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Honoring Legal Excellence

Introducing the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Jan 30, 2025 - 19:17
Jan 30, 2025 - 22:10
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Revealing the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Honoring Legal Excellence
best Canada lawyers

The legal field in Canada serves not only as a fundamental element of justice but also as a vibrant sector that consistently evolves alongside the nation’s changing social, economic, and regulatory landscapes. In this context, we are thrilled to announce the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada ™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch ™ in Canada—two esteemed honors that recognize the outstanding contributions of legal professionals throughout the country. 

These awards not only acknowledge the exceptional skills and efforts of Canada’s leading legal experts but also signify the admiration and regard they have earned within their professional community. From seasoned pioneers in the industry to rising stars making their presence known, these accolades embody the expertise and commitment necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern legal landscape.

Voter Engagement in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada


Central to Best Lawyers ® is our thorough Purely Peer Review ™ methodology, which guarantees that the lawyers recognized are not only exemplary in their practice but also respected and endorsed by their colleagues. This approach has been fundamental to our awards since their beginning, providing a transparent and trustworthy means to honor the finest in the legal profession.

In the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, 8,362 lawyers have been acknowledged for their outstanding contributions across various disciplines, showcasing the strength and diversity of the Canadian legal community. Furthermore, the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada celebrates 1,846 emerging talents, spotlighting the next generation of leaders who are influencing the legal profession in the nation.

Canada also distinguishes itself with the highest response rate among all countries we survey. This year, The Best Lawyers in Canada achieved a voter participation rate of 65.29%, with 4,633 voters contributing a total of 643,427 evaluations—an increase of 12% from the previous year. These figures are more than mere statistics; they represent the collective assessment of the legal community, supported by 4.2 million historical evaluations that inform the final outcomes.




Likewise, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada experienced a 59.95% participation rate, with 2,688 voters submitting 245,637 evaluations, reflecting a 20% rise in voter engagement compared to last year. The 685,198 historical evaluations factored into this year’s results further enhance the credibility and importance of these awards.

“Canada is at the forefront of our research process, demonstrating historic engagement,” stated Elizabeth Petit, Director of Research & Development and Managing Editor at Best Lawyers. “The level of participation we observe highlights the significance Canadian lawyers attribute to our awards, as they are driven by the industry and determined through peer review. Our methodology is a meticulously structured and systematic approach, supported by technology to minimize bias in individual evaluations. 

We employ advanced statistical techniques to mitigate bias in the peer review process by utilizing a sophisticated data-driven strategy that guarantees fairness and precision. Our organization harnesses algorithms to scrutinize voter feedback, identifying patterns of potential bias, such as favoritism towards particular individuals or firms. This technology-based approach aims to enhance the objectivity of the rankings, rendering them a more trustworthy representation of legal excellence.”

Key Changes in the Canadian Legal Landscape

Insights from this year, derived from a thorough comparison of data over the last five editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the initial four editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, reveal significant trends within Canada’s legal sector. 

Specifically, we observed considerable growth in certain practice areas, shifts in gender diversity, and the ongoing prominence of key geographic centers. These observations reflect broader global trends, particularly those noted in the United States, while also highlighting the distinct legal and economic context of Canada.

Practice Areas with the Most Significant Growth


The following practice areas have demonstrated the most remarkable advancements in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada:

Administrative and Public Law

Over the last five editions, Administrative and Public Law has experienced a remarkable 105% increase in honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada. This growth is likely a direct response to the rising influence of government regulations in critical sectors such as healthcare, energy, and telecommunications. 

The focus on transparency and accountability in public administration further amplifies the demand for skilled legal professionals capable of navigating this complex landscape. This trend is more pronounced in Canada compared to the U.S., where regulatory changes are often more sector-specific rather than having a broad impact across various industries.

Trusts and Estates

Trusts and Estates has become a vital area in Canadian law, witnessing a 70% increase in honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada. This growth is primarily driven by Canada’s aging population, which has heightened the emphasis on wealth transfer and estate planning. 

The intricate nature of tax laws and the regulations governing estates necessitate specialized knowledge in this field, making Trusts and Estates one of the fastest-growing sectors for legal professionals. This trend aligns with those observed in the U.S., where similar demographic changes are fueling demand, but Canada’s unique tax frameworks and estate laws introduce additional complexities that distinguish it.

Litigation in Corporate and Commercial Sectors

The landscape of Corporate and Commercial Litigation has significantly transformed, evidenced by a 58% rise in recognized attorneys in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada. This increase is largely attributed to an intensified emphasis on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. 
New regulatory frameworks established by the Canadian Securities Administrators have subjected companies to increased scrutiny, leading to a surge in litigation. While ESG-related legal disputes are still developing in the U.S., Canada’s swift regulatory changes have created an urgent need for expertise in this domain. 

This heightened scrutiny aligns with a rise in balance sheet and ESG-focused shareholder activism. Consequently, 33% of Canadian participants in a Norton Rose Fulbright survey anticipate an uptick in ESG-related litigation in the upcoming year, in contrast to 26% of respondents from the U.S.

