Best Lawyers® Reveals Canada's Leading Legal Talent for 2027
AUGUSTA, Ga., Sept. 3, 2026 /CNW/ -- Best Lawyers®, the most established global network of vetted legal professionals, announces the release of the 2027 editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™, recognizing more than 11,000 lawyers across Canada for professional excellence as determined by their peers.
The 21st edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ recognizes 8,622 lawyers across 77 practice areas and 25 metropolitan areas, representing the top 6% of Canada's legal market.
The sixth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™, which recognizes lawyers earlier in their careers, awards an additional 2,394 lawyers across 55 practice areas and 24 regions, representing the top 1.7% of the country's legal market.
"The trust of one's peers is among the most meaningful measures of professional distinction in the legal profession," said Phillip Greer, CEO of Best Lawyers. "With more than 1 million confidential evaluations collected through this year's Canadian research, the 2027 results highlight the exceptional legal talent who have earned the respect and confidence of Canada's legal community."
This year's confidential peer evaluations contributed to a database of more than 7 million historical evaluations that inform the Best Lawyers methodology in Canada.
New and Established Legal Talent Recognized Across Canada
The 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ includes lawyers from 1,351 firms, with 601 lawyers earning recognition for the first time. Among this year's recipients, 411 lawyers earned the "Lawyer of the Year" distinction, awarded to the individual receiving the highest overall peer feedback in a specific practice area and geographic region.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ includes honorees from 484 firms. The 2027 edition welcomes 613 first-time recipients.
"Recognition is never carried forward automatically. Each edition is shaped by current feedback, and every lawyer must earn their place again each year. That annual evaluation keeps the results relevant while preserving the rigor and independence at the heart of our research," said Elizabeth Petit, Senior Vice President of Research & Product Strategy.
Canada's largest legal markets continue to account for a significant share of recognized lawyers. Toronto leads with 3,177 recipients, followed by Vancouver, Montréal, Calgary and Edmonton. Among Ones to Watch recipients, Toronto also leads, with Ottawa replacing Emdonton as a leading market for emerging talent.
Leading Practice Areas Remain Consistent
Corporate and Commercial Litigation once again ranks as the most represented practice area in The Best Lawyers in Canada™, with 1,321 recognized lawyers. It is followed by Corporate Law with 1,024 lawyers, Labour and Employment Law with 871, and Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Real Estate Law with 746 each.
These specialties have remained the most represented practice areas in Canada for the past five editions, reflecting their enduring importance across industries. The same leading practice areas are reflected in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™.
The continued prominence of these practice areas comes amid significant legal and regulatory developments across Canada. These include expanded private litigation rights under the Competition Act, evolving supply-chain and beneficial ownership requirements, increased regulatory scrutiny of M&A transactions, new employment requirements, and continued activity in the commercial real estate market.
Several other specialties recorded notable year-over-year increases among Best Lawyers awards. Municipal Law and Professional Malpractice Law saw some of the strongest gains among established practice areas. For Ones to Watch, Criminal Defence and Professional Malpractice Law recorded notable increases.
Gender Representation Among Top Legal Talent
The 2027 research also highlights legal areas where women represent a majority of recognized lawyers.
Women account for 65% of recognized Family Law practitioners for The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and hold a majority in Family Law Mediation, Health Care Law, Education Law and Charities / Non-Profit Law. Biotechnology and Life Sciences Practice, Immigration Law, and Trusts and Estates have or are reaching gender parity among recognized lawyers.
A similar trend is seen among lawyers earlier in their careers. Women represent 79% of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada™ honorees in Family Law and 71% in Trusts and Estates. Women also comprise a majority of recognized lawyers in Aboriginal Law / Indigenous Practice, Labour and Employment Law, Municipal Law, Banking and Finance Law and Health Care Law.
Explore The Best Lawyers in Canada™ results by region and/or practice area.
About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers® is the most established global network of legal professionals, providing elite lawyers and law firms with tools to enhance visibility, credibility and client engagement. Built on a rigorous peer-review process, Best Lawyers delivers data-driven legal recognition while offering industry insights and tech-forward marketing solutions. Powering Best Law Firms®, we simplify the law firm selection process, fostering confidence between firms and clients.
Learn more at www.bestlawyers.com and www.bestlawfirms.com.
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SOURCE Best Lawyers
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