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The Canadian Law Awards 2025

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Recognizing resilience, innovation, and impact:
highlights from the 2025 Canadian Law Awards

The Canadian legal profession came together on May 7, 2025, for a night that honoured exceptional achievement and illuminated the future of legal excellence. Held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s Constitution Hall, the sixth annual Canadian Law Awards celebrated the leaders, teams, firms, and transactions that have defined Canada’s legal landscape over the past year.

Presented by Canadian Lawyer, Lexpert, and InHouse, the event recognized brilliance across 28 award categories, spanning landmark deals, complex disputes, forward-thinking innovation, and transformative leadership. Hosted by CP24’s Jennifer Hsiung, the gala featured live entertainment from Soulfire, aerial performances by Alexandra LeGendre and Eman Hillawi, and a mesmerizing act by Bella Magic – creating a night to remember for legal professionals from across the country.

Key Media extends its sincere gratitude to this year’s sponsors: Event Partner LEAP Legal Software, along with Dye & Durham, PwC, Lawson Lundell LLP, Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, GoVeyance, Stockwoods LLP, Bergeron Clifford LLP, Canadian National Railway Company, and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers.

A historic performance from RBC

The night’s most-decorated honouree was the Royal Bank of Canada, which received three of the evening’s top awards:

  • Canadian Law Department of the Year
     

  • Banking & Financial Services Law Department of the Year
     

  • M&A Deal of the Year for its $13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada
     

This historic transaction – the largest banking deal in Canadian history – was a masterclass in legal strategy, regulatory navigation, and execution under pressure.

“It seemed like an impossible task,” recalled Tracy Ross, RBC’s senior vice president and deputy general counsel. “We had more than 60 members of the law group working in shifts across four days – and we made it happen.”

The award-winning effort demonstrated the power of in-house teams to lead transformational change. “It was great recognition for everyone – including those not on the deal – who kept the bank running through it all,” Ross added.

TC Energy: coordinated excellence in capital markets and infrastructure

TC Energy Corporation also emerged as a standout, winning both the Capital Markets Deal of the Year and the Construction, Infrastructure & Transportation Law Department of the Year.

Their $7.9 billion notes offering, which laid the groundwork for the spin-off of its liquids pipeline business into South Bow Corporation, was described as one of the most intricate capital markets transactions in Canadian history.

“We’ve never seen anything like it,” said Michael Barrett, partner at Blakes. “It involved simultaneous execution of Canada’s largest bond offerings and extensive cross-border, tax, and securities coordination.”

The project was lauded not only for its technical excellence but also for the collaboration it exemplified. “What made it work was front-end planning, a shared vision, and treating our client like true partners,” Barrett explained.

Their legal department was recognized equally for internal leadership and operational execution. “As leaders in construction and infrastructure law, we are proud to support and celebrate outstanding in-house legal teams in construction, infrastructure, and transportation,” said Sharon Vogel, co-managing partner at Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP. “Congratulations to the TC Energy Corporation team on their well-deserved recognition.”

Passion-driven legal work

Not every honouree came from big-ticket corporate deals. Some victories were powered by purpose, passion, and volunteer commitment.

Gowling WLG received Pro Bono Initiative of the Year for Operation Abraham, supporting Afghan allies fleeing the Taliban. “The law gives us a foundation to improve the lives of others,” said Lewis Retik, partner at Gowling.

Enbridge was awarded for its Canadian Legal Mentorship Program. “This is work we do on weekends and after hours,” said Luanda Campbell. “To have it validated like this means the world to our team.”

Torys LLP won the Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm, with Dustin Paterson reflecting on months of coordinated innovation: “It feels really gratifying. We focused on fundamentals – and it paid off.”

And Kathryn Daniels of CPP Investments, honoured as Female Trailblazer of the Year – Academia & In-House, summed up the spirit of the night: “It’s wonderful to see everyone here – and to celebrate how much hard work we all do.”

Trusted process, distinguished judging

Nearly 200 nominations were reviewed by a diverse panel of more than 60 respected legal leaders from across Canada. Their deep industry insight, integrity, and professionalism ensured that each award reflected not only past performance but also promise for future leadership.

Looking ahead

The legal community isn’t just reacting to change – it’s shaping the future. The 2025 Canadian Law Awards underscored that Canada’s legal profession remains a cornerstone of innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership in business and society.

Congratulations to all this year’s winners and finalists. Your achievements continue to elevate the profession and inspire those who follow.

A word from our event partner
LEAP Legal Software is proud to be the Event Partner for the 2025 Canadian Law Awards. We are proud to join sponsors and attendees—and partner with Key Media in supporting this event—to celebrate the best achievements in the legal profession.

It is a great pleasure to present The LEAP Legal Software Award for Family Law Firm of the Year to a category of esteemed family law nominees whom we recognize for their vital contribution to society and the legal community; and The LEAP Legal Software Award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm to a thriving cohort of legal visionaries who are elevating the productivity and use of technology in the workplace to improve employee and client experiences.

From around the globe, LEAP’s software technology and commitment to legal practice innovation has been at the forefront of industry change for more than 30 years. Here in Canada, we want to create an environment that fosters innovation and provides law professionals with critical tools needed to run their practices efficiently and successfully.

LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice productivity solution and technology leader that enables law firms to streamline their processes while increasing productivity and profits. Now, LEAP is opening new doors for law firms to drive even more efficiency and enhance client experiences using responsible, generative AI solutions for all practice areas of law.

Malcolm Muthulingum
Chief Executive Officer - LEAP Legal Software Canada
Event highlights
Gallery
View the full photo gallery here.

Featured Awardees

AWARD CATEGORIES

Winners and Excellence Awardees

Capital Markets Deal of the Year  

WINNER

TC Energy Corporation’s C$7.9 billion notes offering for Liquids Pipelines business spinoff

Canadian Law Firms

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to TC Energy)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • White & Case LLP

 

Organizations

  • RBC Capital Markets
  • TC Energy Corporation

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Alimentation Couche-Tard’s concurrent US$1.5 billion and €1.35 billion notes offerings

Canadian Law Firms

  • Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (for the placing agents)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Alimentation Couche-Tard)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (for Alimentation Couche-Tard)
  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (for the placing agents)

 

Organizations

  • Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
  • J.P. Morgan
  • PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
  • Wells Fargo

 

Browning West’s victory in Gildan Activewear proxy campaign

Canadian Law Firms

  • Goodmans LLP (lead counsel to Browning West, LP)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Olshan Frome Wolosky LLP (US counsel to Browning West)

 

Canada’s C$4 billion 10-year Green Bond and additional C$2 billion reopening

Canadian Law Firm

  • BCF LLP (Government of Canada’s Translation Counsel)
  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (acted for the syndicate of underwriters)
  • Field Law (Government of Canada’s Local Counsel – NWT and Nunavut)
  • Macdonald and Company (Government of Canada’s Local Counsel – Yukon)
  • McMillan LLP (lead law firm – sole outside legal advisor to the Government of Canada)
  • MLT Aikins (Government of Canada’s Local Counsel – Saskatchewan and Manitoba)
  • Stewart McKelvey (Government of Canada’s Local Counsel – Atlantic Provinces)

 

Organizations

  • BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc. (underwriter)
  • Casgrain & Company Limited (underwriter)
  • CIBC World Markets Inc. (underwriter)
  • Desjardins Securities Inc. (underwriter)
  • Laurentian Bank Securities Inc.
  • Merrill Lynch Canada Inc. (underwriter)
  • National Bank Financial Inc. (underwriter)
  • RBC Dominion Securities Inc. (underwriter)
  • Scotia Capital Inc. (underwriter)
  • The Toronto-Dominion Bank (underwriter)
Infrastructure & Projects Deal of the Year  

WINNER

Coastal GasLink Pipeline Limited Partnership’s C$7.15 billion refinancing

Canadian Law Firms

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to Coastal GasLink Pipeline)
  • Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (counsel to Joint Lead Agents)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (counsel to KKR and AIMCo)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Mayer Brown LLP (US counsel to Coastal GasLink Pipeline)

 

Organizations

  • BMO Nesbitt Burns Inc.
  • CIBC World Markets Inc.
  • Merrill Lynch Canada Inc.
  • RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Fengate’s C$1.8 billion recapitalization transaction of eStruxture

