Insight

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2023

The year 2023 marks the second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, highlighting professionals earlier in their legal careers all across Canada.

Blue background with white stairs formed out of lines
Best Lawyers

Written by Best Lawyers

Published: August 24, 2022

After the success and warm reception of the inaugural Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ last year, in which lawyers recognized the up-and-coming talent of their peers, we are proud to announce the second edition for 2023.

Related: The Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2023 Awards

2023: How We Grew in Year Two

The second edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada awards 810 lawyers in 39 practice areas. These awarded lawyers span 14 metropolitan areas and 135 firms across the country.

Blue logos with black text

Out of the 39 practice areas for which lawyers were recognized, these five have the most awarded lawyers: Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Labor and Employment Law.

The methodology for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada is the same as that of The Best Lawyers in Canada, dependent entirely on a nomination and peer-review process. To be eligible for Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, lawyers must be in private practice and have a tenure of three to eight years.

Best Lawyers Senior Research Manager Kristen Greer explained more about the initial decision to expand “Ones to Watch” to Canada and the evolution of the recognitions this year, stating: “We had aimed to expand the scope of research, but we were certainly bolstered by firm and client interest. Any time we can help lawyers and clients to connect, we want to pursue that.”

“Ones to Watch” honors give senior associates and up-and-coming lawyers the opportunity to expand their digital reach through our awards. Lawyers are encouraged to tout the inclusion of themselves and their colleagues, as the purely-peer-reviewed methodology speaks to how their fellow lawyers have identified their professional work as elite and esteemed.

Though often recognized for their years of work leading to partner level, it’s important to remember that lawyers newer to the field are recently stepping in after an arduous tenure in law school, internships and tutelage to prepare for their legal careers. Many are already making momentous strides in their careers, and “Ones to Watch” recognitions highlight such lawyers with our awards.

Where We Go From Here

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch exists in 10 countries currently, and we are aiming for more in the years to come. But these awards will always be rooted in countries like Canada, which was pivotal in our expansion of such recognitions. Canada continues to share a wealth of legal talent each year, further bolstering our cause to honor lawyers at all stages of their careers. As the legal world continues to expand, grow and prosper, so too will Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Search Best Lawyers to connect with recognized legal professionals across Canada.

Headline Image: stock/SiberianArt

Lawyers in Columbus, Ohio

Trending Articles

The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids


by Bryan Driscoll

Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?

family law surrogacy adoption headline

Recognizing Legal Leaders: The 2027 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan and Singapore


by Jamilla Tabbara

Market drivers, diversity trends and the elite practitioners shaping the legal landscape.

Illustrated maps of Australia, Japan and Singapore displayed with their national flags, representing

Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies


by Bryan Driscoll

Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.

Stack of money wrapped in a festive bow, symbolizing holiday pay

Can a Green Card Be Revoked?


by Bryan Driscoll

Revocation requires a legal basis, notice and the chance to respond before status can be taken away.

Close-up of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card showing the text 'PERMANENT RESIDENT'

New Texas Family Laws Transform Navigating Divorce, Custody


by Bryan Driscoll

Reforms are sweeping, philosophically distinct and designed to change the way families operate.

definition of family headline

How Far Back Can the IRS Audit You?


by Bryan Driscoll

Clear answers on IRS statutes of limitations, recordkeeping and what to do if you are under review.

Gloved hand holding a spread of one-hundred-dollar bills near an IRS tax document

US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory


by Bryan Driscoll

The message is clear: There is no returning to pre-2025 normalcy.

US Tariff Uncertainty Throws Canada Into Legal Purgatory headline

Can You File Bankruptcy on Credit Cards


by Bryan Driscoll

Understanding your options for relief from overwhelming debt.

Red credit card on point-of-sale terminal representing credit card debt

Musk v. Altman: The Lawyers Behind the Case


by Jamilla Tabbara

Meet the Trial Lawyers Shaping One of AI's Biggest Legal Disputes.

Portrait photos of Elon Musk and Sam Altman positioned in front of the OpenAI logo.

How AI Is Changing the Way Clients Find Lawyers


by Jamilla Tabbara

Best Lawyers CEO Phil Greer explains how AI-driven search tools are reshaping legal marketing and why credibility markers matter.

AI chat bubble icon with stars representing artificial intelligence transforming client-lawyer conne

Colorado’s 2026 Water Rights Battles


by Bryan Driscoll

A new era of conflict begins.

Colorado Water Rights 2026: A New Era of Conflict headline

When Is It Too Late to Stop Foreclosure?


by Bryan Driscoll

Understanding the foreclosure timeline, critical deadlines and the legal options that may still protect your home.

Miniature house model on orange background surrounded by thumbtacks representing foreclosure

Can You Go to Jail at an Arraignment?


by Bryan Driscoll

Understanding What Happens at Your First Court Appearance.

A heavy chain lying on the ground in the foreground with a blurred figure standing in the background

What’s the Difference Between DUI and DWI?


by Bryan Driscoll

Understanding the terminology and consequences of impaired driving charges.

Driver during nighttime police traffic stop with officer's flashlight shining through car window

Canadian Firms Explore AI, But Few Fully Embrace the Shift


by David L. Brown

BLF survey reveals caution despite momentum.

Canadian Firms Explore AI, But Few Fully Embrace the Shift headline

The Legal Teams Behind the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni Settlement


by Grace Greer

A closer look at the legal teams and attorneys involved in the Blake Lively–Justin Baldoni litigation and its resolution.

Split-screen image of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni