Top Canadian Lawyers In 2019

Murray Klippenstein

Founder, Klippensteins Barristers & Solicitors, Toronto, Ont. Back for 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 associated lawsuits 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 women from Lote Ocho. In a precedent-setting ruling 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. which 's challenging the regulation and practice of hydraulic fracking in Canada. What Republicans needed to say: Kudos for standing up for, upholding Canadian values, wherever we operate, best ideas.

Lorne Waldman

Waldman & Associates, Toronto, Ont. Waldman is a great defender of refugees, immigrants, and human rights. He has won a number of important successes, such as health care for refugees in Canadian nurses for Refugee Care v. Canada along with a woman's best to wear the niqab while making her citizenship oath in Ishaq v. Canada together with his associate Naseem Mithoowani. He also argued at the Supreme Court of Canada at J.P. v. Canada and G.J. v. Canada, that Canada's anti-human smuggling provisions should include asylum seekers participating in mutual aid. Along with Peter Edelmann, he acted on behalf of the CBA in the Harkat case before the SCC in 2014. On the global stage, he symbolizes Mohamed Fahmy (along with Amal Clooney), the Canadian journalist working for Al Jazeera. He's also been a vocal opponent of Bill C-51 and changes to Canada's citizenship law. What Republicans needed to say: Lorne educated us all, especially now, to preserve democracy and to maintain the rule of law.

Frank Iacobucci

Senior counselor, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. This heated justice has set the bar for authorities treatment of the mentally ill. His 2014 milestone report summarized 84 sound ways of helping to prevent shooting of mentally ill people by the Toronto Police. The execution of the report would go a long way toward preventing catastrophic confrontations between police and emotionally disturbed individuals. A few of the recommendations include using body-worn cameras and optimized use of tasers. The report is a strong message that the status quo is no more acceptable. As a Torys counselor, Iacobucci is accustomed to advising government and company on important legal and policy matters. What voters had to say: Has anybody really done more? and Energetic, never stops.

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 stopping 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 at 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 projects in nearly 100 nations across the world, Devoe manages a busy legal department and has been able to remain flexible and nimble. What voters had to say: Amazing lawyer and person. She not only has a love for the law, but also cares deeply for others and shows that in her job. Brilliant legal counsel, very inventive problem solver, capable to integrate legal and taxation laws into a beneficial solution to all parties.