Canadian Law Firms

  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (counsel to eStruxture)
  • Gowling WLG
  • Miller Thomson LLP (counsel to CDPQ)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (counsel to Fengate)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Kirkland & Ellis LLP (counsel to Fengate)

 

Organizations

  • Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
  • Campbell Lutyens
  • DH Capital
  • eStruxture Data Centers
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • KPMG
  • Leo Berwick

 

Surrey Langley SkyTrain’s C$5.996 billion project

Canadian Law Firms

  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (counsel to SkyLink Guideway Partners)
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP (counsel to the lenders to SkyLink Guideway Partners)
  • Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (counsel to the Province of British Columbia)

 

Weeneebayko Area Health Authority’s C$1.8 billion redevelopment

Canadian Law Firms

  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (legal advisor to Pomerleau Inc.)
  • Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (legal counsel to Infrastructure Ontario and the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (legal advisor to the lenders)

 

Organizations

  • Caixabank, S.A. (lender)
  • Fédération des Caisses Desjardins du Québec (lender)
  • Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Canada) (lender)
  • Pomerleau Inc. and its affiliates (Preferred Proponent, Dev Co, Project Co)
  • PwC (financial advisor to Pomerleau Inc.)
  • Royal Bank of Canada (lender)
Insolvency & Restructuring Deal of the Year  

WINNER

Tacora Resources Inc.’s restructuring under CCAA

Canadian Law Firms

  • Bennett Jones LLP (acted for the primary creditor group)
  • Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP (counsel to FTI Consulting Canada Inc.)
  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (counsel to CrossingBridge Advisors, LLC)
  • Goodmans LLP (counsel to Cargill, Incorporated and Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd.)
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP (counsel to the controlling shareholder on the Tacora CCAA process)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (lead counsel for Millstreet and OSP)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (counsel to the debtor, Tacora)

 

Organizations

  • Cargill, Incorporated
  • FTI Consulting Canada Inc.
  • GLC Advisors & Co. LLC
  • Greenhill & Co. Canada Ltd.
  • Jefferies LLC
  • Tacora Resources Inc.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Ayr Wellness cross-border cannabis restructuring

Canadian Law Firms

  • Goodmans LLP (Canadian counsel to the Plan Sponsors and Ad Hoc Committee)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (lead counsel to Ayr Wellness)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Paul Hastings LLP (US counsel to the Ad Hoc Committee of senior noteholders)
  • Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP (US counsel to Ayr Wellness)

 

Organizations

  • Ducera Partners (financial advisor to the Ad Hoc Committee)
  • Moelis & Company (financial advisor to Ayr Wellness)

 

Taiga Motors Corp. Inc.’s insolvency process

Canadian Law Firms

  • Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (counsel for Deloitte Restructuring)
  • Lavery de Billy LLP (counsel for the acquirer – Stewart Wilkinson)
  • Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (counsel to Taiga Motors)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (counsel to Export Development Canada)

 

Organizations:

  • Deloitte Restructuring Inc.
  • Ernst & Young Inc.

 

Xplore’s C$1.8 billion recapitalization

Canadian Law Firms

  • Bennett Jones LLP (for primary creditor group)
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners)
  • Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
  • Chaitons LLP (lead counsel to Amynta Surety Solutions)
  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (counsel to Xplore)
  • Goodmans LLP (lead counsel to Xplore Inc.)
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP (counsel to the Ad Hoc Committee of term lenders)
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (lead US counsel to Xplore)
  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (counsel to Stonepeak)

 

Organizations

  • Perella Weinberg Partners (lead financial advisor to Xplore)
  • FTI Consulting (financial advisor to Xplore)
  • Greenhill & Co. (financial advisor to the Ad Hoc Committee of term lenders)
M&A Deal of the Year  

WINNER

Royal Bank of Canada’s C$13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC Bank Canada

Canadian Law Firms

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to Royal Bank of Canada)
  • RBC Law Group (lead counsel to Royal Bank of Canada)
  • Miller Thomson LLP (counsel to HSBC Bank Canada board of directors)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (counsel to HSBC Global)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • A&O Sherman
  • Allen & Overy LLP (UK counsel to RBC)
  • Linklaters LLP (UK counsel to HSBC Global)
  • Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (US counsel to RBC)

