Canadian Lawyer

CHANGEMAKERS THE WORLD STAGE CHANGEMAKERS THE WORLD STAGE Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential in the justice system and legal profession is now in its fifth year. The Top 25 is always one of the magazine's most-read, and most commented-on features. Of course our choices likely won't meet with universal approval but a little healthy debate among readers is always welcome. Again this year, we used the tried-and-true formula of asking for nominations from legal groups and associations representing a variety of memberships and locations; last year's Top 25 honourees; our readership; and an inter- nal panel of writers and editors. We received almost 120 nominations, which the internal panel whittled down to the 100 candidates who met our criteria. We then posted the list of 100 online and asked our readers to give us their opinions, which they did in spades. An astounding 6,112 people voted and commented on those who they thought were the most influen- tial in the profession over the past 18 months. Nominations and votes were up almost 25 per cent over last year, which is a testament to the great work lawyers are doing in society at home and abroad. The final list of 25 pre- sented here is based on that poll with input and the last word from the internal editorial panel. The Top 25 Most Influential is not just about bright stars, big deals, or number of media mentions — although those may play a part. We have endeavoured to select lawyers who have been influential within the profession as well as society in the last year and a half. This year, we also looked at the role of Canadian lawyers in the international community. Closing a big deal, for instance, may not have a substantial impact beyond that particular business or industry. Inclusion in the Top 25 talks to a level of respect, the ability to influence public opinion, and to help shape the laws of this country and others; contribution to the strength and quality of legal services as well as access to justice; and social and political influence and involvement. The Top 25 is split into five areas of influence, with one change from last year. The top five in each of the fol- lowing categories have made the final list: corporate-commercial law; changemakers; criminal and human rights law; government, associations, and non-profits including public inquiries and officers of Parliament; and the all- new world stage. Nominees were put in the category in which the individual exercised their influence during the time period. A number of previous winners are back this year: Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Beverley McLach- lin; Vancouver criminal and human rights lawyer Joseph Arvay; Osgoode Hall law professor Alan Young; and Ontario Ombudsman André Marin. This year's list also sees a strong cohort of new movers and shakers includ- ing Toronto lawyer Rocco Galati, who challenged the federal government's appointment of Justice Marc Nadon to the Supreme Court of Canada; Mark Morris and Lena Koke, who shook up the profession with the launch of their Wal-Mart store-based law firm; and federal government whistleblower Edgar Schmidt. There are also Canadians who've made their mark internationally in quite different ways such as Murray Klippenstein, who is representing Guatemalean villagers in a suit against HudBay Minerals Inc., and Moya Greene, the first non- Briton to head the Royal Mail. Worth remarking on is the huge number of votes that came in for McLachlin — at least triple the number of the person with the second-highest number of votes. The chief justice was lauded over and over again for her integrity, grace, and professionalism in responding to veiled accusations from Prime Minister Stephen Harper that she behaved inappropriately by pointing out to the PMO an issue may arise with the appointment of a fed- eral court judge to fill a spot on the SCC bench (which it did!). "Truly admirable!" one voter said about McLach- lin's measured response. While the situation was not the major spat between the chief and the PM that some media made it out to be, the legal profession's response was indicative of the respect in which McLachlin is held. Also worth a mention is Bob Kuhn, the president of Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C, and one of the most controversial nominees. He had led the university's initiative to open a law school, which has been given the green light but still faces strong opposition from the profession and certain law societies due to its controversial student covenant. Led by Kuhn, TWU is fighting back, launching lawsuits in Ontario and N.S. that will likely end up in the Supreme Court of Canada pitting the Charter right of freedom of religion against oth- ers. While he didn't make the final 25, Kuhn had strong voter support, particularly from the TWU community. One voter noted: "Bob Kuhn is the definition of a distinguished and honourable lawyer; his convictions are not swayed by what passes in a moment, but are guided by ethical judgment and deeply held beliefs." So without further ado, here are the 2014 Top 25 Most Influential. They are listed with the top vote getter in each category first, followed by the others in alphabetical order. Disagree with the choices? Did we miss someone obvious? Post your feedback online at canadianlawyermag.com or e-mail it to cl.editor@thomsonreuters.com. We'll be doing it all again next year. GOVERNMENT/NON-PROFITS/ASSOCIATIONS CORPORATE-COMMERCIAL w w w . 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