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www.canadianlawyermag.com 27 someone new. Stay open to mini-mentorships in specific areas and for specific skills." Whether advancing governance frame- works, mentoring the next generation of legal professionals, or promoting inclu- sion across institutions, Druker's influence reflects a sustained commitment to service and ethical leadership. "Life is short. You've got to take calcu- lated risks. If you don't move out of your comfort zone, you don't grow," she says. "I love gardening, but if you don't repot a plant every so often, it gets root-bound and stops blooming. We're like that, too. If we don't stretch our roots, we stop flowering." HUMAN RIGHTS, ADVOCACY, AND CRIMINAL LAW Joseph A. Neuberger – Neuberger & Partners LLP Called to the bar: 1993 The managing partner is one of Canada's most influential criminal defence lawyers. Over a 32-year career marked by courtroom excellence, social advocacy, and public educa- tion, Neuberger has helped shape Canadian criminal law while mobilizing the profession around justice, equity, and legal literacy. His litigation record, leadership within community and professional organizations, and contribu- tions to legal discourse position him among the most impactful legal figures in the country. Signature impact Neuberger's trial work continues to influence the evolution of criminal law in Canada. In R v. FZ (2023 ONSC 3159), a precedent- setting case, he successfully defended a male client by introducing expert evidence of intimate partner violence against men. The ruling identified the husband, not the wife, as the victim of coercive control. It reinforced the importance of gender neutrality in legal interpretation and expanded how abuse is understood in Canadian courts. His role in this and other complex matters reflects a deep command of criminal defence. That expertise has been recognized by peers, courts, and the media, most recently in Law Society of Ontario v. Corcoran, where his analysis was cited in tribunal findings. For years, Neuberger has also shaped the development of emerging criminal litigators, many of whom have gone on to become judges. "I'm quite proud of the impact we've had on the careers of individuals who've come through our firm. That's a major one," he says. Neuberger's Not on Record podcast furthers that influence, offering open dialogue on the fault lines within the justice system, persistent myths about criminal law, and the erosion of public trust. "More than ever now, I see that there is this attack undermining confidence in our justice system, which concerns me greatly," he says. "We have one of the best criminal justice systems in the world. It's very well- functioning and I think people should be proud of our system." Ripple effect As a founder of the Canadian Jewish Law Association (CJLA), which came into fruition in conjunction with the work of other groups, including the Alliance of Canadians Combat- ting Antisemitism, Neuberger has helped establish a national platform to address anti- semitism, hate, and discrimination in all forms. From the outset, his goal was to go broader than identity-based advocacy. "We wanted to take on a broader role in addressing hate in general," he says. His public commentary highlights the threat of rising incivility and disinformation. "There's a fair amount of uncivil dialogue and other types of commentary that are extremely harmful to our values as Cana- dians," he says. "I do believe it tears away at the fabric of our society." He sees the CJLA as a venue for education, equity, and bridge-building – one that can rein- force shared values across the legal profession. What's next? Neuberger's advocacy extends into tangible community support. As a longtime supporter and past president of the Toronto Lawyers Association, he has played a leading role for its Feed the Hungry program. The annual Billiards with the Bar event, which he has shepherded for 11 years, has become a cornerstone of those efforts. "It's such a wonderfully run program, where essentially 90 cents of every dollar goes to feed the hungry," he says. "There's very little wastage of donated dollars, and high-quality food is provided to people." In 2024, the event raised over $17,000. With expanded outreach through his social media platform, he hopes to exceed $20,000 this year. Between his litigation practice, continued leadership in the CJLA, and wide-reaching podcast platform, Neuberger remains a powerful voice for justice, accountability, and legal education in Canada. Beth Beattie, LSM – Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General Called to the bar: 1994 The senior counsel is a driving force behind how mental health is understood and supported within Canada's legal profession. At the Ministry of the Attorney General, she brings deep expertise in civil and mental health law, human rights, and Coroner's inquests. But it is Beattie's candour about living with bipolar