 

Organizations

  • HSBC Global
  • Royal Bank of Canada

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Advent International, Philip Fayer, Novacap, and CDPQ’s US$6.3 billion joint acquisition of Nuvei Corporation

Canadian Law Firms

  • Bennett Jones LLP (for BMO Capital Markets)
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (for Advent International)
  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (for Novacap)
  • Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP (for Novacap)
  • Goodmans LLP (for TD Securities)
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP (for CDPQ)
  • Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP (for Special Committee of Nuvei Corporation)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (for Philip Fayer)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (for Nuvei)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
  • Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  • Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  • Mayer Brown LLP
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
  • Ropes & Gray LLP
  • Schulte Roth & Zabel LLP
  • Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP

 

Organizations

  • Advent International
  • Nuvei Corporation

 

Blackstone Real Estate’s C$5 billion acquisition of Tricon Residential

Canadian Law Firms

  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP (counsel to Blackstone)
  • Goodmans LLP (lead counsel to Tricon Residential Inc.)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (Canadian counsel to the Special Committee of Tricon Residential)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (US counsel to Tricon)
  • Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP (counsel to Blackstone)

 

Canadian Natural Resources Limited’s US$6.5 billion acquisition of Chevron’s Alberta assets

Canadian Law Firms

  • Bennett Jones LLP (lead counsel to Canadian Natural Resources)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (counsel to Chevron)

 

Chord Energy and Enerplus C$11 billion merger

Canadian Law Firms

  • Goodmans LLP (counsel to Chord Energy Corporation)
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to Enerplus)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Latham & Watkins LLP
  • Vinson & Elkins LLP (co-lead counsel to Chord Energy)
  • Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz (co-lead counsel to Chord Energy)

 

Glencore’s C$9.93 billion acquisition of Teck Resources Limited

Canadian Law Firms

  • Bennett Jones LLP (counsel to Nippon Steel)
  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to the Special Committee of Teck Resources Limited)
  • Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
  • Felesky Flynn LLP (counsel to Teck Resources Limited)
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP (counsel to Glencore plc)
  • Stikeman Elliott LLP (counsel to Teck Resources Limited)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Covington & Burling LLP
  • Linklaters LLP
  • Norton Rose Fulbright
  • Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP (counsel to Teck)
  • Sullivan & Cromwell LLP (counsel to the Special Committee of Teck)

 

Organizations

  • Teck Resources Limited
  • Advent International
  • Ardea Partners LP (financial advisor to Teck)
  • Barclays Capital Canada Inc. (financial advisor to Teck)
  • CIBC World Markets Inc. (financial advisor to Teck)
  • TD Securities Inc. (financial advisor to Teck)
  • BMO Capital Markets (financial advisor to the Special Committee of Teck)
  • Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC (financial advisor to the Special Committee of Teck)
  • Origin Merchant Partners (financial advisor to the Special Committee of Teck)
Mid-Market Deal of the Year  

WINNER

Trans Mountain Corporation, Lower Nicola Indian Band, and EPCOR’s C$200 million sale of Kingsvale Transmission Line

Canadian Law Firms

  • Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
  • Dentons Canada LLP (counsel to EPCOR)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (legal advisor to Trans Mountain)

 

Organizations

  • EPCOR
  • Lower Nicola Indian Band Development Corporation
  • Trans Mountain Corporation

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

Canada Growth Fund’s C$200 million strategic investment in Entropy and carbon credit offtake agreement

Canadian Law Firms

  • Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP (counsel to Entropy and Advantage Energy)
  • Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP (legal advisor to Canada Growth Fund)
  • Torys LLP (counsel to Brookfield Renewable)

 

Organizations

  • BMO (financial advisor to Canada Growth Fund)

 

Nations Royalty Corp. and Nisga’a Nation’s C$100 million royalty agreement

Canadian Law Firms

  • Aldridge and Rosling LLP (co-lead counsel for Nisga’a Nation)
  • DuMoulin Black LLP (co-lead counsel for Nisga’a Nation)
  • Farris LLP (lead counsel for Nations Royalty Corp.)

