Lexpert magazine features articles and columns on developments in legal practice management, deals and lawsuits of interest in Canada, the law and business issues of interest to legal professionals and businesses that purchase legal services.
Issue link: https://digital.carswellmedia.com/i/1547047
28 www.canadianlawyermag.com TOP 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS 2026 hasn't passed and through CRASH, the coalition he helped launch to confront the danger oversized pickups and SUVs pose to pedestrians and cyclists. Brown doesn't expect a perfect outcome, only sustained effort from everyone with a hand in it. What his nominators said Those who nominated Brown described a lawyer whose influence reaches well past his casework, crediting him with sustained commitment to the brain injury commu- nity, meaningful collaboration on concus- sion research and injury prevention, and a training program that has shaped hundreds of new litigators annually for over a decade. Several credited his coroner's review work as the evidentiary foundation now under- pinning Ontario's active fight to preserve protected bike lanes, and pointed to his role in helping launch a national coalition against oversized vehicle risk as proof his advocacy keeps expanding instead of settling. Q&A with Patrick Brown McLeish Orlando LLP, Toronto, ON Q: You served as counsel for a year on the most extensive coroner's review into cycling deaths in the province's history, and it led directly to the Bike Plan and the one-metre passing law. Walk me through how a review like that turns into legislation. A: After a full year of comprehensive review, we came out with 14 recommenda- tions, and many were influenced by the groups I represented, like Cycle Toronto and ARC. They passed the one-metre law under the Highway Traffic Act, the Ministry of Trans- portation updated its driver's handbooks, and the Ontario government's cycling strategy followed, which gave rise to the Bike Plan. Municipalities then incorporated complete streets guidelines into how they redesign their cities and towns, including bike lane and pedestrian infrastructure. We MORE PRAISE FOR THE TOP 25 MOST INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS Michael Geist University of Ottawa · Government, non-profits, associations & judiciary "Undisputed leader in tech law, thought leader and important advocate in equity matters." Michael Rosenberg McCarthy Tétrault LLP · Human rights, advocacy & criminal "His brave and ambitious advocacy on behalf of marginalized groups is pushing the Charter in new directions." Muneeza Sheikh Muneeza Sheikh Employment and Human Rights · Human rights, advocacy & criminal "Muneeza is changing the face of human rights in Canada." Patrick Brown McLeish Orlando LLP · Changemakers "Patrick's tireless advocacy for vulnerable road users will never be forgotten." Paul Saunders Stewart McKelvey · Changemakers "To use the hockey expression, he is skating to where the puck is going." Raj Juneja McCarthy Tétrault LLP · Business "An exceptional leader and one of the most brilliant minds I have had the pleasure to meet." Richard Wagner Chief Justice of Canada · Government, non-profits, associations & judiciary "A judiciary that is independent, and seen to be independent, benefits all Canadians." Rustam Juma Volkswagen Group Canada · In-house "A terrific leader who runs a wonderful, dedicated team at VW." Shahir Guindi Osler · Business "One of the most impressive business lawyers I have ever seen" Stephanie Willsey Cochrane Sinclair LLP · Human rights, advocacy & criminal "Fights with her whole heart for First Nation Canadians." Yameena Ansari Ansari Immigration Law · Changemakers "The most courageous, passionate, considerate, and down-to-earth lawyer I have had the privilege of knowing." Yola Ventresca Lerners LLP · Business "One of the most fearless leaders I know, never ducking the hard discussions and decisions." SPECIAL REPORT