Top Lawyers In Canada

Justice Beverley McLachlin

Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A frequent member of the Top 25 list along with the top vote-getter in years ago, McLachlin proceeds to make waves, handing down two quite important conclusions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'at Nation v. British Columbia decision led by McLachlin is the first of its kind 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's responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal at Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) released in July 2014, she has what the Lamer court began and has left her mark in this area for decades ahead. The chief justice continues to be a highly effective proponent of justice for all Canadians. As her unbelievable number of votes once again this year reveal, McLachlin is greatly admired not just for her rulings but also her public support in favour of free speech, diversity, and comprehensive direction. What Republicans needed to say: An excellent judge who, again and again, marries the law with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the nation; outstanding integrity; reliable public servant; obviously guided by the law and also a strong ideology.

Murray Klippenstein

Founder, Klippensteins Barristers & Solicitors, Toronto, Ont. Back for the next year on the Top 25, Klippenstein's ongoing representation of 13 members of the native Mayan Q'eqchi' population from El Estor, Guatemala, continues to make waves. Three related lawsuits are ahead of the Ontario courts against Canadian mining company Hudbay Minerals over the brutal killing of Adolfo Ich and the gang rape of 11 women from Lote Ocho. In a precedent-setting ruling in July of 2013, an Ontario court determined that lawsuits can proceed to trial in Canada over the objections of Hudbay Minerals. At home he's also taking on the big guys in a case against Encana Corp. that's challenging the law and practice of hydraulic fracking in Canada. What voters had to say: Kudos for standing up for, upholding Canadian values, wherever we operate.

Louise Arbour

Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montreal, Que. An international lawyer who has just settled in Canada, Arbour has certainly earned a place on the Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential record again this season. 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's been a Supreme Court of Canada judge, an international war crimes prosecutor, and a law school professor. Her ability to pick up things quickly led her into 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 environments, only last year she eventually did something she had never done: joined a law firm in Montreal where she proceeds to struggle for individual rights. What Republicans needed to state:Her magnificent contributions speak for themselves. International celebrity.

Katrina Pacey

Executive manager, Pivot Legal Society, Vancouver, B.C. Pacey was recently appointed executive director of Pivot Legal and continues the fantastic work of her predecessors. Pivot focuses on topics related to health, police liability, drug coverage, and homelessness, poverty, and sex workers' rights. She might be best known for her part in the Bedford case, but Pivot is more than that and frequently has intervener status in major Supreme Court of Canada cases, including the current one on mandatory minimums. She is also talented at bringing on board highly respected counsel to work pro bono on many of these cases that can definitely influence the lives of a number of the town, and country's, most vulnerable citizens. What Republicans needed to say: Unbelievable dedication to social justice at every level with keen enthusiastic intelligence. She has helped alter draconian laws that endanger the lives of sex trade workers and restore dignity to people who have been marginalized.