 

Organizations

  • Canaccord Genuity Corp.
  • Deloitte LLP
  • Fiore Management & Advisory Corp.
  • Nations Royalty Corp.
  • Nisga’a Nation

 

OpenGate Capital’s C$155 million acquisition of Cineplex Inc.’s Player One Amusement Group

Canadian Law Firms

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP (counsel to OpenGate Capital)
  • Goodmans LLP (counsel to Cineplex Inc.)

 

Non-Canadian Law Firms

  • Baker McKenzie (US counsel to Cineplex)
  • Paul Hastings LLP (US counsel to OpenGate Capital)

 

Organizations

  • OpenGate Capital
Commercial Litigation Team of the Year  

WINNER

  • Torys LLP, Law Office of Terry Corsianos, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Ministry of the Attorney General – Crown Law Office, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
    Aquino v. Bondfield Construction Co., 2024 SCC 31

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, Field LLP, Glaholt Bowles LLP
    Pacific Atlantic Pipeline Construction Ltd v. Coastal GasLink Pipeline Ltd, 2024 ABCA 74
  • Borden Ladner Gervais, Stikeman Elliott, Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Woods LLP, Dentons Canada LLP
    Republic of India v. CCDM Holdings, 2024 QCCA 1620
  • Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP, Orr Taylor LLP, Stikeman Elliott LLP, WeirFoulds LLP, McCarthy Tétrault LLP
    Lilleyman v. Bumble Bee Foods LLC, 2024 ONCA 606
  • Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, Gardiner Roberts, Cambridge LLP, Scher Law, Supreme Advocacy LLP, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
    Rina Del Giudice and Daniel Wood v. Paige Thompson, et al., 2024 CanLII 88330 (SCC)
  • Lenczner Slaght, O’Donnell, Robertson & Partners, Stikeman Elliott LLP, Thomson Blackburn Lane Lefebvre LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP, Clyde & Co LLP, Blaney McMurtry LLP, Theall Group LLP
    Loblaw Companies Limited v. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada, 2024 ONCA 145
Banking & Financial Services Law Department of the Year  

WINNER

  • Royal Bank of Canada
    The winner of this category automatically progressed to become an Excellence Awardee in Canadian Law Department of the Year.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI)
  • CI Financial
  • Dawson Partners
  • Fairstone Bank
  • Fengate Asset Management
  • goeasy Ltd.
  • TMX Group
  • TransUnion
  • University Pension Plan
Canadian Law Department of the Year  

WINNER

  • Royal Bank of Canada
    Winners of the two sector-specific law department awards automatically progressed to become Excellence Awardees for this category.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Banyan Software
  • BDO Canada
  • Dow Canada
  • Geotab Inc.
  • Mercedes-Benz Canada and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation (together “MBCan”)
  • TC Energy Corporation
  • WSP
Law Department Innovation  

WINNER

  • Sagard Holdings

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • CPP Investments
  • OLG Governance, Legal & Compliance Division
  • SE Health
  • Siemens Canada
  • Staples Canada
  • TELUS
  • The University of British Columbia, Allard School and Law and Emerging Media Lab
  • Waste Connections of Canada
The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession – In-House  

WINNER

  • Martin Turcotte
The Lawson Lundell LLP Award for Law Department Leader of the Year  

WINNER

  • Cheryl Graden
    TMX Group

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Corey MacKinnon
    Cooke Inc.
  • Gaurav Manhas
    OpenRoad Group
  • Heather Mullen
    Kenvue Canada Inc.
  • Hina Latif
    Mercedes-Benz Canada and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Canada Corporation (together, “MBCan”)
  • Lorne O’Reilly
    Dow Canada
  • Matthew Kuchinsky
    Dawson Partners
  • Patricia Caza
    The Regional Municipality of Peel
  • Sarah Jacklin
    Stryker Canada
The Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP Award for Construction, Infrastructure and Transportation Law Department of the Year  

