Insight

The 2021 Best Lawyers in Canada

Featuring the top legal talent in Canada.

Best Lawyers Canada 2021 Legal lnsights Headline 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

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Safe Drinking Water Is the Law, First Nations Tell Canada in $1.1B Class Action


by Gregory Sirico

Canada's argument that it has "no legal obligation" to provide First Nations with clean drinking water has sparked a major human rights debate.

Individual drinking water in front of window

The Future of Canadian Law. Insights from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees


by Jennifer Verta

Emerging leaders in Canada share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Canadian law

Digital eye with futuristic overlays, symbolizing legal innovation and technology

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

Best Lawyers Through the Ages: Our Past. Our Today. Our Future.


by Best Lawyers

With over 168,000 recognized legal professionals across 150 practice areas in 76 countries, Best Lawyers remains the original trusted source for legal awards.

Skyscrapers against evening sky with water

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

Trending Articles

Introducing the 2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore


by Jennifer Verta

This year’s awards reflect the strength of the Best Lawyers network and its role in elevating legal talent worldwide.

2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Australia, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore

Discover The Best Lawyers in Spain 2025 Edition


by Jennifer Verta

Highlighting Spain’s leading legal professionals and rising talents.

Flags of Spain, representing Best Lawyers country

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

How to Increase Your Online Visibility With a Legal Directory Profile


by Jennifer Verta

Maximize your firm’s reach with a legal directory profile.

Image of a legal directory profile

Paramount Hit With NY Class Action Lawsuit Over Mass Layoffs


by Gregory Sirico

Paramount Global faces a class action lawsuit for allegedly violating New York's WARN Act after laying off 300+ employees without proper notice in September.

Animated man in suit being erased with Paramount logo in background

The Future of Family Law: 3 Top Trends Driving the Field


by Gregory Sirico

How technology, mental health awareness and alternative dispute resolution are transforming family law to better support evolving family dynamics.

Animated child looking at staircase to beach scene

Effective Communication: A Conversation with Jefferson Fisher


by Jamilla Tabbara

The power of effective communication beyond the law.

 Image of Jefferson Fisher and Phillip Greer engaged in a conversation about effective communication

The 2025 Legal Outlook Survey Results Are In


by Jennifer Verta

Discover what Best Lawyers honorees see ahead for the legal industry.

Person standing at a crossroads with multiple intersecting paths and a signpost.

Safe Drinking Water Is the Law, First Nations Tell Canada in $1.1B Class Action


by Gregory Sirico

Canada's argument that it has "no legal obligation" to provide First Nations with clean drinking water has sparked a major human rights debate.

Individual drinking water in front of window

The Best Lawyers Network: Global Recognition with Long-term Value


by Jamilla Tabbara

Learn how Best Lawyers' peer-review process helps recognized lawyers attract more clients and referral opportunities.

Lawyers networking

New Mass. Child Custody Bills Could Transform US Family Law


by Gregory Sirico

How new shared-parenting child custody bills may reshape family law in the state and set a national precedent.

Two children in a field holding hands with parents

Jefferson Fisher: The Secrets to Influential Legal Marketing


by Jennifer Verta

How lawyers can apply Jefferson Fisher’s communication and marketing strategies to build trust, attract clients and grow their practice.

Portrait of Jefferson Fisher a legal marketing expert

Finding the Right Divorce Attorney


by Best Lawyers

Divorce proceedings are inherently a complex legal undertaking. Hiring the right divorce attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of any case.

Person at a computer holding a phone and pen

The Future of Canadian Law. Insights from Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees


by Jennifer Verta

Emerging leaders in Canada share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of Canadian law

Digital eye with futuristic overlays, symbolizing legal innovation and technology

New Texas Law Opens Door for Non-Lawyers to Practice


by Gregory Sirico

Texas is at a critical turning point in addressing longstanding legal challenges. Could licensing paralegals to provide legal services to low-income and rural communities close the justice gap?

Animated figures walk up a steep hill with hand

Family Law Wrestles With Ethics as It Embraces Technology


by Michele M. Jochner

Generative AI is revolutionizing family law with far-reaching implications for the practice area.

Microchip above animated head with eyes closed