Best Lawyers in Canada for Trusts and Estates

Robert Martini is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates . Robert, who practices law in Markham, Ontario, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Navigating legal matters involving the death or incapacity of a loved one is an emotionally-charged experience, which many clients find difficult. For a decade, clients have entrusted Gordon to guide them through their estates and trusts disputes with practical advice, sound strategy, and unwavering support throughout the process. Whether client matters are ultimately resolved through negotiations or in the courtroom, Gordon knows that preparation and positioning from the outset are critical ...

Riley Burr's practice largely focuses on commercial tax work. Riley also advises clients on GST, PST and property transfer tax issues in the corporate, charitable and real estate sectors, both in structuring designed to minimize taxes as well as in handling administrative appeals, ruling requests and voluntary disclosures relating to such taxes. Riley also works with high-net-worth individuals with significant private company interests in a wide variety of industries to structure their affair...

Thierry joined Martel Cantin's team in the summer of 2004 and began his articling at the Bar. He interrupted this internship to obtain a Master's degree in taxation from the University of Sherbrooke in 2006. He was sworn in in 2007 and has been working at Martel Cantin since then. Mr. Thierry is a recognized expert in Canadian taxation and corporate law. His expertise is focused on serving small and medium-sized businesses in Québec and their managers with the objective of optimizing t...

Lucy E. Main advises Canadian and international clients on a wide range of estate and trust matters, including drafting estate planning documents, establishing private charitable foundations for individuals and families, helping with the administration of estates, assisting in the setting up and maintenance of trusts and providing support to litigators in contentious matters. In 2016 she was awarded the Hoffstein Book Prize by the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) for her contributions to these a...

François Giroux is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. François, who practices law in Montréal, Quebec, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which François is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Nikki is a partner in the McKercher LLP Saskatoon office where she assists numerous clients with finance, commercial land transactions and general business matters. Nikki has assisted numerous clients with finance, commercial (non-First Nations and First Nations) land transactions and general business matters. This work includes: commercial lending and financing arrangements, including private placements and public offerings; purchase, sale, leasing and development of real property including ...

Jules Charette practises tax law. He regularly advises businesses, developers, public bodies and financial institutions on the tax aspects of financings, mergers and acquisitions, reorganizations, executive compensation and international transactions. Mr. Charette also represents taxpayers in disputes with the tax authorities. In addition, he advises individuals on estate planning, which has led him to develop expertise in trusts and estates. Mr. Charette is co-chair of our Canadian tax team ...

Aaron Pearl is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Aaron, who practices law in Vancouver, British Columbia, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aaron is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Rick Breen is a highly-experienced lawyer assisting his clients with practical advice on structuring their corporate and personal matters. He has worked with owner managers to establish, grow and ultimately transition businesses for over 20 years. Additionally, Rick’s experience with personal planning allows him to ensure the personal affairs of his clients are in order. Rick provides pragmatic advice and counsel in acting for owner managers and their families to address risk and planni...

Scott Boucher focuses his practice on commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on trusts and estate disputes, as well as insolvency and restructuring matters. He advises clients on a broad range of issues, including wills variation and validity claims, elder law and capacity matters, receiverships, CCAA and bankruptcy proceedings, foreclosures, and contract, corporate, and property disputes. He has appeared before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, the British Columbia Court of App...

Martina Zanetti is a lawyer on our private wealth, trusts and estates team. Her practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration, and incapacity matters. Martina assists clients with preparing wills, powers of attorney and healthcare representation agreements, as well as the documentation required to establish and fund discretionary family trusts, alter ego trusts, joint partner trusts and other trust structures. She possesses a strong base in family law, which she utilizes to assis...

Tim advises clients on estate management, wealth preservation, business succession, and corporate law. His practice focuses on developing tailored estate and succession plans that support long-term personal and business goals, often involving complex cross-border considerations. Working closely with U.S. legal and tax specialists, Tim regularly assists Canadians with U.S.-based estate planning and Americans with their Canadian-based estate planning. He also has specialized experience in life ...

Adam began his legal career articling with a law firm on Bay Street. After articling, Adam worked with several boutique firms, initially working more broadly in the civil litigation field, then narrowing his focus to estates litigation, planning, and administration. As well as estates matters, Adam also practices immigration law, specifically focused on inadmissibility and enforcement issues in Canada. Adam obtained a B.A. (honours) from York University, then his J.D. from the University of W...

Kay Leung is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Kay, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Darlene N. Wingerak, K.C. is a partner with Robertson Stromberg who maintains a general practice including corporate and commercial transactions, employment law, wills and estates, and acting as a mediator and adjudicator. Darlene obtained a Bachelor of Law degree (with distinction) in 1992, achieving the highest standing on the Saskatchewan bar exam in 1993 and receiving the Academic Excellence Award. Prior to attending law school Darlene earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Univers...