WINNER

  • TC Energy Corporation
    The winner of this category automatically progressed to become an Excellence Awardee in Canadian Law Department of the Year.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Boralex Inc.
  • Canada Infrastructure Bank
  • Canadian National Railway Company
  • CDPQ Infra
  • Graham Group Ltd.
  • Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Boutique Law Firm of the Year  

WINNER

  • Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers
  • Neinstein
  • ROBIC
  • Roper Greyell LLP
  • Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
  • Smart & Biggar
Litigation & Dispute Resolution Boutique Law Firm of the Year  

WINNER

  • Lenczner Slaght

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Adair Goldblatt Bieber LLP
  • Lax O’Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
  • Paliare Roland Rosenberg Rothstein LLP
  • Stockwoods LLP
  • Thomson Rogers LLP
  • Wagners Law Firm
Litigator of the Year  

WINNER

  • Sandra A. Forbes
    Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Bevin Shores
    Gowling WLG
  • Duncan Embury
    Neinstein
  • Lincoln Caylor
    Bennett Jones LLP
  • Mason Poplaw
    McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  • Nader Hasan
    Stockwoods LLP
  • Peter J. Pliszka
    Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Managing Partner of the Year  

WINNER

  • Danielle Robitaille
    Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Brendon Pooran
    PooranLaw
  • Jacqueline Dinsmore
    Caravel Law
  • Luca Citton
    Boughton Law
  • Matthew Zischka
    Smart & Biggar
  • Mitch Frazer
    Mintz
  • Natasa Karambatsos
    KRB Avocats | Lawyers
Regional Law Firm of the Year – Atlantic Canada  

WINNER

  • McInnes Cooper

 

Excellence Awardee

  • Curtis Dawe
Regional Law Firm of the Year – Ontario  

WINNER

  • Torkin Manes LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Blaney McMurtry LLP
  • Lerners LLP
  • Loopstra Nixon LLP
  • WeirFoulds
Regional Law Firm of the Year – Prairies  

WINNER

  • McKercher LLP

 

Excellence Awardee

  • McDougall Gauley LLP
Regional Law Firm of the Year – Quebec  

WINNER

  • Langlois Lawyers

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Delegatus, KRB Avocats | Lawyers, Lavery
Regional Law Firm of the Year – Western Canada  

WINNER

  • Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Clark Wilson LLP
  • Farris LLP
  • Lawson Lundell LLP
  • McLennan Ross LLP
The Dye & Durham Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Legal Profession – Private Practice  

WINNER

  • Carol D. Pennycook
    Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
The LEAP Legal Software Award for Best Use of Technology in a Law Firm  

WINNER

  • Torys LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Caravel Law
  • KMSC LAW
  • PMP Law Professional Corporation
  • Procido LLP
  • Virani Law
The LEAP Legal Software Award for Family Law Firm of the Year  

WINNER

  • McCarthy Hansen & Company

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Benmor Family Law Group
  • Crossroads Law
  • MacLean Law
  • Panko Collaborative Law and Mediation
  • Resolve Legal Group
Diversity Initiative of the Year  

WINNER

  • Enbridge
    Canadian Legal Mentorship Program

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Aird & Berlis LLP
    The New Aird & Berlis Indigenous Practice Group and Indigenous Education Program
  • Dentons
    Dentons’ Reconciliation Roadmap
  • Fasken
    Empower Network
  • Level Justice
    Black Youth Justice Program
  • Miller Thomson LLP
    Strengthening Inclusive Leadership to Strengthen Our Workplace of Belonging
  • PooranLaw Professional Corporation
    PooranLaw: Achieving Equity for People with Disabilities
Female Trailblazer of the Year (Academia & In-House)  

WINNER

  • Kathryn (Katie) Daniels
    CPP Investments

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Andrea Cotroneo
    Loblaw Companies Limited
  • Ashley Butts
    BDO Canada
  • Jane Murdoch
    Finning International Inc.
  • Lara Speirs
    Women General Counsel Canada
  • Oyeyinka Oyelowo
    Ontario Provincial Police Association
  • Pam Hrick
    Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF)
Female Trailblazer of the Year (Private Practice)  

