Canadian Lawyer

28 A u g u s t 2 0 1 4 w w w . C A N A D I A N L a w y e r m a g . c o m CHIEF JUSTICE BEVERLEY McLACHLIN CHIEF JUSTICE, SUPREME COURT OF CANADA, OTTAWA GALATI'S MISTRUST OF AUTHORITY has o en made him a focal point in the national media. is past year, Galati made huge waves by challenging the government on its appointment of Justice Marc Nadon to the Supreme Court of Canada. Galati's challenge led to widespread public debate on both the judicial appointment process and areas of the constitution and division of powers. In large part due to Galati's challenges, Nadon's appointment was unsuccessful, but he didn't stop there. Galati has also challenged the appoint- ment of Justice Robert Mainville of the Federal Court to the Quebec Court of Appeal as well as suing the government over changes to the Citizenship Act. McLACHLIN MADE HEADLINES across the country this year when she came under fi re from Prime Minister Stephen Harper for a standard phone call she made to his government regarding appointments to the top court. As one nominee noted, "her principled stand against the attacks of Harper and his government defi nitely represent the leadership story of 2014." e extreme high regard McLachlin com- mands in Canadian society is evident through the strong support she received and her massive vote count in this year's Top 25. McLachlin is very vocal and active in working for better access to justice and speaks widely in the legal sphere and beyond on the issue and the role of the courts. Earlier this year at the Canadian Corporate Coun- sel Association meeting, she once again challenged the profession to engage in a "richer debate" on the question of why there aren't more women in the profession and on the bench. McLachlin has gone a long way to make the top court more accessible and transparent to Canadians by being an approachable face of the judiciary. ROCCO GALATI ROCCO GALATI LAW FIRM, TORONTO What voters had to say: "While the legal community wrung its hands, Galati stepped up in a big way. He deserves huge recognition for that." What voters had to say: "Her Honour should have everyone's support, in recognition of her unassailable integrity (if only to dissuade her few, misguided detractors!)." " ank you for having the integrity not to be bullied by Prime Minister Harper and not simply reacting in anger and outrage. It makes me understand that you can judge, keep your emotions and do what is best for this country." CHANGEMAKERS coliN Rowe Jim youNG/ReuteRS

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