The legal profession in Canada is not just a cornerstone of justice, but a dynamic field that continuously adapts to the country's evolving societal, economic and regulatory spaces. In this spirit, we are excited to unveil the 2025 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in Canada—two prestigious recognitions that celebrate the exceptional contributions of legal professionals across this nation.
These accolades not only celebrate the remarkable talents and contributions of Canada’s top legal professionals but also reflect the respect and esteem they’ve garnered within their own community. From established leaders in the field to emerging talents making their mark, these awards exemplify the expertise and dedication required to tackle the complexities of today’s legal environment.
Voter Participation in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada
At the heart of Best Lawyers® is our comprehensive Purely Peer Review™ methodology, which ensures that the recognized lawyers are not only outstanding in their field but are also respected and endorsed by their peers. This method has been a pillar of our awards since their inception, offering a transparent and reliable way to celebrate the best in the legal profession.
In the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, 8,362 lawyers have been recognized for their exceptional contributions across various fields, reflecting the strength and diversity of the Canadian legal community. Additionally, the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada honors 1,846 emerging talents, highlighting the next generation of leaders who are shaping the legal profession in the country.
Canada also stands out, boasting the highest response rate among all countries we research. This year, The Best Lawyers in Canada had 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 numbers are not just statistics; they represent the collective judgment of the legal community, with 4.2 million historical evaluations informing the final results.
Similarly, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada saw a 59.95% participation rate, with 2,688 voters providing 245,637 evaluations, marking a 20% increase in voter engagement from last year. The 685,198 historical evaluations calculated for this year’s results further solidify the credibility and significance of these awards.
“Canada continues to lead the way in our research process with historic engagement,” said Elizabeth Petit, Director of Research & Development and Managing Editor at Best Lawyers. “As our awards are industry-driven and determined, the level of participation seen underscores the value Canadian lawyers place on our awards. Our peer review methodology is a highly structured and systematic process backed by technology to limit bias in individual feedback.
We utilize advanced statistical analysis to limit bias in the peer review process by implementing a sophisticated data-driven approach that ensures fairness and accuracy. Our company leverages algorithms to analyze voter feedback, vetting them for patterns of potential bias, such as favoritism towards specific individuals or firms. This technology-driven process is designed to enhance the objectivity of the rankings, making them a more reliable reflection of legal excellence.”
Key Shifts in the Canadian Legal Space
This year’s insights, drawn from a comprehensive comparison of data spanning the past five editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the first four editions of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, suggest compelling trends within Canada’s legal sector.
More specifically, we saw substantial growth in certain practice areas, changes in gender diversity and the continued prominence of key geographic hubs. These findings both mirror broader global patterns, particularly those seen in the United States, while also emphasizing the unique legal and economic environment of Canada.
Practice Areas with the Highest Growth
The following practice areas have shown the most notable developments in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada:
Administrative and Public Law
In the last five editions, Administrative and Public Law has surged ahead, reflecting a 105% increase in honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada. This expansion is likely a direct response to the increasing role of government regulations in key sectors such as healthcare, energy and telecommunications.
The emphasis on transparency and accountability in public administration further drives the need for adept legal professionals who can navigate this intricate landscape. This change is also more pronounced in Canada compared to the neighboring U.S., where regulatory developments tend to be more sector-specific, rather than a sweeping influence across multiple industries.
Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates has emerged as a crucial area in Canadian law, experiencing a 70% growth in honorees in The Best Lawyers in Canada. This rise is largely fueled by the aging population in Canada, which has led to an increased focus on wealth transfer and estate planning.
The complexities of tax laws and the regulations governing estates require deep expertise in this field, making Trusts and Estates one of the fastest-growing areas for legal professionals.
This trend aligns with those seen in the U.S., where similar demographic shifts are driving demand, but Canada’s unique tax structures and estate laws create additional complexities that set it apart.
Corporate and Commercial Litigation
The scene of Corporate and Commercial Litigation has evolved considerably, with a 58% increase in recognized lawyers in the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada. This growth is driven by a heightened focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues.
New regulatory requirements introduced by the Canadian Securities Administrators have placed companies under greater scrutiny, resulting in a rise in litigation. While ESG-related litigation is still emerging in the neighboring U.S., Canada’s rapid regulatory developments have led to a more immediate demand for expertise in this area.
This added scrutiny coincides with an uptick in balance sheet and ESG-related shareholder activism. As a result, 33% of Canadian respondents to a Norton Rose Fulbright survey expect to see more ESG-related litigation in the coming year, compared to 26% of U.S.-based respondents.
Corporate Law
Both The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada have seen Corporate Law gaining momentum, with a 49% growth in the former and a remarkable 539% surge in the latter. This significant expansion reflects the growing intricacies of corporate governance and the demands of compliance.
