Insight

The 2021 Best Lawyers in Canada

Featuring the top legal talent in Canada.

Best Lawyers Canada 2021 Homepage Image
Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers

December 10, 2020 12:30 AM

The 2021 Canada's Best Lawyers publication features the full results of our nationwide research initiative in print and includes more than 6,000 of the region's top-ranked legal talent.

Our cover story delves into new legislation in Quebec banning religious symbols on public servants who are new hires or personnel who have changed jobs within an organization. We invited four of the country's leading worker's compensation and labour and employment lawyers to weigh in on the nuances of the debate surrounding this law.

In addition to the nationwide lawyer recognitions, the publication acknowledges both firms and lawyers who received exceptional praise from their industry peers in our "Law Firm of the Year" and "Lawyer of the Year" spotlights. This year, Alice Tseng, the 2021 "Lawyer of the Year" in Toronto for Cannabis Law talks about her experience representing clients in the growing pharmaceutical, cannabis, food, medical devices, and cosmetic industries.

Read the full issue:

Are you looking for a lawyer in Canada? Access our online database to find a lawyer in your area.

Related Articles

Canadian Women in the Legal Profession: From Non-‘Persons’ to Chief Justices


by Sara Collin

We take an in-depth look at the challenges and optimistic future of women in the Canadian legal sector.

Canadian Women in the Legal Profession

The Inaugural Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada


by Justin Smulison

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada's inaugural edition is here. We talk with Kristen Greer, Best Lawyers Senior Research Manager, on the prestige of these awards.

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2022

2021 Best Lawyers International


by Best Lawyers

Featuring the top legal talent from around the globe.

Best Lawyers International 2021

The 2021 "Law Firm of the Year" Awards in Canada


by Best Lawyers

We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2021 "Law Firm of the Year" awards in Canada.

2021 Law Firm of the Year Awards in Canada

The Buyout Brigade


by Best Lawyers

Neill May, John Connon, and David Matlow discuss what’s ahead for private equity—and why dealmakers of all stripes have more leverage than ever.

An Interview With Goodmans

Leading the Evolution in Workplace Law


by Best Lawyers

Colin G.M. Gibson discusses workplace safety, issues such as raising the minimum wage, and job-protected leaves. 

An Interview With Harris & Company

What the Seller-Friendly Market Means for Private Equity


by Best Lawyers

JP Bogden and Kurt Sarno of 2019 Canadian "Law Firm of the Year" award-winner Blakes discuss trends in the private equity sector.

Blakes 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" Interview

Davies Points to “Groupthink” as Contributor to Industry Stagnation


by Best Lawyers

The 2019 Canaidan "Law Firm of the Year" honoree for Competitions/Antitrust Law shares the keys to their success.

Davies "Law Firm of the Year" Q&A

Gowling WLG Attorneys Discuss Aboriginal Law in Canada


by Best Lawyers

Gowling WLG won the 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" award for Aboriginal Law in Canada.

Gowling WLG "Law Firm of the Year" Q&A

Fasken Attorneys on Their 2019 "Law Firm of the Year" Award Win


by Best Lawyers

Lawyers from the Canadian firm discus their employment law practice and the changes coming to the Canadain legal market.

Fasken Law Firm of the Year Q&A

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

When Can Ones to Watch Lawyers Be Nominated for Best Lawyers?


by Elizabeth Petit

Transitioning from Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch to Best Lawyers recognition.

Arrow symbolizing Ones to Watch Lawyers transitioning to Best Lawyers

IN PARTNERSHIP

Breaking Down Criminal Conviction in Canada


by Mass Tsang

Statistics Canada’s annual breakdown of adult criminal court data provides an eye-opening review of how the country’s court system resolves its hundreds of thousands of cases annually.

Canada's Criminal Court Patterns Are Changing

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Trending Articles

2025 Best Lawyers Awards Announced: Honoring Outstanding Legal Professionals Across the U.S.


by Jennifer Verta

Introducing the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America and the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

Digital map of the United States illuminated by numerous bright lights

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Awards Canada: Celebrating Legal Excellence


by Jennifer Verta

Presenting the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the 4th edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada.

Digital map of Canadathis on illuminated by numerous bright lights

Legal Distinction on Display: 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™


by Best Lawyers

The industry’s best lawyers and firms working in France are revealed in the newly released, comprehensive the 15th Edition of The Best Lawyers in France™.

French flag in front of country's outline

Presenting the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Chile, Colombia, Peru and Puerto Rico


by Jennifer Verta

Celebrating top legal professionals in South America and the Caribbean.

Flags of Puerto Rico, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, representing countries featured in the Best Lawyers

Announcing the 13th Edition of Best Lawyers Rankings in the United Kingdom


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers is proud to announce the newest edition of legal rankings in the United Kingdom, marking the 13th consecutive edition of awards in the country.

British flag in front of country's outline

Unveiling the 2025 Best Lawyers Editions in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa


by Jennifer Verta

Best Lawyers celebrates the finest in law, reaffirming its commitment to the global legal community.

Flags of Brazil, Mexico, Portugal and South Africa, representing Best Lawyers countries

Prop 36 California 2024: California’s Path to Stricter Sentencing and Criminal Justice Reform


by Jennifer Verta

Explore how Prop 36 could shape California's sentencing laws and justice reform.

Illustrated Hands Breaking Chains Against a Bright Red Background

Announcing the 16th Edition of the Best Lawyers in Germany Rankings


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers in Germany™, featuring a unique set of rankings that highlights Germany's top legal talent.

German flag in front of country's outline

Celebrating Excellence in Law: 11th Edition of Best Lawyers in Italy™


by Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers announces the 11th edition of The Best Lawyers in Italy™, which features an elite list of awards showcasing Italy's current legal talent.

Italian flag in front of country's outline

Tampa Appeals Court ‘Sends Clear Message,” Ensuring School Tax Referendum Stays on Ballot


by Gregory Sirico

Hillsborough County's tax referendum is back on the 2024 ballot, promising $177 million for schools and empowering residents to decide the future of education.

Graduation cap in air surrounded by pencils and money

Find the Best Lawyers for Your Needs


by Jennifer Verta

Discover how Best Lawyers simplifies the attorney search process.

A focused woman with dark hair wearing a green top and beige blazer, working on a tablet in a dimly

Key Developments and Trends in U.S. Commercial Litigation


by Justin Smulison

Whether it's multibillion-dollar water cleanliness verdicts or college athletes vying for the right to compensation, the state of litigation remains strong.

Basketball sits in front of stacks of money

Woman on a Mission


by Rebecca Blackwell

Baker Botts partner and intellectual property chair Christa Brown-Sanford discusses how she juggles work, personal life, being a mentor and leadership duties.

Woman in green dress crossing her arms and posing for headshot

Best Lawyers Celebrates Women in the Law: Ninth Edition


by Alliccia Odeyemi

Released in both print and digital form, Best Lawyers Ninth Edition of Women in the Law features stories of inspiring leadership and timely legal issues.

Lawyer in green dress stands with hands on table and cityscape in background

The Human Cost


by Justin Smulison

2 new EU laws aim to reshape global business by enforcing ethical supply chains, focusing on human rights and sustainability

Worker wearing hat stands in field carrying equipemtn

Beyond the Billables


by Michele M. Jochner

In a recently conducted, comprehensive study, data reveals a plethora of hidden realities that parents working full-time in the legal industry face every day.

Women in business attire pushing stroller takes a phone call