WINNER

  • Karen Sargeant
    Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • Melissa Cattini
    MLT Aikins LLP
  • Nancy Hamzo
    Baker McKenzie
  • Natalie Worsfold
    Counter Tax Litigators LLP
  • Rachel Howie
    Dentons
  • Sarit Batner
    McCarthy Tétrault LLP
  • Sharon Vogel
    Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP
  • Zeynab Ziaie Moayyed
    Visa Law Group PC
Pro Bono Initiative of the Year  

WINNER

  • Gowling WLG
    Operation Abraham

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDEES

  • DMZ, Toronto Metropolitan University
    DMZ Counsel
  • McCarthy Tétrault LLP
    McCarthy Tétrault aids Egale Canada and Skipping Stone in protecting transgender youth’s access to care
  • McInnes Cooper
    Immigration Initiative
  • Norton Rose Fulbright
    Pro bono initiative to support Black-led small businesses and Black entrepreneurs in our local communities
  • PooranLaw Professional Corporation
    I Decide Law Program
  • Torys LLP
    Protecting the Charter rights of thalidomide survivors in Lianne Powell et al. v. Attorney General of Canada

Methodology

Stage 1 – Nominations

The legal profession was invited to nominate online by succinctly and directly addressing the specific category criteria. To submit a nomination, users visited the Nominate page of the website.

Nominations were open from November 25, 2024, to January 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm ET.

Stage 2 – Research

The Canadian Law Awards team conducted research and drew on industry knowledge and information gained through Lexpert, Canadian Lawyer, and InHouse to identify the outstanding firms, teams, individuals, deals, or cases in each category that received an “Excellence Award.”

A corresponding announcement was then made across our media outlets.

Stage 3 – Excellence Awardees (Finalists)

Once Excellence Awardees were selected in each category, they were notified via email or phone.

Excellence Awardees were officially announced in March and April 2025 on the website. They were also promoted in Lexpert and supporting publications, as well as Canadian Lawyer online channels.

Stage 4 – Judging

The Canadian Law Awards team provided the submissions of each Excellence Awardee to an independent panel of judges, including an instruction not to share materials with third parties.

Note: All information provided in the submission may have been used in Key Media publications unless otherwise instructed or marked as “confidential” on the submission form.

The independent judging panel assessed and scored each submission according to the criteria of the applicable category.

Stage 5 – Winners

Judges’ scores were aggregated to produce a winner in each category.

Winners were announced and celebrated at the highly anticipated awards gala on May 7, 2025, and on the website.

They were also featured in extensive profile-raising media coverage, including an exclusive Lexpert digital feature on the Canadian Law Awards.

 

2025 Judging Panel

  •  
    Josianne Beaudry
    Partner - Leader of the Business Law Group
    Lavery 
  •  
    Jacqueline Beckles 
    General Counsel 
    Department of Justice Canada 
  •  
    Stephen Beney
    Principal
    Smart & Biggar 
  •  
    Michael Casey
    Senior VP and General Counsel
    EllisDon
  •  
    Peter Castiel
    Chair of the Firm
    Stikeman Elliott LLP
  •  
    Bruce Chapple
    CEO, Managing Partner
    McMillan LLP
  •  
    Nicholas Cerminaro 
    Senior Vice President and General Counsel 
    GardaWorld 
  •  
    George Cooper, KC 
    Chief Executive Officer and Partner
    Cox & Palmer
  •  
    Lindsay Cox
    Partner
    Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer, LLP
  •  
    Bindu Cudjoe
    Executive and Board Member 
     
