Best Law Firms in Ontario

Ottawa law firm Auger Hollingsworth had modest beginnings. In 2004, criminal defence lawyer Richard Auger started the firm with one client file, operating in shared office space with another law firm. Months later, Richard’s wife Brenda Hollingsworth, a litigation and personal injury specialist, joined the firm and became an equal partner.

The firm grew quickly as a result of Richard and Brenda’s tireless work ethic. Early successes for clients led to word of mouth referrals and a buzz in the legal and business circles in Ottawa. As word spread about the law firm recognition soon followed. The firm was named the bronze winner of the Ottawa Business Journal’s “New Business of the Year” award in 2006.

Since then, the firm has continued to prosper and grow while maintaining a commitment to providing close personal attention to clients that made the firm a success in its earliest years. Though widely recognized as a leading law firm in Ontario for criminal defence and personal injury law (specializing in car accident, slip and fall, and denied disability cases), each client that the firm signs on has their case worked on by one of the partners at the firm. Though we have remarkable legal support staff, we believe that when a client signs up to work with a firm after meeting with a partner, they expect it will be that partner who is doing the legwork for them. At Auger Hollingsworth, that is how we work.

Looking to Hire an Ottawa Lawyer?

Make sure he or she has a good track record.

If you are looking to hire an Ontario lawyer you probably want a lawyer who is likely to get the results you want. While there is no sure way to know if the case will end in your favour, hiring a lawyer who has a good track record can only help. Years of experience are important but it is more important that your lawyer has consistent positive results.

One way to asses a lawyer’s track record is to look at their case results and testimonials. Most lawyers will have a website where you can access some of this information. Take time to do some research and see if you can have access to some of their case results and client testimonials. It can be very beneficial to hear about the experience that other individuals have had with a particular lawyer.

Another way to look into a lawyer’s track record is to see if they have ever received any awards or distinctions. These kinds of honours show that a lawyer has received particular recognition from local associations, their peers, governing bodies, and professional organizations. A good lawyer will probably include this information on their website since the internet is often the first place individuals go to find information.

You can also assess a lawyer’s track record by finding out if he or she has ever been disciplined by the Law Society. The Law Society deals with any complaints that come up against a lawyer and its purpose it to protect the public. In order to protect the public the Law Society also pursues disciplinary action against lawyers if it becomes necessary. While it may seem awkward to bring up this issue, it is important for you to know if the lawyer has had any complaints filed against him or her or if he or she has ever been disciplined. Although you shouldn’t base your decision about hiring a particular lawyer on this point alone, knowing this kind of information can help you get a complete impression of a lawyer.

Meet the Ottawa Law Firm Partners

Auger Hollingsworth Professional Corporation is run by partners Brenda Hollingsworth and Richard Auger. Richard and Brenda are law partners and husband and wife. They live in Ottawa with their two sons.

Since the firm opened its doors, Richard Auger and Brenda Hollingsworth have established themselves as top-tier lawyers in their fields. They’re expertise translates not only into great results for clients, but into regular and meaningful contributions to their legal fields. Both Richard and Brenda have written legal books for the public, and articles for legal reviews. In addition, they are often asked to comment on legal issues in the media.

Ottawa Law Firm Community Involvement

Community Involvement

Ottawa Law Firm Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers has been committed to giving back to the community since the firm opened its doors in 2004. We understand that we have been fortunate to achieve success in business, and so it has always been a core tenet of the firm to help the community. From the beginning, the firm’s involvement has been three-pronged, focusing on charitable giving, Pro Bono projects and legal education.

Working Pro Bono

Pro bono work is an important and long-standing tradition in the legal profession, and the lawyers at Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers have shown a desire to offer their services for the public good.

In one major project, the firm represented roughly 150 families whose developmentally challenged relatives were living at the Rideau Regional Centre. After the government announced its decision to close the centre, Brenda Hollingsworth applied for an injunction to stop the closing until families could be heard. As a result, the disabled residents and their families had a say about where in the community they were placed. Since the decision, Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers has offered free legal advice to many of these families as their loved ones enter the community.

