The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1477874
20 www.canadianlawyermag.com TOP 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS 2022 A PLACE on Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list is a highly regarded accolade. Emmanuel Pressman, chair of the corporate department at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and also an edito- rial board member, explains why: "I'm proud and privileged to be associated with C a n a d i a n L a w y e r a n d t h o r o u g h l y impressed by the consistent rigor of [the selection] process and supremely high quality of candidates, which gives me great confidence in our profession." The list reflects how the work of these members of the legal system has had an impact, whether in the courtroom, law school, law firm or business, or at a policy level. Our winners also admit that wearing the crown of influence comes with responsibility – to continue to use that influence to improve the legal world and those in it, or use their LEADING THE PROFESSION knowledge to make the world, as they say, "a better place to live". Bradley Regehr, president of the Cana- dian Bar Association from September 2020 to August 2021 and one of the winners in the government, non-profits and associa- tions category, does not think of himself as influential. However, as he recalls what he has done within legal circles and the communities he serves, Regehr reappraises that. Contemplating how he has made a difference in getting people to rethink their views or process their thoughts from a unique perspective, he says, "I guess that makes me influential." Inclusion in the Top 25 is not a recogni- tion of lifetime achievement. It is about the winners' recent efforts to influence public opinion, help shape the law, contribute to the strength and quality of legal services, or METHODOLOGY Canadian Lawyer conducted this year's survey between March 7 and April 8 by calling for nominations, from legal groups, readers, and our panel of writers and editors. From the nominations from readers, our staff selected those who have influenced the legal system over the last 18 months in the following areas: changemakers; human rights, advocacy and criminal law; business; in-house; and government, non- profits or associations. We posted the long list online and asked for readers' votes and comments. Then, members of our editorial board created the final list of 25 based on who received the most votes in each category. "My priority is to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action relating to the legal system" Bradley Regehr, Maurice Law SPECIAL REPORT 14,721 votes 5 categories 147 nominees