Exceptional talent.
Recognized.

“It is such an honour to be recognized by Lexpert as a Rising Star in the Canadian legal community, especially alongside exceptional peers and leading lawyers in their fields,” says Aaron Sigal, associate general counsel at OPTrust and one of this year’s Lexpert Rising Stars Awards winners.

“This is particularly true for lawyers like myself in the in-house space – it [is] gratifying that our work is being appreciated as cutting-edge and complex as we work closely with our colleagues in private practice to advance our organizations’ goals,” Sigal adds. “It isn’t normally my style to focus on awards, but I am extremely grateful to have been acknowledged amongst this group.”

The 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards would not have been as successful without the support of our generous sponsors. Among them are some of Canada’s most prominent law firms, which note the winners’ role in shaping the future of the country’s legal profession.

“We’re proud to support the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, which celebrate the emerging leaders shaping our profession," said Matthew Scott, managing partner of Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP. “Developing outstanding advocates and future leaders is integral to our culture, and we view these awards as a meaningful way to recognize those who reflect the best of our profession in both ability and character.”

Bruce Chapple, CEO and managing partner at McMillan LLP shared similar sentiments.

“At McMillan, we’re deeply committed to advancing the next generation of legal talent. Supporting the Lexpert Rising Stars Awards is one of the ways we put that commitment into action, celebrating emerging leaders who are shaping the future of our profession,” Chapple said.

Others were thrilled to see their own colleagues among the winners.

“Leadership in law today means more than expertise, it’s about vision, courage, and a willingness to challenge what’s possible,” said Sean Griffin, CEO of Langlois Lawyers, adding that the firm is “proud to stand behind the next generation of legal leaders who embody that spirit.

“Seeing our partner, Antoine Brylowski, among this year’s honourees is an inspiring example of the excellence shaping our profession.”

For helping make this year’s awards a success, Lexpert and Canadian Lawyer extend a warm thank you to event partner Dye & Durham and gold sponsor Langlois Lawyers.

Lexpert and Canadian Lawyer would also like to thank our judging panel, silver sponsors McMillan LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright, Ernst & Young LLP, Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, education partner Osgoode Hall Law School, and our media partners and supporting organizations: Black Law Students Association, Korean Canadian Lawyers Association, and South Asian Bar Association.