There are just two weeks left to nominate for the 2025 Lexpert Rising Stars awards
Every year, the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards: Leading Lawyers 40 and Under offers our legal community the opportunity to recognize the next generation of excellence in the profession. And with just two weeks left to nominate for the 2025 awards, I want to issue a direct call to action: if there is a young lawyer in your orbit who is driving innovation, leading with integrity, and shaping the future of legal practice – now is the time to shine a spotlight on them.
Whether you’re at a large national firm, an in-house department, a regional practice, or a not-for-profit legal organization, you know who these individuals are. They’re the associates who consistently go the extra mile, the junior partners who’ve already closed headline-making deals, or the counsel whose community work is as impactful as their courtroom advocacy. They are the lawyers who show us what the future of law in Canada looks like – and that future is bright.
Since its inception, the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards have honoured diversity in every sense: of geography, of background, of practice area. Last year’s winners included leaders in M&A, Indigenous law, technology, and access to justice. You can explore the full list of 2024 Rising Stars winners here. As one honouree, Shelan Markus, put it, “To win this award is to know that the legal community really cares.” That sense of recognition matters – and it has ripple effects, not only on the careers of those awarded, but also on the cultures of the firms and organizations they represent.
Importantly, this award isn’t just about technical skill. As our 2024 judges emphasized, we’re looking for lawyers who demonstrate leadership beyond billable hours: through mentorship, publications, speaking engagements, pro bono initiatives, and community impact. It’s about a lawyer’s whole contribution, both within and beyond the office walls. Read more reflections from past winners in our feature coverage and our 2024 gala recap.
We also know the nomination process can feel daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. There is no fee to nominate, and the online form is straightforward. You can find it on the Lexpert Rising Stars website. Nominations are open until July 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
I encourage managing partners, general counsel, and senior leaders to think broadly and inclusively when considering nominees. As one judge last year aptly stated, “Practitioners from large firms will always be well represented, but I make a conscious effort to look beyond that group as well.” Let’s make sure that lawyers from all corners of the profession see themselves reflected in this recognition.
The winners will be announced at our gala event on November 20, 2025, at Toronto’s Liberty Grand. It’s a night of inspiration, celebration, and community – and for the honourees, a career-defining moment.
Let’s not miss the chance to recognize those who are pushing boundaries, building bridges, and setting new standards. Submit your nominations now, and help us continue to elevate the exceptional talent shaping Canada’s legal future.
