OUTLIERS

Douglas J. Black
Vice chairman and senior counsel of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP
and chairman of the University of Calgary’s board of governors, Calgary

Douglas Black was elected by Albertans as one of three nominees for the Senate on April 23. His web site refers to him as “Doug Black, Senator in Waiting.” An avid supporter of the arts, in his senate campaign, Black vowed to “be a voice for arts and culture” in Alberta and across Canada. His practice at FMC involves providing legal, policy, and strategic advice to governments and corporations. With a legal practice focused on corporate-commercial and energy law, Black is also president of the Energy Policy Institute of Canada, an industry body he helped found that’s pushing for a national energy strategy. He has been active in conservative politics for nearly 40 years. Even though he likely won’t get to sit in the Senate, Black told the Leduc Representative newspaper in April he was running because, “the Senate isn’t democratic and I think changes need to be made.”

What the panel had to say: “His knowledge of energy policy and Canadian politics would serve Canadians well if Black ever got a chance to sit in the Senate.”

Chief Justice Robert Bauman
Chief Justice, Supreme Court of British Columbia, Vancouver

Chief Justice Robert Bauman authored the much-anticipated B.C. polygamy reference, and also took a strong stance on judicial independence when the provincial government launched its justice system modernization plan earlier this year. In a speech to the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association last November, he warned that B.C.’s justice system is “threatened, if not in peril,” due to chronic underfunding from the government. He noted that many cases — some quite serious — are being thrown out, especially at the provincial court level, due to unreasonable delays. He also bemoaned cuts to the numbers of court clerks and other support services and called on lawyers to be ambassadors of the value of the legal system.

What voters had to say: “His decisions have influenced the course of justice.”



Michael Geist
Professor, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ottawa

Michael Geist holds the Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law. On the Top 25 list for a second year, he continues to be arguably the most influential voice on law and technology in the country, not only within the legal profession but also by educating the Canadian public through his newspaper columns and highly regarded blog. Over the past year, he has made public much of the debate of Canada’s new copyright laws, highlighting many of the issues and problems that otherwise would pass under the radar.

What voters had to say: “Michael Geist is my idol.”

Jordan Furlong
Partner, Edge International Inc.; senior consultant, Stem Legal Web Enterprises Inc.; award-winning blogger, Ottawa

Jordan Furlong is one of the few Canadians who constantly question the status quo and how law firms are run in this country. He is well-versed in marketing and social media as well as law practice management and is a sought-after speaker at professional events and conferences as well as writing on the topics at his Law21 blog. He has his eye on the ball when it comes to the future of legal practice in Canada and is more than willing to drag Canadian lawyers and firms kicking and screaming into the new age of the practice of law.

What voters had to say: “Jordan is a key commentator and consultant on change in the legal profession.”



Norman Steinberg
Chairman, Norton Rose Group, Montreal

Cementing his influence in global law firm Norton Rose Group, Norman Steinberg became the first non-U.K. chairman of the group in May. His appointment, as Norton Rose chief executive Peter Martyr put it, “is a reflection of the globalization of the practice” of law and makes Steinberg one of Canada’s major players on the international scene. He has significant management experience as well as strong understanding of international markets gained from a practice focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, privatization, and corporate governance.

What the panel had to say: “In his new position, Steinberg is putting Canada out there on the global stage.”

Prepared with assistance from Monica Russell.