  •  
    Vincent de l’Étoile 
    Partner, Litigation Group; Member Board of Directors
    Langlois lawyers, LLP
  •  
    Martin K. Denyes 
    Firm Managing Partner
    Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
  •  
    Frédéric Duguay 
    General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
    Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)
  •  
    Paul Fruitman
    Partner
    Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP
  •  
    Yonni Fushman
    Chief Legal Officer and EVP, Sustainability 
    Northland Power Inc.
  •  
    James A Grange
    Senior Legal Counsel & Assistant Corporate Secretary
    First West Credit Union
  •  
    Alison Harnick​
    Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
    First Capital REIT 
  •  
    Nizam Hasham
    Assistant Vice-President, Regulatory and Commercial Law
    Canadian Pacific Railway
  •  
    Sharon Haward-Laird 
    General Counsel
    BMO Financial Group
  •  
    Kene Ilochonwu, K.C
    Bencher
    Law Society of Alberta
  •  
    Monique Jilesen
    Managing Partner
    Lenczner Slaght
  •  
    Philippe Johnson
    Managing Partner, Montreal 
    Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
  •  
    Kevin Kiley, KC
    Managing Partner
    McInnes Cooper
  •  
    Lynn Korbak
    Former General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 
    Toromont Industries Ltd
  •  
    James Kosa
    Co-Chair, Technology, IP and Privacy Group 
    WeirFoulds LLP
  •  
    Mitch Kowalski
    Senior Counsel
    Greater Toronto Airports Authority
  •  
    David M. Kramer
    Senior Legal Counsel 
    Suncor Energy Inc. 
  •  
    Arun Krishnamurti
    Senior Counsel
    Google Canada 
  •  
    François Lajeunesse
    Conseiller juridique principal / Senior Legal Counsel
    Desjardins Group
  •  
    Dale H. Lastman, C.M.
    Chair
    Goodmans LLP
  •  
    Christopher Lemon
    General Counsel 
    Pan American Silver
  •  
    Carlton Mathias
    Chief Legal, ESG and Governance Officer 
    Ontario Power Generation
  •  
    Blair McCreadie
    Managing Partner, Toronto
    Dentons Canada LLP
  •  
    Melanie McGrath 
    General Counsel 
    CBCL Limited
  •  
    John G. Murphy
    National Managing Partner & CEO
    Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
  •  
    Benjamin Na
    Partner and Head of the Advocacy Department, Toronto
    Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
  •  
    Steven Ngo
    Sr. Counsel, Consumer Transactions
    Rivian
  •  
    Lorne O'Reilly, KC
    Lead Counsel
    Dow Chemical Canada ULC
  •  
    Benoit Palmer 
    Chief Counsel, Canadian Mining Businesses- Legal services / Conseiller juridique principal, secteur minier canadien- Services juridiques
    Rio Tinto
  •  
    Heather Platt
    Chief Legal Officer
    Metrolinx
  •  
    Karrin A. Powys-Lybbe
    Partner
    Torys LLP
  •  
    Emmanuel Pressman
    Chair, Corporate Department 
    Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
  •  
    Clifford G. Proudfoot, KC
    Managing Partner
    Lawson Lundell LLP
  •  
    Dinesh Ramanathan
    Senior VP Legal
    Fengate Asset Management
  •  
    Bruce Reynolds 
    Co-Managing Partner, Mediator and Arbitrator
    Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP 
  •  
    Luisa Ritacca
    Managing Partner
    Stockwoods LLP
  •  
    Kenneth R. Rosenstein
    Managing Partner, Toronto 
    Miller Thomson LLP
  •  
    Bo Rothstein
    Managing Partner 
    Farris LLP
  •  
    Shara Roy
    Chief Legal Counsel 
    Ernst & Young LLP
  •  
    Yasmin Shaker
    General Counsel and Corporate Secretary 
    Invest Ontario
  •  
    Bryson A. Stokes
    Firm Managing Partner 
    Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
  •  
    David Taniguchi
    Vice President, Legal & Corporate Secretary
    Enbridge Inc.
  •  
    Kristin Taylor 
    Managing Partner
    Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
  •  
    Jennifer Teskey
    Managing Partner, Canada 
    Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP
  •  
    Yola Ventresca
    Managing Partner - London
    Lerners LLP
  •  
    Yasmin Visram
    Senior Director, Legal Teams - Insurance
    iA Financial Group
  •  
    Chris Vollmershausen 
    EVP, Legal, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary 
    Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
  •  
    Patrice Walch-Watson 
    Senior Managing Director, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
    CPP Investments
  •  
    Andrea Wood
    Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Governance Officer
    TELUS  
  •  
    Marisa Wyse
    Chief Legal Officer
    Rogers Communications
  •  
    Danielle Young
    Chief Counsel, Privacy & Cybersecurity
    and Global Chief Privacy Officer
    Manulife
  •  
    Caroline Zayid
    Managing Partner, Ontario Region 
    McCarthy Tétrault LLP

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