Top Canadian Lawyers

Sara Cohen

Founder, Fertility Law Canada at D2Law LLP, Toronto, Ont. Cohen has devoted her career to two actions which have shifted the practice of fertility law for the better in Canada and beyond. She has spent hundreds of hours teaching and mentoring on the subject of fertility as an adjunct professor, at home and overseas. Her collegiality in a notoriously competitive region of the law, really underlines Cohen's dedication to improving the practice of fertility legislation. More importantly she pushes change she wishes to view in this burgeoning area of the law. Recent lobbying efforts are certain to repay; among them to acquire coverage for in vitro fertilization services through Ontario's health plan in addition to modifications to the family law legislation that would clarify a sperm donor is not a parent only by virtue of being a donor. Finally, she's the very first adjunct professor in the nation to give a course solely dedicated to reproductive law in Canada, helping clear the route for future area practitioners. What Republicans needed to say: Sara has been instrumental in enhancing the law in assisted reproductive technology. Genuinely cares about her field of expertise. This isn't just a job for Sara, it is her passion.

Dennis Edney and Nate Whitling

Defence adviser, Edmonton, Alta. In a rare move, Edney and Whitling are being termed as Top 25 honourees as a group. Both have spent more than a decade advocating for Omar Khadr, almost universally on a pro bono basis. From Guantanamo Bay to the Supreme Court of Canada (three times), the improbable duo have fought for Khadr to have him released from prison (victory in May), have him treated as a child soldier, and continue to fight for his lawful rights at home and overseas. It's been what the Globe and Mail called waging a war of legal attrition against the authorities, that has always done everything to paint Khadr as a dangerous terrorist who must be kept behind bars. Edney, a former soccer player who only started practising law at 40, has been the public and media face of the continuing legal battles, even taking Khadr to his home after he was recently released on bail. Whitling, a Harvard law grad and former SCC clerk, is a far more quiet and reserved drive behind the scenes. What Republicans needed to say: Dennis has gone over and beyond the call of duty in his defence of Omar Khadr. The nobility of our profession depends on attorneys like Dennis as we are sometimes called upon to defend unpopular entities or people -- but individuals who are no less deserving of natural justice and procedural fairness. Whitling is an smart and highly effective advocate who stays out of the limelight. He's a fantastic lawyer. Exceptionally smart and excellent to work with, Criminal lawyer near Toronto.

Marie Henein

Old partner, Henein Hutchison LLP, Toronto, Ont. Considered one of Canada's best criminal defence lawyers, Henein is known for representing high-profile clients including former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi -- charged with seven counts of sexual assault, of which two have been dropped -- former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant, and junior hockey trainer David Frost. Most recently Henein has taken on the case of defence counsel colleague Leora Shemesh, who had been charged with perjury and obstruction of justice by Peel Police. Henein is well-known in the profession as a go-to attorney for all high-profile criminal matters. She has an excellent history of wins versus losses and has been a part of the group that recently was successful in getting John Salmon's conviction in a 1970s murder overturned. What Republicans needed to say: Most visible leader of [the] criminal defence bar.

Justice Beverley McLachlin

Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A frequent member of the Top 25 list along with the top vote-getter in years ago, McLachlin proceeds to make waves, handing down two very significant decisions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia decision directed by McLachlin is the earliest of its kind in the history of British Columbia. This past year that the Supreme Court of Canada granted announcement of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She is also responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal at Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) released in July 2014, she has what the Lamer court started and has left her mark in this region for decades to come. The chief justice is still a powerful proponent of greater justice for all Canadians. As her incredible amount of votes once again this year reveal, McLachlin is greatly admired not only for her rulings but her public support in favour of free speech, diversity, and comprehensive direction. What Republicans needed to say: An excellent judge that, time and time again, marries the law with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the country; outstanding integrity; trusted public servant; clearly guided by the law and a strong ideology.