Top Lawyers In Canada In 2020

Wayne Myles

Counsel, Cox & Palmer, St. John's, N.L. Myles' recent claim to fame is that the $3-billion international merger of Barbados-based Columbus International Inc. with England-based Cable & Wireless Communications PLC.. His M&A experience, together with his dedicated client relationships, haven't only resulted in the largest deal in the telecommunications firm 's history, but demonstrated that significant international prices are being deftly managed by an Atlantic Canadian law firm. He also 's also acted as lead counsel and tactical advisor on numerous acquisitions, licensing, and financing of many subsea and terrestrial telecommunications companies in the global fish processing and marketing industry. Myles also advised on aviation issues, on many domestic and international business bankruptcy and restructuring jobs and on energy and transportation matters. What voters had to state:[An] excellent attorney with international vision. Massive advantage to any trade.

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 job with the CBA Futures project as an ethics and regulatory problems staff member is truly making a mark at the legal community. Woolley is also responsible for sweeping educational changes as chairwoman of the committee which developed and adopted significant curricular changes in the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, which focus on the technical elements of legal education and will come into effect in September. What Republicans needed to say: top expert on legal profession and integrity; once she talks, people listen. Alice is a visionary. Teaching law students in a way that will prepare them for a 21st century clinic is of crucial importance to the future of our profession, call for immigrant services canada.

Dawn Devoe

General counselor, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's primary legal advisor because of its Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at ending child labour and human trafficking. As lead counsel for the Canadian discussions 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 over $30 million of annual food aid programmed through World Vision Canada. With jobs in almost 100 nations across the world, Devoe manages a busy legal department and has been able to stay flexible and nimble. What Republicans needed to say: Wonderful lawyer and person. She not only has a passion for the legislation, but also cares deeply for others and demonstrates that in her job. Outstanding legal counsel, very creative problem solver, capable to incorporate legal and taxation laws into a beneficial remedy to all parties.

Dennis Edney and Nate Whitling

Defence adviser, Edmonton, Alta. In a rare move, Edney and Whitling have been named as Top 25 honourees as a team. Both have spent more than a decade recommending for Omar Khadr, nearly universally on a pro bono basis. From Guantanamo Bay to the Supreme Court of Canada (three occasions ), the unlikely duo have fought for Khadr to get him released from prison (victory in May), have him treated as a child soldier, and continue to fight for his legal rights at home and abroad. It's been exactly what the Globe and Mail called waging a war of legal attrition against the authorities, that has consistently done everything to paint Khadr as a dangerous terrorist who should be kept behind bars. Edney, a former football player who just started practising law in 40, has become the public and press face of the continuing legal conflicts, even taking Khadr to his own home after he had been recently released on bail. Whitling, a Harvard law graduate and former SCC clerk, is a much more quiet and reserved drive behind the scenes. What Republicans needed to say: Dennis has gone over and beyond the call of duty in his defence of Omar Khadr. The nobility of the profession depends on lawyers like Dennis as we're occasionally called upon to defend unpopular entities or people -- but people who are no less deserving of natural justice and procedural fairness. Whitling is a smart and extremely effective advocate who remains out of the limelight. He's a fantastic lawyer. Exceptionally smart and excellent to work with.

Murray Klippenstein

Creator, Klippensteins Barristers & Solicitors, Toronto, Ont. Back for the second year on the Top 25, Klippenstein's continuing representation of 13 members of the native Mayan Q'eqchi' population from El Estor, Guatemala, continues to make waves. Three associated suits are ahead of the Ontario courts against Canadian mining firm 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 situation against Encana Corp. which 's challenging the law and practice of hydraulic fracking at Canada. What voters had to say: Kudos for standing up for, upholding Canadian values, wherever we operate.

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 issues related to health, police liability, drug coverage, and homelessness, poverty, and gender workers' rights. She may be best known for her role in the Bedford situation, but Pivot is more than that and often has intervener status in important Supreme Court of Canada cases, including the recent one on required minimums. She is also gifted at bringing on board highly admired counsel to work pro bono on many of these instances that can definitely influence the lives of some of the town, and nation 's, most vulnerable citizens. What Republicans needed to say: Unbelievable dedication to social justice at every level with keen enthusiastic intelligence. She has helped change draconian legislation that endanger the lives of sex trade workers and restore dignity to individuals who have been marginalized.