Canadian Lawyer

www.canadianlawyermag.com 49 • being an extension of clients' businesses • a relationship-driven approach The fundamental theme behind its philosophy is a desire to learn about clients and understand the business rationale behind their legal issues, whether municipal governments or private businesses. "Our approach isn't institution to insti- tution; it is typically stakeholder to trusted advisor or decision-maker to trusted advisor," Ritchie notes. "We are very rarely advising layers of bureaucracy. We often advise the decision-maker who will share the risk of our decision, and when you do that well, it entrenches the relationship and brings you into that business in a very deep way." McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP – Community-driven legal excellence With top-ranked lawyers in specialized areas such as tax litigation and class actions, and as one of Southwestern Ontario's largest family law practices, the full-service firm uses strategies to remain at the forefront of legal innovation, including: • undiluted commitment to excellence across all practice areas • sizeable investment in training, mentoring, and professional development T h r o u g h o n go i n g e d u c at i o n a n d knowledge-sharing, McKenzie Lake posi- tions its lawyers to keep pace with legal shifts and provide innovative solutions. "Across all of our practice areas, we strive to ensure we have experts in each field," Villeneuve says. "One of the things that sets us apart is the amount of time, energy, and money we invest internally in training, mentoring, and supporting our lawyers." Client-focused and results- driven approaches set top firms apart Torkin Manes continuously evolves to meet client needs and industry trends, and one area of focus is IT privacy and cybersecurity, which remains a top concern for businesses world- wide. Recognizing its growing importance, the firm has recruited three dedicated lawyers and has plans to expand further. Another key development is the redefini- tion and expansion of the firm's private client services (PCS) group. This includes estate and tax planning, family law, estates, not-for-profit matters, and estate litigation. Torkin Manes has structured PCS as a distinct offering, ensuring clients see it as a comprehensive service covering personal and corporate legal needs. The firm also maintains a commitment to full-service offerings, even in areas such as residential real estate, which it provides selectively for existing clients rather than as a profit-driven practice. Pallett Valo is lauded for having a supportive workplace and is a strong advocate for long-term client relationships. Ever ything begins with its profes- sional management team and core values of excellence, respect, and integrity, which are authentically embedded at every level of the firm. The partners genuinely embrace them, and that commitment spreads. "When lawyers and staff interact with clients, they reflect those principles, creating a culture where values are actively demon- strated," Russo says. "Clients and colleagues can easily tell when someone is not genuine. That's why the firm has made a conscious effort to ensure its values aren't just a mission statement but a way of doing business." To reinforce this, the firm has a partner charter that sets expectations around client service, profitability, and respect. This docu- ment guides decision-making and leader- ship, ensuring values remain the foundation of everything the firm does. Fogler, Rubinoff punches above its weight, handling complex matters of the same calibre as those handled by much larger firms. The team delivers significant value for clients, particularly when handling sizeable or complex matters. "I think that's where we make an impact for clients. Doing great work is a given, but the added things matter," Roblin says. "For example, if a client has an urgent question on a transaction or litigation, they appre- ciate knowing they have someone they can call. They know the person handling their file "Moving to Scotia Plaza in fall 2026 is an incredible opportunity. It's a blank canvas where we can update our technology, connectivity, and firm culture. We're designing a space that reflects who we are and where we're going" Shawn Wolfson, Blaney McMurtry LLP

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