Both Brenda and Richard have actively volunteered their services for the Child Advocacy Project (CAP).  CAP is a program operated by Pro Bono Lawyers of Ontario and the Advocates’ Society.  The program helps low income children who need legal help with their education-related problems.  The firm has taken on several cases to help school-age children with learning disabilities or autism and their families as they struggle with issues of discrimination by the public education system.

In another major undertaking, Richard Auger served as part of the Legal Pursuit Team of the Ottawa Hospital Foundation’s $100 million Legacy Campaign. The team helped to raise funds for facility upgrades, new equipment, leading-edge medical research and ongoing education. Richard himself pledged $5000 towards the goal. Despite some fundraising experts saying the desired $100 million could not be raised, the goal was met and exceeded.

Charitable Giving

Auger Hollingsworth Accident & Injury Lawyers is an active supporter of fundraising initiatives in the legal community, sponsoring the annual Law Day Fun Run to raise money for Christie Lake Camp, the Lawyer’s Play which supports the Great Canadian Theatre Company and Helmets on Kids, an initiative designed to help encourage children to wear bicycle helmets to avoid head injuries.

The firm also supports a number of other charitable organizations, including the Ottawa Hospital, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Paraplegic Association, the Head Injury Association of the Ottawa Valley, the United Way and the Ottawa Food Bank.

Legal Education

Both Richard and Brenda are passionate about fostering legal education and contributing to the growth, evolution and understanding of the law.

Richard is a regular lecturer at the University of Ottawa Law School in the Criminal Trial Advocacy course. He enjoys the experience of preparing for lectures, engaging with passionate law students and having the chance to discuss legal matters with the class.

For three years, he served as the volunteer coach and mentor for the University of Ottawa’s Arnup Cup team. In 2006, under Richard’s mentoring, the team won the Arnup Cup and placed third at the national level competition, the Sopinka Cup.  The ride in 2006 was an unforgettable one, as Richard shared in the excitement of the entire process with the students on the team.

Likewise, Brenda is heavily involved in legal education. In the fall semesters of 2007 and 2008, Brenda took considerable time out of her busy practice to act as one of three lead instructors for the University of Ottawa’s third year Trial Advocacy course, taken by students in their final year of law school. Teaching was an enriching experience for Brenda and she thoroughly enjoyed helping students follow in her footsteps before embarking on a career of advocacy. She has also spoken to young lawyers and law students at several conferences sponsored by the Ontario Bar Association.  She has also taught advanced civil litigation to prospective law clerks at Algonquin College.

Beard Winter LLP is a Top 10 Ontario Regional Law Firm as recognized by Canadian Lawyer magazine for 2021-22 and a Canadian Law Awards Excellence Awardee for Ontario Law Firm of the Year for 2021. A multi-service, mid-sized law firm located in downtown Toronto, our unwavering commitment to clients is the foundation of our history since 1964. We are preferred counsel for a wide variety of mid-market private and public corporations and sought after for our expertise in complex estate, commercial, employment, and family law litigation. Recognized for our insurance defence litigation expertise, we act for many of Canada’s largest insurance companies.

Best Lawyers and Lexpert recognize our lawyers in the areas of estates and trusts law, family law, insurance law, and insurance defence litigation.

Visit our website at beardwinter.com to learn more about the firm and meet our talented legal professionals.

We are affiliated with top mid-sized law firms across the United States and internationally through our membership in the Law Firm Alliance: www.lawfirmalliance.org

Industries served: Healthcare; Life Sciences; Manufacturing; Professional Services; Insurance; Real Estate and Construction; Technology; Transportation; Logistics; Financial Services; Educational Institutions; Energy; Food Industries.

Visit our careers page: www.beardwinter.com/careers

Visit our student program page: www.beardwinter.com/student-program

Boland Romaine Personal Injury Lawyers is one of Ontario’s most respected injury firms with over 40 years of trial experience. Voted as one of the top 10 personal injury firms by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, Boland Romaine’s lawyers have represented the province’s most vulnerable injured victims in court and won. Trial experience will protect the injured if negotiations break down. A lawyer for the injured needs the fortitude to say “no” to unreasonable offers and the commitment and the skill to take the injured person to trial.

