Last year's winners exemplify the breadth, diversity and commitment to justice of lawyers nationwide
Every year, Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list sparks conversation – and rightly so. It’s more than just a roll call of high achievers; it’s a snapshot of the legal profession’s impact on the issues that matter most to Canadians.
What defines “influence” in law? It’s not just about arguing a landmark case or landing a seat at a high-powered boardroom table – although those accomplishments certainly matter. It’s about shifting conversations, shaping policy, and changing systems. It's about impact, here and now.
Last year’s winners exemplify this in extraordinary ways.
Take Devin Persaud, who, as president of the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto, led his organization through a time when the legal profession was facing a critical reckoning on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Under his leadership, SABA was instrumental in providing a platform for racialized lawyers, while also pushing forward policy and institutional reform.
Or consider Carol Liao, whose academic work is bridging the divide between corporate law and climate accountability. Liao doesn’t just write about sustainable governance – she helps shape the very frameworks companies are now grappling with as ESG pressures grow.
Fiona Wong, meanwhile, combines frontline advocacy in employment law with mentorship and systemic change. Wong’s dedication to supporting racialized and newcomer lawyers while also tackling workplace inequities highlights the multidimensional nature of legal influence today.
Justice Fred Myers of the Ontario Superior Court has broken new ground by speaking openly about his mental health journey. His candour from the bench has helped destigmatize mental health struggles in the legal community – a courageous act with far-reaching influence.
Others, like May Cheng, have led by example in redefining what a successful legal career looks like. Cheng, a respected IP lawyer, left Bay Street to build a practice that prioritizes flexibility, values-driven work, and mentorship – especially for women and racialized lawyers.
We also recognized lawyers whose influence is shaping both legal culture and jurisprudence:
David Luther, drove major reforms that eliminated a significant appeals backlog at WorkSafeNB;
Allan Ritchie, has reshaped what leadership looks like in Canada’s legal profession, spearheading one of the country’s largest law firm mergers;
Justice Leonard Tony Mandamin, whose advocacy for Indigenous justice continues to shape Canadian jurisprudence;
and Joven Narwal, whose high-profile defence work and leadership in legal education have had a national impact.
These individuals didn’t wait for the spotlight – their peers saw the difference they were making and put their names forward.
Now, it’s your turn.
Nominations are officially open for the 2025 Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list. This is your chance to recognize a colleague, mentor, or changemaker whose work over the past 18 months has shaped our profession or society more broadly.
We’re looking for those whose influence has been felt in courtrooms and boardrooms, in public policy and academic thought, in access to justice and in community leadership – in Canada and beyond.
Remember: this isn’t a lifetime achievement award. It’s about recent accomplishments. The deadline for nominations is April 18, and after that, the public will have a chance to vote from April 28 to May 16. The final list will be curated with input from our editorial board.
So, think about the lawyers in your network who are quietly – or boldly – making a difference. Shine a light on them.
