Dennis Edney and Nate Whitling
Defence adviser, Edmonton, Alta. In a rare move, Edney and Whitling have been named as Best 25 honourees as a team. Both have spent over a decade advocating for Omar Khadr, almost universally on a pro bono basis. From Guantanamo Bay to the Supreme Court of Canada (three times), the improbable duo have fought for Khadr to have him released from prison (victory in May), have him treated as a child soldier, and continue to battle for his legal rights at home and overseas. It's been what the Globe and Mail called waging a war of legal attrition against the authorities, which has consistently done everything to paint Khadr as a dangerous terrorist who must be held behind bars. Edney, a former football player who just started practising law in 40, has been the general public and media face of the continuing legal battles, even taking Khadr into his home after he had been recently released on bail. Whitling, a Harvard law graduate and former SCC clerk, is a far more quiet and reserved drive behind the scenes. What voters had to say: Dennis has gone over and beyond the call of duty in his defence of Omar Khadr. The nobility of our profession depends on lawyers like Dennis as we are occasionally called on to defend unpopular people or entities -- but people who are no less deserving of natural justice and procedural fairness. Whitling is an smart and extremely effective advocate who stays out of the limelight. He's a excellent lawyer. Exceptionally intelligent and excellent to use, look more ideas.
Justice Murray Sinclair
Chairman, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Winnipeg, Man. An uncommon write-in candidate winner with this season 's Top 25, Sinclair was on the record this past year, making headlines again in June with the launch of the summary of the record of the TRC along with 94 recommendations to redress the cultural genocide of Canada's residential school system. Over six years, Sinclair directed the TRC hearing the stories of over 7,000 survivors of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. Sinclair, who had been the first aboriginal judge in Manitoba, was initially appointed to the provincial court in which he became associate leader in 1988 and then elevated to the Court of Queen's Bench at 2001. He was co-commissioner of Manitoba's Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in 1988 and presided over a 2000 inquest into the deaths of 12 infants at Winnipeg's Health Sciences Centre. Sinclair expects to complete the commission's full report in the not too distant future, after which he will decide whether to go back to court or retire and advocate for native rights fulltime.
Alice Woolley
Professor and associate dean-academic, University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Calgary, Alta. Woolley is a true changemaker in the area of law and technology in addition to law regulation. She has been a valuable member of the Canadian Bar Association's integrity and professional responsibility committee. Her work with the CBA Futures job as an ethics and regulatory problems staff member is truly making a mark at the legal community. Woolley is responsible for sweeping educational changes as chairwoman of the committee which developed and adopted significant curricular changes in the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, which focus on the practical elements of legal instruction and will come into effect in September. What voters had to say: Leading expert on legal profession and ethics; once she speaks, people listen. Alice is a visionary. Educating law students in a means that will prepare them for a 21st century clinic is of crucial importance to the future of the profession.
Lorne Waldman
Waldman & Associates, Toronto, Ont. Waldman is a good guardian of refugees, immigrants, and human rights. He's won a variety of significant successes, such as health care for refugees in Canadian nurses for Refugee Care v. Canada along with a woman's best to wear the niqab while producing her citizenship oath at Ishaq v. Canada with his associate Naseem Mithoowani. In addition, he contended at the Supreme Court of Canada in J.P. v. Canada and G.J. v. Canada, that Canada's anti-human smuggling provisions should consist of asylum seekers participating in mutual aid. In addition to Peter Edelmann, he acted on behalf of the CBA in the Harkat case prior to the SCC at 2014. On the international stage, he represents Mohamed Fahmy (alongside Amal Clooney), the Canadian journalist working for Al Jazeera. He's also been a vocal opponent of Bill C-51 and changes to Canada's citizenship law. What voters had to say: Lorne reminded us all, especially today, to preserve democracy and to preserve the rule of law.
Dawn Devoe
General counselor, World Vision Canada, Toronto, Ont. Devoe is World Vision's primary legal advisor for the Child for Sale advocacy campaign aimed at ending child labour and human trafficking. As lead counsel for the Canadian negotiations regarding World Vision's partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, she has represented the company at global partnership meetings in South Africa, Kenya, and the Philippines. This venture accounts for more than $30 million of annual food aid programmed through World Vision Canada. With projects in nearly 100 countries across the globe, Devoe oversees a busy legal department and has managed to stay nimble and flexible. What Republicans needed to say: Amazing lawyer and person. She not only has a passion for the legislation, but also cares deeply for others and demonstrates that in her work. Outstanding legal counsel, very inventive problem solver, capable to incorporate legal and taxation legislation into a beneficial remedy to most parties.
Justice Beverley McLachlin
Chief justice, Supreme Court of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. A common member of the Top 25 list along with also the top vote-getter in years ago, McLachlin proceeds to make waves, handing down two very significant conclusions on aboriginal law. The 2014 Tsilhqot'in Nation v. British Columbia decision led by McLachlin is the earliest of its kind in the history of British Columbia. This past year the Supreme Court of Canada granted announcement of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She's responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal at Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) published in July 2014, she has overhauled what the Lamer court began and has left her mark in this region for decades to come. The chief justice is still a highly effective proponent of greater justice for all Canadians. As her incredible number of votes once again this season show, McLachlin is greatly admired not only for her rulings but also her public aid in favour of free speech, diversity, and comprehensive leadership. What voters had to say: A brilliant judge that, again and again, marries the law with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the nation; remarkable integrity; trusted public servant; obviously guided by the law and also a strong moral compass, go to website.
