For 15 years, Best Lawyers® has established the Best Law Firms® brand as a trusted authority in legal rankings, celebrating excellence in law firms across the United States. In early 2024, we expanded our research internationally, launching Best Law Firms editions in both Australia and Germany.
Now, building on our 18-year history of recognizing Canadian lawyers through The Best Lawyers in Canada™, we are proud to announce the first edition of Best Law Firms™ – Canada.
This inaugural edition highlights Canadian law firms that embody the qualities most valued by clients – from legal expertise to outstanding service – providing a research-driven resource to help clients make informed choices.
By expanding into law firm recognition, we continue our dedication to promoting trusted, high-quality legal representation throughout Canada.
A Comprehensive and Rigorous Selection Process
The Best Law Firms – Canada rankings are the result of a rigorous, multi-step evaluation designed to identify the nation’s top-performing law firms.
Initially, to be eligible, a firm must include at least one lawyer recognized in the latest edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada, setting a foundational benchmark for quality.
Our approach to evaluation then combines insights from various perspectives, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of each eligible firm. This includes:
1. Law Firm Surveys
In the first phase, law firms participated in our survey, providing detailed information on their key practice areas, achievements over the past year and significant client cases. This extensive input from firms forms the foundational insights into their expertise and scope.
2. Client References
In the next phase of the research, participating firms then submitted client references. These client insights are essential for understanding firsthand client experiences and satisfaction, which are critical elements of the evaluation process.
3. Peer Evaluations
Demonstrating strong engagement with this first edition, over 4,600 recognized lawyers cast over 105,000 votes, evaluating nearly 2,000 firms across practice areas.
Achieving a 65% response rate for a first edition is an exceptional milestone, demonstrating robust support and engagement from the Canadian legal community.
This strong participation rate signals that Canadian lawyers not only value the Best Law Firms – Canada rankings but also embrace them as a trusted and respected industry benchmark, engaging enthusiastically in our rigorous evaluation process.
4. Client Feedback
More than 2,100 clients submitted over 17,400 evaluations and nearly 2,000 comments, offering invaluable insights into each firm's approach to service and client relationships.
With a 63% participation rate, this feedback provides a strong client perspective that helps shape a well-rounded assessment of each firm’s strengths.
5. Leadership Insights
Lastly, insights from managing partners and practice group leaders contributed to the rankings, adding an authoritative perspective on standout firms known for their skill, leadership and influence within the profession.
By adhering to this meticulous process, Best Law Firms ensures that recognized firms consistently demonstrate exceptional standards, making this resource a valuable guide for clients seeking top-tier legal representation.
Research Results and Distinctions for Canada
The first edition of Best Law Firms – Canada honors the top-performing law firms across the nation by area of law, with awards falling into three key categories:
- National
- Regional
- Law Firm of the Year
These categories highlight varying levels of distinction and cater to the diverse needs of clients across Canada.
Regional Awards
Representing the top 3% of Canadian law firms, this category includes 1,231 firms recognized across 68 practice areas in 25 Canadian regions.
These distinctions reflect exceptional performance within specific provinces or metropolitan areas, offering clients access to highly regarded legal expertise within their own communities.
This regional breakdown spans major urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, as well as smaller jurisdictions, such as Kamloops and Yellowknife, ensuring clients can find top-tier legal services no matter their location.
National Awards
The top 1.7% of firms in Canada were awarded additional national recognition, encompassing 570 firms across 34 practice areas.
These firms demonstrate exceptional capabilities in providing legal services on a national level, with specialties in fields such as Corporate Law and Litigation.
National awards highlight firms with a consistent track record of excellence across Canada, meeting the highest standards of expertise in high-demand sectors.
Law Firm of the Year Honors
Representing the top 0.07% of firms, this distinction recognizes 27 firms across 33 practice areas.
The Best Law Firms – Canada "Law Firm of the Year" honor is awarded to firms that exemplify singular excellence in specific practice areas and demonstrate leadership, innovation and exceptional client service.
This award highlights firms making a notable impact across a wide range of practice areas, including but not limited to Intellectual Property, Administrative and Public Law, Family Law and Corporate Law, setting a high standard within the Canadian legal industry.
These distinctions not only celebrate excellence but also provide valuable insights into Canada’s top legal providers, empowering clients to make informed decisions when choosing representation.
What Canadian Clients Value: Key Insights from the Research
The feedback gathered during our research revealed distinct priorities among Canadian clients, highlighting what they value most when selecting legal representation.
The themes that emerged from client surveys and comments provide a well-rounded view of client expectations in the Canadian legal industry:
1. Professionalism and Expertise in Complex Legal Matters
Clients prioritize law firms with specialized knowledge and the ability to handle intricate legal issues.
Expertise in areas like Family Law, Corporate Law and Indigenous rights stands out, along with firms’ capacity to manage challenges across regional and national jurisdictions.
2. Commitment to Positive Outcomes
Clients appreciate firms dedicated to achieving favorable results, with thorough preparation and strategic advocacy reinforcing their trust in the attorneys’ commitment to excellence.
3. Transparent and Responsive Communication
Clear, timely communication is essential to clients, who value firms that provide updates, clarify legal advice and prioritize responsiveness. This approach helps clients feel supported and informed throughout the legal process.
4. Supportive and Empathetic Approach
Many clients expressed gratitude for the empathy and understanding shown by their legal teams, especially in sensitive cases like personal injury or family matters, where both legal and emotional support are needed.
5. Trustworthiness and Ethical Standards
Reliability and ethics are crucial to clients, who value law firms known for their integrity and commitment to high standards.
6. High-Quality Client Service and Personalized Attention
Clients frequently commend the exceptional client service they receive, appreciating when firms go above and beyond to accommodate their needs.
Many clients mentioned that they feel genuinely valued and supported, especially when legal teams are approachable, personable and show a vested interest in their well-being.
The Importance of a Client-Centered Approach
These insights highlight the importance of a client-centered approach for Canadian law firms. By combining legal expertise with dedicated client service, firms can build lasting relationships and establish themselves as trusted advisors.
An example of the value clients place on informed choices and the role of the Best Law Firms – Canada recognition is captured in this testimonial from Nadia Ciancotti, president of Re/max Action:
"Having access to Best Lawyers awards and similar accolades is incredibly beneficial for anyone seeking legal representation. These awards provide a reliable reference point, showcasing the recognized excellence and expertise of top-performing lawyers and law firms.
They help potential clients make informed decisions by highlighting those who have consistently demonstrated exceptional skill, ethical practice and successful outcomes. Relying on such prestigious recognitions ensures that individuals can choose a law firm with a proven track record of success and a reputation for high-quality service."
A New Era for Canadian Law Firms and Clients
The launch of the inaugural edition of Best Law Firms – Canada introduces a trusted, research-driven resource for clients and legal professionals across Canada. Best Lawyers brings together comprehensive rankings that reflect the expertise, client-centered approach and high standards of Canada’s best law firms.
Explore the complete Best Law Firms – Canada rankings to find distinguished firms for trusted representation, reliable referrals and key partnerships in specialized practice areas across Canada.
