From legal reform and AI adoption to access to justice, these leaders are shaping the profession's future
Some lawyers respond to change. Others create it.
A managing partner redesigned compensation to reward mentorship. A litigator helped turn a coroner's review into provincial law. An immigration lawyer fought a battle in both the courtroom and the court of public opinion. And one firm became the first in Canada to equip every lawyer with AI.
These are just some of the stories behind Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers 2026, sponsored by Thomson Reuters.
Now in its 17th year, the ranking recognizes lawyers whose impact extends beyond individual cases and clients. Among this year's awardees are:
- Patrick Brown of McLeish Orlando LLP
- Yola Ventresca of Lerners LLP
- Yameena Ansari of Ansari Immigration Law
- Farah Ismail of SE Health
- Elizabeth Bowker of Stieber Berlach LLP
The honourees are advancing legal technology, influencing public policy, expanding access to justice, and redefining leadership across the profession.
As AI adoption accelerates and the legal landscape evolves, their work offers a glimpse of where Canadian law is heading next.
See the report, proudly sponsored by Thomson Reuters, and learn how these legal leaders are driving change and leaving a lasting mark on the profession.
