Best Lawyers in Canada for Trusts and Estates

Crista provides sophisticated and practical legal guidance for clients and their families as they navigate life’s transitions. Her creative solutions address both legal and personal matters, leaving her clients feeling confident, informed, and in control of their futures. The leader of the firm’s estate, trust and taxation practice groups, Crista is a trusted advisor in matters of estate planning, administration, trusts and estate litigation. She was recognized in 2020 as one of C...

Howard Morry is the Executive Chair of Morrys. He is recognized for his expertise, experience, and integrity by a number of rating agencies, including Who’s Who in the World, LexisNexis Martindale-Hubbell, and Best Lawyers. Howard is also a published author and has chaired and spoken at numerous conferences over the years. He has also served on the Boards of a number of groups, including the Canadian Tax Foundation and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. Howard is a Governor o...

Rick Bickhram is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Rick, who practices law in Mississauga, Ontario, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Rick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David R. Schlesinger is a top lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. David R., who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. David has extensive experience advising clients on taxation matters in: corporate reorganizations, mergers a...

Estate planning and administration can often put individuals in positions where they are required to make difficult decisions. Michael is passionate about helping individuals work through their options by simplifying complex legal principles to ensure that the decisions they do make are well-informed ones. Michael can also analyze all sides of a sensitive situation to identify effective options for advancing our clients’ interests. Services Trusts Wills Business succession Estate and Tr...

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

Debra Stephens is Counsel to WEL Partners and practices exclusively in the following areas: Passing of Accounts, Guardianship, Fiduciary appointments and representation, Estate administration and Mediation. She was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1982. Her practice initially focused on family, estate, trust and guardianship issues. Since 1998 she has specialized in estate litigation, administration and planning. Debra has worked in private legal practice for most of her career. Prior to joini...

Joseph Yurkovich is a native Edmontonian and a corporate tax lawyer focusing on M&A and tax efficient structures, including limited partnerships with pension investors. Over 40 years of practice, he has assisted drafting of Alberta legislation for ULCs, other corporate law issues and automobile vicarious liability, and advised clients on corporate governance issues, successful take-over bid and shareholder proposals. Apart from his secondment to the tax group of an international accountin...

Maya’s clients benefit not only from her experience and skill, but also the thoughtfulness she brings to her practice. As an estate lawyer, Maya helps individuals and families craft comprehensive estate plans. This involves preparing Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives, and where necessary preparing additional documents including family trusts. She also works with executors, administrators and trust companies with estate administration duties, with the goal of bri...

Emily Hubling assists clients in fulfilling their unique estate-planning and wealth management objectives, through the use of Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Domestic Contracts. Emily works closely with clients’ advisors to provide a holistic approach to planning. Emily also has experience in advising estate trustees in administering a range of complex estate matters, including intestacies, cross-border matters, and contested estates. Emily is an active member of the Toronto Esta...

Lou-Anne Farrell joined Harrison Pensa as Counsel in 2022 to help build our Estate Litigation practice. She has been practicing in the Estate Litigation field for over 35 years. Her practice includes will challenges, spousal and dependent’s claims, removal of executors and contested estate audits, as well as Power of Attorney litigation, capacity litigation, the appointment of guardians, and Breach of Trust claims. Her expertise in this field is recognized locally and throughout the pro...

Jennifer Searle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Jennifer, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jennifer is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pierre-Paul Persico is a partner in the tax group at our Montreal office. With extensive experience in tax law, he provides advice and representation in several key areas, including corporate reorganizations and estates, trust creation and estate planning, including post-mortem strategies. Pierre-Paul's prominent ability to give strategic tax advice has attracted his diverse client base, which includes businesses, professionals and high-net-worth individuals. With his in-depth understanding o...

Robert Korne 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 Montréal, Quebec, has been recognized since 2020. 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.

Kenton L. Fast is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Leasing Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Kenton L., who practices law in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been recognized since 2015. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kenton L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Susan Fincher-Stoll is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Susan, who practices law in London, Ontario, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.