Casey & Moss LLP is a law firm focused exclusively on estate, trust, and capacity litigation, as well as estate administration. We assist our clients with the legal ramifications of incapacitating illnesses, death, and dying.

Founded by Angela Casey and Angelique Moss, Casey & Moss LLP’s clients include trust companies, estate trustees/executors, beneficiaries, guardians of personal care and property, and people acting as attorneys for property and personal care.

From our office in downtown Toronto, we serve clients across the province. Our office is conveniently located on the subway line and has ample parking nearby. In appropriate cases, we are happy to meet clients in their homes or care facilities.

We are committed to providing our clients with superior client service, excellent legal work, and fair fees.

Daniel Brown Law – Award-Winning Criminal Defence Lawyers in Toronto

At Daniel Brown Law LLP, clients receive the calibre of representation trusted and celebrated across Canada. Our firm is repeatedly recognized as one of Canada’s best criminal defence law firms and best appellate law firms —named among Canada’s Top Criminal Law Boutiques by Canadian Lawyer Magazine, and ranked by Best Lawyers among the nation’s leading criminal defence and appellate law firms.

We are one of only a handful of Canadian criminal defence firms honoured by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Best Law Firms for 2026, and we are frequent winners in the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Law Firm and Best Legal Services.

Our lawyers are equally distinguished: Daniel Brown, Mark Halfyard, and Hilary Dudding are listed in The Best Lawyers in Canada for criminal defence and in Post City Magazine’s 2026 Top Lawyers, while Colleen McKeown—a Precedent Setter (2022)—together with Lindsay Board and Chloe Boubalos are recognized by Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” (2026).

Few firms in Canada combine this breadth of recognition with our depth of courtroom experience—delivering strategic, client-focused advocacy in the moments that matter most.

Our clients come from diverse backgrounds, but many are professionals facing the justice system for the first time. For nearly two decades, our team has represented individuals in thousands of trials and appeals, bringing the skill, judgment, and experience needed to protect your rights.

Proven Experience at All Levels of Court

Led by Daniel Brown a certified criminal law specialist, our lawyers have appeared at every level of criminal court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. With extensive trial and appellate experience, we build strong, tailored defence strategies for clients charged with everything from murder to impaired driving.

Our team also includes Mark Halfyard one of the few criminal law specialists in Ontario whose practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal appeals.

Recognized Leaders in Canadian Criminal Law

The lawyers at Daniel Brown Law are frequently consulted by local and national media for expert analysis on criminal cases, reflecting our reputation for excellence, credibility, and deep knowledge of Canadian criminal law.

Areas of Practice:

Our Toronto criminal defence lawyers provide representation in all indictable and summary conviction matters, including:

Driving Offences:

Impaired Driving, Driving Over 80, DUI, Refusing a Breath Sample, Dangerous Driving, Failing to Remain

Assault Offences:

At Daniel Brown Law, we take full advantage of the individual skills and strengths of our legal team to deliver strategic, cost-effective criminal defence services. Every case receives personalized attention and a defence strategy designed to achieve the best possible outcome while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.

If you have been charged with a criminal offence, contact Daniel Brown Law today for a confidential consultation with an experienced Toronto criminal defence lawyer.

Ghahhary Thomas LLP is a leading choice for navigating complex, sensitive, and high-stakes legal challenges. 

We are internationally recognised barristers, with a reputation for excellence rooted in elite courtroom experience, a dedication to client success, and a strong commitment to integrity and independence. 

Our experience across public, regulatory, criminal, civil, commercial and international law is rooted in many years of practice in both the United Kingdom and Canada. 

Drawing on experience of practice at the independent bar, in global law firms, government and international organizations, our depth of expertise offers formidable representation. When you choose us, you benefit from a level of proficiency in advocacy that sets us apart in Canada’s legal market. 

With four decades of combined experience spanning North America and the UK, our global and cross jurisdictional insight brings a unique and elevated approach to any case.

