haesicas - Tumblr blog

haesicas · 5 years

Text

Top Lawyers In Canada In 2020

Justice Beverley McLachlin

Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A frequent member of the Top 25 list and also the top vote-getter in years past, McLachlin continues to make waves, handing down two quite significant decisions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia decision led by McLachlin is the earliest of its type in the history of British Columbia. This past year the Supreme Court of Canada granted declaration of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She's also responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal in Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) published in July 2014, she has what the Lamer court began and has left her mark in this area for decades to come. The chief justice is still a powerful proponent of greater justice for all Canadians. As her incredible number of votes once again this season reveal, McLachlin is greatly admired not only for her rulings but her public aid in favour of free speech, diversity, and inclusive direction. What Republicans needed to say: A brilliant judge who, time and time again, marries the law with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the country; remarkable integrity; reliable public servant; obviously guided by law enforcement and a strong ideology.

Jean-Pierre Blais

Chairman, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Ottawa-Gatineau Blais isn't scared of criticism and is willing to go above and beyond in the name of consumer rights. A recent CRTC decision will give users more freedom to choose TV channels of the liking as part of their cable and satellite subscriptions despite bitter opposition from Canada's cable companies. Blais called out former Bell Media president Kevin Crull, without naming names, over reports Crull told CTV news personnel not to interview him later that choice. Crull ended up apologizing for interfering in the information gathering process and afterwards stepped down. From telemarketers to telcos, Blais consistently intends to encourage the rights and needs of customers. What voters had to say: Achieving big change with consumer-minded focus. About time!

Fred Headon

Assistant general counsel, labour and employment law, Air Canada, Montreal, Que. As chairman of the Canadian Bar Association's Futures Initiative, Headon has contributed more than 25 presentations to lawyers, law professors, professors, librarians, law firm personnel, and labs from Toronto to Buenos Aires, Victoria to Halifax, in person and online. The Futures report has been released in August 2014 and its own recommendations put Headon squarely in the middle of several vital discussions on topics essential to the profession. He continues to direct the Futures steering committee as it now turns its recommendations into action. Headon is an integral component of the discussion on the future of the profession and he was the first in-house counselor to eventually become the president of the CBA. What voters had to say: Brings energy and decency and the smarts to everything he does.

Sheila Block

Partner, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. One of the sharpest litigators in the nation, Block has served as lead counsel on a newly dismissed $5-billion class action lawsuit against CIBC and a $100-million lawsuit brought by approximately 8,000 residents of Barbados from Manulife. She was also staunch counsel for former Manitoba associate chief justice Lori Douglas in the inquiry of this judge's role in a scandal involving her deceased husband, one of his former customers, and salacious photographs of herself posted online. Block additionally received an honorary LLD from the Law Society of Upper Canada this past year. An advocate dedicated to teaching law in Canada and across the globe, she's trained advocates for the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in Rwanda and the Special Court in Sierra Leone. What Republicans needed to say: Elle demontre son interet a la fois pour l'schooling du publique et des affaires. (She has demonstrated her interest to the instruction of the public and company.)

Dawn Devoe

General counselor, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's key legal adviser because of its Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at stopping child labor and human trafficking. As lead counsel for the Canadian discussions regarding World Vision's partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, she has represented the organization at global partnership meetings in South Africa, Kenya, and the Philippines. This partnership accounts for more than $30 million of annual food help programmed through World Vision Canada. With projects in nearly 100 countries across the world, Devoe oversees a busy legal division and has managed to stay nimble and flexible. What voters had to say: Amazing lawyer and individual. She not only has a passion for the law, but also cares deeply for others and shows that in her job. Outstanding legal counsel, very inventive problem solver, able to integrate legal and taxation laws into a beneficial solution to all parties.

Frank Iacobucci

Senior counsel, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. This heated justice has set the bar for police treatment of the mentally ill. His 2014 milestone report outlined 84 sound ways of helping prevent shooting of mentally ill people by the Toronto Police. The execution of the report would go a long way toward preventing catastrophic confrontations between police and emotionally disturbed individuals. Some of the recommendations include using body-worn cameras and optimized use of tasers. The report is a powerful message that the status quo is no longer okay. As a Torys counselor, Iacobucci is used to advising government and business on important policy and legal matters. What voters had to say: Has anybody actually done more? and Energetic, never ceases.

0 notes