Celebrating remarkable contributions by lawyers 40 and under 

The recipients of Lexpert’s Rising Stars Awards this year are diverse, with practices at law firms, in-house legal departments, and organizations as well as expertise in areas like privacy law, corporate litigation, and international trade. But all of them have at least one thing in common: their outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

While the legal experts that judged this year’s competition said they had an extraordinary pool of nominees to choose from, there were several factors that made the winners stand out.

“The range of candidates this year was remarkable, and several of them have the potential to influence our evolving Canadian legal landscape,” said Farah Ismail, senior vice president and chief legal, privacy, and compliance officer at SE Health. Ismail was one of 41 judges responsible for selecting this year’s Rising Stars.

“Not only did candidates have exceptional talent but they also demonstrated diversity of interests and involvement in initiatives, which made selection challenging,” Ismail said.

“Ultimately, I balanced my evaluation by focusing on measurable achievements such as contributions to significant cases and transactions;  professional capabilities and leadership potential including mentorship, publications, and speaking engagements; and dedication to professional growth and community.”

Another judge, Cox & Palmer chief executive officer and partner George Cooper, said it was important to make sure that the winners were representative of the legal profession’s diversity.

“The candidates are all thoroughly impressive, and it is very difficult to narrow the field,” Cooper said. “I do my level best to choose lawyers who have not only demonstrated significant professional achievement (which all applicants possess) but also to find those with an element of uniqueness based on practice areas, geography, and personal background.

“Practitioners from large firms will always be well represented, of course, but I make a conscious effort to look beyond that group as well,” Cooper added.

Each year, Lexpert Rising Stars Awards honours lawyers 40 and under who have made remarkable contributions in their careers thus far. The winners are selected by Lexpert’s advisory panels of legal experts. Key Media revealed the winners on Tuesday, November 19, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.

The awards are presented by Lexpert magazine with support from Law Times and Canadian Lawyer. Sponsors included Event Partner Dye & Durham, Supporting Organization SABA Toronto, and Silver Sponsors Norton Rose Fulbright Canada and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP.

Jennifer Teskey, managing partner at Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, said, “We are thrilled to support the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, recognizing the next generation of leaders in Canada's legal industry. These awards honour the best lawyers under 40 who have risen among the ranks and who provide outstanding leadership and contributions within the legal industry, to clients and communities.

“At Norton Rose Fulbright, we are so proud of our next generation of talent, and we wish to honour them, including through this event. Congratulations to all the Lexpert Rising Stars honoured this year,” Teskey added.

Key Media warmly thanks Event Partner Dye & Durham, Supporting Organization SABA Toronto, Silver Sponsors Norton Rose Fulbright Canada and Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, and Lexpert’s advisory panel for their support.