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www.canadianlawyermag.com 19 www.canadianlawyermag.com 19 is being redefined by action, connection, and purpose. The work of this year's winners shows where legal influence is headed: • Business: These awardees are shaping the future of Canadian commerce. They are overhauling legal service delivery, steering billion-dollar deals, leading precedent-setting litigation, and strength- ening Canada's position in global capital markets. Their work embeds legal strategy into high-growth companies, enables cross-border investment in critical sectors, and brings practical innovation to complex business challenges. • Changemakers: The winners in this category are setting national precedents on AI ethics, developing trauma-informed legal service models, mentoring future professionals, and creating peer networks for in-house counsel. Their efforts stretch from courtrooms to frontline reform, chal- lenging outdated systems and expanding the role of legal influence. • Government, non-profits, associa- tions, and judiciary: Those honoured are rethinking how justice is delivered across Canada. They are redesigning court systems, confronting systemic bias, expanding digital access, and leading new approaches to mental health in law and policy. Their work spans legislation, major rulings, AI governance, and civil rights – all with a focus on improving transparency and inclusion at every level. • In-house: The lawyers recognized for leadership in this area are setting a new standard for corporate counsel. They are leading transformative M&A, integrating ESG into business strategy, strengthening AI oversight, and building legal teams METHODOLOGY Canadian Lawyer's 16th annual Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers called for nominations between March 24 and April 18 from legal groups, readers, and our panel of writers and editors. Qualifying nominees were then included in a reader survey in the following areas: changemakers; human rights, advocacy, and criminal law; business; in-house; and government, non- profits, associations, and judiciary. Based on the reader survey results, a short list of nominees was then sent to our Editorial Board members to vote for a maximum of five winners in each category. Board members who are on the shortlist are excluded from voting in that category. The board was asked to select winners who had most significantly influenced the legal system over the last 18 months. that reflect Canada's diversity. Their influ- ence reaches into public policy, operational design, and ethical leadership inside some of the country's most powerful institutions. • Human rights, advocacy, and criminal law: These leading lawyers are confronting Canada's most urgent human rights chal- lenges. They are defending trans youth, challenging antisemitism, advancing gender justice, and leading class actions that test the limits of the law. Their work builds national coalitions, drives reform, and pushes courts to rethink how they respond to abuse, discrimination, and systemic harm. What influence looks like in 2025 In Canada's legal profession, the definition of influence is broadening – and fast. "The most influential lawyers I've encoun- tered share one defining characteristic: they are builders," says Assie. This manifests in various forms: • developing emerging talent • securing transformative clients and matters • expanding practice groups • leading firms through periods of growth and change "What sets builders apart is their magnetic quality," he adds. "Influence inherently attracts people, and these lawyers leverage that draw to create opportunities for others. They under- stand that their success is inextricably linked to the success of those around them." McHenry notes that influence is also reflected in how lawyers live their values. "Mentors cultivate and foster their values in others and share their experiences with a new generation — a powerful way to pass on values and support new lawyers," she says. A broader blueprint for leadership This year's winners lead on ESG, tech transfor- mation, mental health, and social equity. These efforts are transforming how law is practised, who it serves, and how talent is cultivated. 13,053 votes 128 nominees