Best Lawyers In Canada In 2018

Poonam Puri

Professor, Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ont. Though Puri may not be involved in the largest transactions of the year or many publicized litigation, her work indelibly shapes the disagreements and strategies of many lawyers. Her influence is represented by the eagerness of the Canadian legal community to listen to and respond to her perspectives and observations on the present state of regulations and recommendations concerning what can be done to develop a more fair, just, and responsive legal system. She has directed research programs including important corporate securities law initiatives in Canada (National Securities Regulator file) and has been recently appointed by the Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa, since the expert adviser for its Credit Unions' legislative framework review. She is a popular and respected professor and highly regarded by professionals in the corporate-commercial pub. What Republicans needed to say: Outstanding gift. Unassuming trendsetter. Wise beyond her years. Will be an impact for several years to come on the corporate phase in Canada. Outstanding research and technical skills.

Murray Klippenstein

Creator, Klippensteins Barristers & Solicitors, Toronto, Ont. Back to the second year on the Top 25, Klippenstein's ongoing representation of 13 members of this native Mayan Q'eqchi' inhabitants from El Estor, Guatemala, continues to make waves. Three related suits are ahead of the Ontario courts against Canadian mining company Hudbay Minerals within the brutal killing of Adolfo Ich and the gang rape of 11 girls from Lote Ocho. In a precedent-setting judgment in July of 2013, an Ontario court decided that lawsuits can proceed to trial in Canada over the objections of Hudbay Minerals. At home he's also taking on the big men in a case against Encana Corp. that's challenging the regulation and practice of hydraulic fracking in Canada. What Republicans needed to say: Kudos for standing up for, upholding Canadian values, where we function.

Sara Cohen

Founder, Fertility Law Canada at D2Law LLP, Toronto, Ont. Cohen has devoted her career to two activities that have shifted the practice of fertility law to the better in Canada and outside. She has spent countless hours training and teaching on the subject of fertility as a adjunct professor, at home and abroad. Her collegiality at a notoriously competitive region of the law, truly underlines Cohen's dedication to enhancing the practice of fertility law. More importantly she pushes for change she wishes to view in this burgeoning area of the law. Recent lobbying efforts are sure to repay; among them to obtain coverage for in vitro fertilization services through Ontario's health plan as well as changes to the family law legislation that would explain a sperm donor isn't a parent just by virtue of being a donor. Finally, she is the first adjunct professor in the nation to give a course exclusively devoted to reproductive regulation in Canada, helping clear the route for prospective area practitioners. What voters had to say: Sara was instrumental in improving the legislation in assisted reproductive technologies. Genuinely cares about her area of expertise. This isn't simply a task for Sara, it's her passion.

Alice Woolley

Professor and associate dean-academic, University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Calgary, Alta. Woolley is a true changemaker in the region of law and technology as well as law regulation. She has been a valuable member of the Canadian Bar Association's ethics and professional responsibility committee. Her work with the CBA Futures project as an ethics and regulatory issues team member is really making a mark in the legal community. Woolley is responsible for sweeping educational changes as chairwoman of the committee that developed and adopted significant curricular changes in the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, which concentrate on the practical elements of legal education and will come into effect in September. What Republicans needed to say: Leading expert on legal profession and integrity; once she speaks, people listen. Alice is a pragmatic visionary. Educating law students in a means that will prepare them for a 21st century practice is of crucial importance to the future of our profession.