Canadian Lawyer

26 www.canadianlawyermag.com TOP PERSONAL INJURY BOUTIQUES 2025 injury boutiques for its trial-tested expertise, trauma-informed client care, and results- driven advocacy born from medical insight and community leaders. At the heart of the firm's work is the powerful goal of helping clients rebuild their lives. "Our goal is to make sure clients are doing well, and doing better," says Leto. "Because beyond this case, they have the rest of their life. That's the priority." The firm's approach springs from empathy, collaboration, and long-standing partnerships with healthcare providers. With a trauma-informed mindset, the team ensure clients feel supported through litiga- tion and prepared for what comes next. That philosophy is reflected inside the firm, too. Two-thirds of its lawyers and 43 percent of support staff have been with the firm for over a decade, contributing to a culture of trust, consistency, and shared purpose. This fuels the firm's ability to deliver results while staying closely connected to clients. "We stand with our clients, and we help them navigate their challenges," Leto adds. "We advocate for them, help them access support, and make sure they never feel alone in the process." A survey respondent echoed that senti- ment, saying, "They stop at nothing to support their clients. They work tirelessly to ensure client stories are heard and act as a member of their care team." The firm's notable cases include: • Representing Ontario's largest school boards in a $4 billion lawsuit against major social media companies, aiming to hold them accountable for the mental health impact on students. The case underscores the firm's growing leadership in mass torts and advocacy for systemic change. • Successfully appealing a dismissed medical malpractice claim in Farej v. Fellows, securing a new trial for a child with a severe birth injury after exposing critical flaws in the trial judge's reasoning on standard of care and causation. Trial-ready advocacy McLeish Orlando continues to lead as one of Canada's top personal injury boutiques, known for its trial strength, client-first philosophy, and a reputation built on compassion, innovation, and consistently outstanding results. "The lawyers are creative, organized, and hard-working," one peer says. "But most importantly, they use tactics and strategy to full advantage, and they prepare every case from the start as if it's going to trial." That level of preparation begins with case selection. The firm takes on only the most serious and life-altering injuries, where the need for trusted advocacy is greatest. Every case is treated with profound respect, with the team recognizing the weight of the responsibility clients place in their hands. "We leave no stone unturned," says Orlando. "We spend every dollar we need to spend to prepare the case so that we're ready to meet whatever defence the insurance industry comes up with." That sense of duty drives everything they do, from rigorous preparation and careful financial investment to a refusal to cut corners for convenience. It's a deliberate, detail-focused approach that includes filing claims promptly, securing key records early, and advancing files steadily and strategically. Serious injury claims can take years to fully understand, especially when it comes to the medical picture. That's why the team build each case from day one with urgency and care, sending a clear signal to insurers and defence counsel that they're prepared. "We want to be in a position to tell the court we're ready for trial," Orlando adds. "Not because we want to try every case, but because that's how we get fair and reason- able offers." On a mission beyond the case With regional roots in Nova Scotia, Wagners has earned national recognition as one of Canada's top personal injury boutiques, respected for its trial and appellate exper- tise, innovative legal strategy, and deep connection to the communities it serves. Empathy and a desire to create mean- ingful impact drives the firm's approach. "From the first consultation to the final resolution of a case, the firm demonstrates a deep commitment to its clients, combining experience, compassion, and relentless dedication," one survey participant says. That dedication shows up not just in how they support individual clients but in how they think about the broader purpose of their work. "If we can find that piece, where we can make a change to benefit others from the "In this business, you can only be better if you work compassionately for the people you represent. And there's no shortage of compassion, not just among our lawyers but our staff as well" Robert Durante, Oatley Vigmond LLP SPECIAL REPORT

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