The rise in cross-border transactions, especially between Canada and the United States, has heightened the need for legal professionals with expertise in international corporate law. The evolving regulatory environment and a stronger emphasis on corporate social responsibility are further driving this trend.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
The area of Mergers and Acquisitions Law has been particularly dynamic, with a 67% increase in honorees. This growth is closely linked to the surge in mergers and acquisitions activity, both domestically and internationally.
Canadian companies are increasingly looking to expand their reach through strategic acquisitions, driven by global economic conditions. The focus on sustainable investment practices and the growing internationalization of Canadian firms have made Mergers and Acquisitions legal expertise increasingly critical.
Advancing Gender Diversity in Canadian Law
The 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada showcase a significant shift toward gender diversity in the legal profession, with more women being recognized across a variety of practice areas. This evolution reflects broader societal changes, as women continue to play an increasingly pivotal role in the legal field.
Practice Areas with Equal Gender Participation
Several practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Canada are approaching a balanced gender distribution, highlighting the increasing participation of women in these domains:
- Education Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice
- Trusts and Estates
Fields Where Women Lead
Some practice areas in The Best Lawyers in Canada now feature women comprising over 54% of the professionals, signaling a change in gender representation.
- Health Care Law
- Charities / Non-Profit Law
- Family Law
Emerging Areas with Rapid Growth in Women's Representation
Over the past year, the following practice areas have also emerged as significant fields for women, with representation increasing by more than 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 balanced gender representation for 2025 include:
- Banking and Finance Law
- Tax Law
- Class Action Litigation
Geographic Legal Hubs
Analyzing the geographic distribution of the awarded lawyers across Canada offers a deeper understanding of where legal expertise thrives, highlighting the regions that serve as the country’s primary legal powerhouses.
Canada's Leading Legal Centers
Toronto remains the most significant legal hub in Canada, with 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 heart, where many top law firms and corporate headquarters are based, Toronto solidifies its position as a central player in the legal industry.
Vancouver and Montréal also feature prominently, with 1,227 and 1,217 honorees respectively in The Best Lawyers in Canada. These cities are vital centers for legal work in areas such as corporate law, litigation and real estate, reflecting their status as key economic and cultural hubs in Canada.
Calgary and Ottawa also emerge as important legal centers, particularly in areas related to energy law, government relations and regulatory work.
Celebrating Talent in Every Corner
While the concentration of legal activity naturally gravitates toward major urban centers, our awards extend beyond these hubs, recognizing excellence across 26 metro areas for The Best Lawyers in Canada and 21 metro areas for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.
This wide-ranging recognition highlights not only the legal talent in central cities but also the exceptional work being done in smaller regions. By celebrating achievements across the country, we ensure that outstanding legal professionals are acknowledged no matter where they practice.
Honoring the Pinnacle of Legal Excellence in Canada
The 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada are not just a reflection of personal achievement—they are a celebration of the collective dedication and brilliance that defines Canada’s legal profession. This year's honorees have set new benchmarks in their fields, embodying the integrity, expertise and resilience that continue to elevate the standard of justice across the nation.
At Best Lawyers, our mission is to continue shining a spotlight on those who not only excel in their practice but also inspire others through their unwavering commitment to justice. These awards are a testament to the vibrant legal community in Canada, where excellence is not just recognized, but celebrated.
Join the Celebration: Meet the 2025 Honorees
The 2025 print publication of Best Lawyers in Canada, set to release this December, will showcase all recognized lawyers from both The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.
In the meantime, we invite you to explore the honorees online today and discover which of Canada’s top legal minds were recognized this year. Whether you're a peer or seeking legal expertise, visit our Find a Lawyer page to explore the leaders shaping Canadian law.
Publication Statistics
Top Metro Areas in The Best Lawyers in Canada by Number of Awarded Lawyers:
- Toronto
- Vancouver
- Montréal
Top 5 Practice Areas by Number of Recognized The Best Lawyers in Canada Honorees:
- Corporate and Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Labour and Employment Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Real Estate Law
Top 5 Practice Areas by Number of Recognized Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada Honorees:
- Corporate and Commercial Litigation
- Corporate Law
- Labour and Employment Law
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Real Estate Law
Top 10 Practice Areas Searched for on www.bestlawyers.com:
- Family Law
- Labour and Employment Law
- Immigration Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Real Estate
- Criminal Defence
- Corporate Law
- Personal Injury Litigation
- Insurance Law
- Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Discover the 2025 edition honorees from The Best Lawyers in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada. Visit our Find a Lawyer in Canada page and filter by location and specialty. Explore our Find a Lawyer page for additional legal expertise and resources worldwide.
