Canadian Lawyer

Michael Geist Professor, Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ottawa Michael Geist appeared in the Top 25 in 2012 and 2011 and continues to be a leading voice on technology law. A prolific author and blogger, his column on technology issues appears in the Toronto Star, the Ottawa Citizen, and the BBC. Through his academic work and public outreach, Geist illuminates issues surrounding copyright law and the Internet. He was a leading critic of the embattled Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which was recently rejected by the European Parliament. Expect to hear more from Geist as the federal government seeks Canada's compliance with the ACTA. What voters had to say: "Communicates issues well." Joe Groia Principal, Groia & Co. PC, Toronto Securities lawyer Joe Groia found himself at the centre of a debate about the limits on vigorous advocacy in the courtroom when the Law Society of Upper Canada slammed him with a whopping fine of nearly a quartermillion dollars for "uncivil" behaviour. Twelve years ago Groia successfully defended a Bre-X Minerals geologist against insider trading charges, but his conduct during the trial landed him in a prolonged battle with the LSUC. The legal profession remains split, with some applauding his temerity while others suggest he might have gone too far. Groia continues to speak out against the "civility movement," and plans to appeal the law society's finding. His case may well redefine the boundaries of acceptable behaviour inside a courtroom. What voters had to say: "Even if he is found by some to go too far, we need fearless advocates who push and test the bounds that need pushing and testing. Frankly, most of us don't have that courage." Alan Lenczner Founding partner, Lenczner Slaght Royce Smith Griffin LLP, Toronto Though pushing 70, Alan Lenczner doesn't seem to be slowing down and is one of Canada's top litigators. In May, he took on a case seeking to have a Canadian court enforce a $19-billion Ecuadorian judgment against multinational oil giant Chevron Corp. Recently Lenczner made his mark as the "man in Rob Ford's corner," as the Toronto Star dubbed him. He was the man who fought the Toronto mayor's very public conflict of interest charges all the way to the Court of Appeal and was instrumental in helping Ford keep his job as leader of Canada's largest city. He was named a commissioner of the Ontario Securities Commission this year. What voters had to say: "From Conrad Black to Rob Ford, he's been the go-to counsel for folks in big trouble for a very long time and never more than today." www.CANADIAN L a w ye r m a g . c o m august 2013 27

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