Baker McKenzie's Rising Stars: A Legal 500 Canada Spotlight
In the highly anticipated 2026 edition of The Legal 500 Canada, global law firm Baker McKenzie has once again proven its prowess, earning an impressive nine practice area rankings and ten individual accolades. But here's where it gets interesting: this year's rankings spotlight some fresh talent, highlighting the firm's commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal experts.
The Legal 500 guide, a comprehensive resource for legal insights, is a testament to the firm's success. Compiled from an extensive pool of 300,000 client reviews worldwide, law firm submissions, interviews with top private practice lawyers, and legal market research, it's a true reflection of Baker McKenzie's standing in the industry.
One satisfied client had this to say about Baker McKenzie's capabilities: "They offer a unique blend of deep disciplinary expertise and global reach. It's a combination that's hard to come by and provides an invaluable breadth of support." Another client praised the firm's international network, saying, "Their global presence allows them to tackle complex cross-border and multinational litigation with unparalleled skill and precision."
The following practice areas were recognized for their excellence:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Competition and Antitrust
- Corporate and M&A
- Dispute Resolution: Ontario
- Intellectual Property
- International Trade
- Labour and Employment
- Tax
- Technology
And now, let's delve into the individual rankings. Four lawyers were recognized as Leading Partners, showcasing their expertise and leadership in their respective fields:
- George Avraam, Labour and Employment
- Jacques Bernier, Tax
- Usman Sheikh, Artificial Intelligence (a new addition to the rankings)
- Stephanie Vaccari, Intellectual Property
The Next Generation Partners category highlighted four up-and-coming lawyers:
- Jennifer Bernardo, Labour and Employment
- Michael Garellek, Insurance
- Haran Viswanathan, Corporate and M&A
- Julia Webster, International Trade
Two associates were recognized as Leading Associates, a testament to their exceptional skills and potential:
- Ajanthana Anandarajah, Labour and Employment
- Sepideh Nassabi, Intellectual Property (a newcomer to the rankings)
To explore the full extent of Baker McKenzie's achievements and rankings, visit Legal 500 Canada Rankings.
What do you think about these rankings? Do you agree with the recognition given to these practice areas and individuals? Feel free to share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
