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20 www.canadianlawyermag.com TOP 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS 2023 CANADIAN LAWYER celebrates the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers of 2023, all of whom are legal game changers embodying the highest aspirations of the profession. Out of hundreds of notable nominees, this year's influential lawyers emerged through nearly 22,000 votes cast. Their exceptional achievements and meaningful contributions have made a lasting impression, garnering them the prestigious recognition as the most influ- FORCES FOR CHANGE ential lawyers in the country. The 2023 cohort consists of lawyers who display a passion for justice, human rights advocacy, and societal equity, and are all influencing standards and attitudes with their outstanding professional abilities. Social change champion – Daniel J. Song With a focus on preventing miscarriages of justice, the Pringle Law criminal defence lawyer has pushed the boundaries of crim- inal law and social justice. His immense contributions to important cases have pushed the boundaries of Charter applicability and the law of consent. At the same time, other legal work will undoubt- edly impact some of the most vulnerable people in the criminal justice system. "For me, it was the experiences with some of the injustices I watched my parents go through, and that gave me a broader motiva- tion to pursue a career in law and in trying to help these individuals," explains Song. "When I observe people suffer injustice, it strikes a chord with me, and that's where some of that passion for my work comes from," he continues. "I don't think you can teach someone to be provoked by a miscar- riage of justice; some lawyers will inher- ently respond." Song has earned a reputation for being a powerful force for change, driven by his exceptional legal expertise and strong advo- cacy in the following ways: "We can all be impactful without aiming to be influential; be positive, diligent, authentic, and cultivate the trust and respect of the courts, profession, and the public" Daniel J. Song, Pringle Law SPECIAL REPORT METHODOLOGY Canadian Lawyer conducted this year's survey between March 13 and April 7, 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, our editorial board members created the final list of 25 Most Influential Lawyers based on who received the most votes in each category. 21,724 votes 14th edition of Most Influential Lawyers survey 131 nominees