Insight

The 2021 Best Lawyers in Canada

Featuring the top legal talent in Canada.

Best Lawyers Canada 2021 Homepage Image
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

December 10, 2020 12:30 AM

The 2021 Canada's Best Lawyers publication features the full results of our nationwide research initiative in print and includes more than 6,000 of the region's top-ranked legal talent.

Our cover story delves into new legislation in Quebec banning religious symbols on public servants who are new hires or personnel who have changed jobs within an organization. We invited four of the country's leading worker's compensation and labour and employment lawyers to weigh in on the nuances of the debate surrounding this law.

In addition to the nationwide lawyer recognitions, the publication acknowledges both firms and lawyers who received exceptional praise from their industry peers in our "Law Firm of the Year" and "Lawyer of the Year" spotlights. This year, Alice Tseng, the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year" in Toronto for Cannabis Law talks about her experience representing clients in the growing pharmaceutical, cannabis, food, medical devices, and cosmetic industries.

Read the full issue:

Are you looking for a lawyer in Canada? Access our online database to find a lawyer in your area.

Related Articles

Canadian Women in the Legal Profession: From Non-‘Persons’ to Chief Justices


by Sara Collin

We take an in-depth look at the challenges and optimistic future of women in the Canadian legal sector.

Canadian Women in the Legal Profession

The Inaugural Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada


by Justin Smulison

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada's inaugural edition is here. We talk with Kristen Greer, Best Lawyers Senior Research Manager, on the prestige of these awards.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2022

2021 Best Lawyers International


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent from around the globe.

Best Lawyers International 2021

The 2021 "Law Firm of the Year" Awards in Canada


by Best Lawyers

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 "Law Firm of the Year" awards in Canada.

2021 Law Firm of the Year Awards in Canada

The Buyout Brigade


by Best Lawyers

Neill May, John Connon, and David Matlow discuss what’s ahead for private equity—and why dealmakers of all stripes have more leverage than ever.

An Interview With Goodmans

Leading the Evolution in Workplace Law


by Best Lawyers

Colin G.M. Gibson discusses workplace safety, issues such as raising the minimum wage, and job-protected leaves. 

An Interview With Harris & Company

What the Seller-Friendly Market Means for Private Equity


by Best Lawyers

JP Bogden and Kurt Sarno of 2019 Canadian "Law Firm of the Year" award-winner Blakes discuss trends in the private equity sector.

Blakes 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" Interview

Davies Points to “Groupthink” as Contributor to Industry Stagnation


by Best Lawyers

The 2019 Canaidan "Law Firm of the Year" honoree for Competitions/Antitrust Law shares the keys to their success.

Davies "Law Firm of the Year" Q&A

Gowling WLG Attorneys Discuss Aboriginal Law in Canada


by Best Lawyers

Gowling WLG won the 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" award for Aboriginal Law in Canada.

Gowling WLG "Law Firm of the Year" Q&A

Fasken Attorneys on Their 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" Award Win


by Best Lawyers

Lawyers from the Canadian firm discus their employment law practice and the changes coming to the Canadain legal market.

Fasken Law Firm of the Year Q&A

IN PARTNERSHIP

From Allegations to Action: Navigating Legal Options for Sexual Abuse Survivors


by Wagners Law Firm

All too often, instances of sexual abuse occur within an institutional environment. Read more to find out what to do in cases of sexual and institutional abuse.

Animated woman sits with her eyes closed

IN PARTNERSHIP

How Long Can You Stay on Long-Term Disability (LTD)?


by Yegendorf Rashid Long-Term Disability Lawyers

Canadian-based firm Yegendorf Rashid break down the intricacies of long-term disability benefits and how to navigate the complex legality that comes with it.

Silhouettes of different people with disabilities

IN PARTNERSHIP

How to Protect Your Inheritance from Divorce in Ontario


by Usman Sadiq

One lawyer in Canada explains that, although division of assets does not always have to be evenly split, it should be fair, and inheritance is no exception.

Small grey house with red roof under large red umbrella on blue background

IN PARTNERSHIP

Sexual Misconduct Investigations at Work


by Carley Reynolds

Lawyer Carley Reynolds explains how to navigate sexual misconduct allegations at work and offers advice and guidance for those who have been falsely accused.

Woman in yellow shirt talking with man in blue shirt at desk

IN PARTNERSHIP

Breaking Down Criminal Conviction in Canada


by Mass Tsang

Statistics Canada’s annual breakdown of adult criminal court data provides an eye-opening review of how the country’s court system resolves its hundreds of thousands of cases annually.

Canada's Criminal Court Patterns Are Changing

A Celebration of Excellence: The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 Awards


by Best Lawyers

As we embark on the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are excited to highlight excellence and top legal talent across the country.

Abstract image of red and white Canada flag in triangles

Trending Articles

Presenting The Best Lawyers in Australia™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to present The Best Lawyers in Australia for 2025, marking the 17th consecutive year of Best Lawyers awards in Australia.

Australia flag over outline of country

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

How To Find A Pro Bono Lawyer


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers dives into the vital role pro bono lawyers play in ensuring access to justice for all and the transformative impact they have on communities.

Hands joined around a table with phone, paper, pen and glasses

How Palworld Is Testing the Limits of Nintendo’s Legal Power


by Gregory Sirico

Many are calling the new game Palworld “Pokémon GO with guns,” noting the games striking similarities. Experts speculate how Nintendo could take legal action.

Animated figures with guns stand on top of creatures

Announcing The Best Lawyers in New Zealand™ 2025 Awards


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is announcing the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in New Zealand for 2025, including individual Best Lawyers and "Lawyer of the Year" awards.

New Zealand flag over image of country outline

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Announcing The Best Lawyers in Japan™ 2025


by Best Lawyers

For a milestone 15th edition, Best Lawyers is proud to announce The Best Lawyers in Japan.

Japan flag over outline of country

The Best Lawyers in Singapore™ 2025 Edition


by Best Lawyers

For 2025, Best Lawyers presents the most esteemed awards for lawyers and law firms in Singapore.

Singapore flag over outline of country

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

How Much Is a Lawyer Consultation Fee?


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers breaks down the key differences between consultation and retainer fees when hiring an attorney, a crucial first step in the legal process.

Client consulting with lawyer wearing a suit

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers’ Compensation Legal Guide


by Best Lawyers

The 2024 Best Lawyers Employment and Workers' Compensation Legal Guide provides exclusive access to all Best Lawyers awards in related practice areas. Read below and explore the legal guide.

Illustration of several men and women in shades of orange and teal

Things to Do Before a Car Accident Happens to You


by Ellie Shaffer

In a car accident, certain things are beyond the point of no return, while some are well within an individual's control. Here's how to stay legally prepared.

Car dashcam recording street ahead

Combating Nuclear Verdicts: Empirically Supported Strategies to Deflate the Effects of Anchoring Bias


by Sloan L. Abernathy

Sometimes a verdict can be the difference between amicability and nuclear level developments. But what is anchoring bias and how can strategy combat this?

Lawyer speaking in courtroom with crowd and judge in the foreground

The Push and Pitfalls of New York’s Attempt to Expand Wrongful Death Recovery


by Elizabeth M. Midgley and V. Christopher Potenza

The New York State Legislature recently went about updating certain wrongful death provisions and how they can be carried out in the future. Here's the latest.

Red tape blocking off a section of street

Attacked From All Sides: What Is Happening in the World of Restrictive Covenants?


by Christine Bestor Townsend

One employment lawyer explains how companies can navigate challenges of federal and state governmental scrutiny on restrictive covenant agreements.

Illustration of two men pulling on string with blue door between them