Corporate Law

Both The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada have reported a surge in Corporate Law, with a 49% increase in the former and an astonishing 539% rise in the latter. This notable growth underscores the increasing complexities of corporate governance and compliance requirements. 
The escalation of cross-border transactions, particularly between Canada and the United States, has amplified the demand for legal experts in international corporate law. The shifting regulatory landscape and a heightened focus on corporate social responsibility are further propelling this trend.




Mergers and Acquisitions Law

The field of Mergers and Acquisitions Law has experienced notable dynamism, with a 67% rise in honorees. This growth is closely associated with the increase in mergers and acquisitions activity, both within Canada and on a global scale. 

Canadian firms are increasingly seeking to broaden their horizons through strategic acquisitions, motivated by global economic factors. The emphasis on sustainable investment practices and the growing internationalization of Canadian businesses have made legal expertise in Mergers and Acquisitions increasingly essential.

Promoting Gender Diversity in Canadian Law

 The 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada highlight a notable shift towards gender diversity within the legal profession, as an increasing number of women are being acknowledged across various practice areas. This change mirrors wider societal transformations, with women taking on a more crucial role in the legal sector.  

Practice Areas with Gender Parity

 Certain practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Canada are nearing a balanced gender ratio, showcasing the growing involvement of women in these fields:  

  • Education Law  
  • Family Law Mediation  
  • Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice  
  • Trusts and Estates  

Fields Where Women Dominate  

In some practice areas of The Best Lawyers in Canada, women now make up over 54% of the professionals, indicating a shift in gender representation.

  •  Health Care Law  
  • Charities / Non-Profit Law  
  • Family Law  

Emerging Areas with Significant Growth in Women's Representation  

In the past year, the following practice areas have emerged as key sectors for women, with representation rising by over 50%:  

  • Sports Law  
  • Venture Capital Law  
  • Director and Officer Liability Practice 
  • Education Law  
  • Commercial Leasing Law  
  • Transportation Law  

In Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, areas with nearly equal gender representation for 2025 include:  

  • Banking and Finance Law  
  • Tax Law  
  • Class Action Litigation  

Geographic Legal Hubs  

Examining the geographic distribution of awarded lawyers across Canada provides a deeper insight into where legal expertise flourishes, emphasizing the regions that serve as the country’s main legal powerhouses.  

Canada's Premier Legal Centers  

Toronto stands out as the most significant legal hub in Canada, boasting 3,165 honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada and 665 in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada. As the nation’s financial and corporate epicenter, home to many leading law firms and corporate headquarters, Toronto reinforces its role as a central figure in the legal industry.

 Vancouver and Montréal also rank highly, with 1,227 and 1,217 honorees respectively in The Best Lawyers in Canada. These cities are essential centers for legal work in fields such as corporate law, litigation, and real estate, reflecting their importance as key economic and cultural hubs in Canada.  
Calgary and Ottawa are also recognized as significant legal centers, especially in areas related to energy law, government relations, and regulatory matters.

Celebrating Talent Across the Nation  

Although legal activities tend to be concentrated in major urban areas, our awards reach beyond these centers, honoring excellence in 26 metropolitan regions for The Best Lawyers in Canada and 21 metropolitan regions for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.




 

This extensive recognition not only showcases the legal talent in larger cities but also highlights the remarkable work being accomplished in smaller communities. By celebrating achievements nationwide, we ensure that exceptional legal professionals receive acknowledgment regardless of their practice location.  

Honoring the Apex of Legal Excellence in Canada  

The 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada represent more than individual accomplishments—they celebrate the collective commitment and brilliance that characterize Canada’s legal profession. This year's awardees have established new standards in their respective fields, exemplifying the integrity, expertise, and resilience that continue to enhance the standard of justice throughout the country.  

At Best Lawyers, our goal is to keep shining a light on those who not only excel in their practice but also motivate others through their steadfast dedication to justice. These awards serve as a tribute to the dynamic legal community in Canada, where excellence is not only acknowledged but celebrated.  

Join the Celebration: Meet the 2025 Honorees  

The 2025 print edition of Best Lawyers in Canada, scheduled for release this December, will feature all recognized lawyers from both The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.  
In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the honorees online today and discover which of Canada’s leading legal minds have been recognized this year. Whether you are a colleague or in need of legal expertise, visit our Find a Lawyer page to learn about the leaders shaping Canadian law.

Publication Metrics

Top Metropolitan Areas Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada by Number of Awarded Attorneys:

  • Toronto
  • Vancouver
  • Montréal

Top 5 Practice Areas by Count of Honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada:

  1. Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  2. Corporate Law
  3. Labour and Employment Law
  4. Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  5. Real Estate Law

Top 5 Practice Areas by Count of Honorees in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada:

  1. Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  2. Corporate Law
  3. Labour and Employment Law
  4. Mergers and Acquisitions Law
  5. Real Estate Law

Top 10 Practice Areas Searched on europa-league.org:

  1. Family Law
  2. Labour and Employment Law
  3. Immigration Law
  4. Trusts and Estates
  5. Real Estate
  6. Criminal Defence
  7. Corporate Law
  8. Personal Injury Litigation
  9. Insurance Law
  10. Corporate and Commercial Litigation




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