For over 60 years, Gluckstein Lawyers has remained steadfast in our mission to prioritize our clients' needs. We understand that our personal injury clients often face life's most challenging moments, marked by fear, anger, and overwhelm. In these difficult times, our team of experienced and compassionate lawyers is dedicated to guiding and empowering them to rediscover their best selves after experiencing a catastrophic injury. We pride ourselves on being more than just legal representatives; we walk alongside our clients as their advocates throughout their legal journeys and beyond, truly exemplifying our commitment to Full-Circle Care.

Recognized as one of Canada's Top Ten Personal Injury Firms, our award-winning team is known for handling complex cases with trusted expertise and a trauma-informed approach. Through strategic partnerships with experienced personal injury lawyers across Ontario, our firm has grown, enabling us to bring extensive experience to a wide variety of cases, including motor vehicle accidents, birth injuries, sexual abuse, class actions, medical malpractice, and long-term disability claims. Our dedication to excellence and advocacy extends well beyond the courtroom; we understand that personal injury cases are about more than just financial compensation—they are about fostering accountability and driving positive change in our communities.

Goddard Gamage LLP is a boutique law firm dedicated to excellence in Estate and Elder Law. The lawyers at Goddard Gamage are known for their expertise in their practice areas, their innovative approach to solving problems, their effective communication skills, and the empathy and compassion with which they treat their clients. The firm has been chosen 3 times as one of the Top 5 Estates and Trusts Boutique Firms by Canadian Lawyer Magazine.

Goddard Gamage LLP provides services in the following areas: Elder Law and Elder Abuse, Estate Administration, Estate Litigation, Guardianship Applications, Mediation, Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) Issues, Powers of Attorney and Capacity Issues, and Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts.

Gowling WLG is an international law firm built on the belief that the best way to serve you is to be in tune with your world, aligned with your opportunity and ambitious for your success. With more than 1,500 legal professionals around the world, we provide our clients with in-depth knowledge in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients' eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances.

Brief History

With roots tracing back to 1887, Gowling WLG grew to become one of the largest and most respected law firms in Canada, with a reputation for innovation in client-focused service delivery.

Building on its early strength in intellectual property, Gowling WLG diversified to offer a full suite of business law, litigation and intellectual property services in all of Canada’s key industries, including energy, mining, financial services, government, infrastructure, manufacturing, life sciences and technology.

Himelfarb Proszanski is a successful, respected and highly esteemed law firm located in the commercial and legal center of Toronto, ON.

Senior partners David Himelfarb and Peter Proszanski have assembled a top-notch team of associate lawyers who are renowned through-out the legal community as expert negotiators and advocates, achieving outstanding results on behalf of their clients.

At Himelfarb Proszanski, we’re regarded as one of Ontario’s leading civil litigation firms, as well as experts in unraveling and negotiating complex legal transactions on behalf of public and private corporations in the areas of corporate, commercial and real estate matters.

As specialists, we advise and guide clients involved in personal injury claims, insolvency, real estate, mortgage enforcement, insurance law, private lending practices, industrial regulations, trade associations, franchisors and franchisees along with numerous other legal issues with a proven expertise, experience and success rate unrivaled anywhere in the Canadian legal community.

Our firm is also a proud and long-standing member of CONSULEGIS, an international association of law firms, whose members work with our lawyers on international and cross border matters.

Utilizing expertise, precedence and experience, our lawyers confidently represent clients before all levels of Courts and tribunals, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

As we work on your behalf, rest assured we’ll continue to provide you, and all of our clients with timely, knowledgeable, effective and personalized services.

“Our pledge to you at Himelfarb Proszanski will remain one where EXPERIENCE, INTEGRITY and RESULTS will always be our focus.”

-David  Himelfarb & Peter Proszanski

Moodie Mair Walker LLP is a Toronto law firm that specializes in civil litigation. The firm was founded in 2007 by senior lawyers with decades of court room experience who were partners at one of Canada’s largest full-service firms. With an emphasis on insurance law, MMW has grown by building a team of enthusiastic and talented lawyers and a dedicated support staff of law clerks and legal assistants. MMW has is proud to have been recognized as one of the Best Law Firms in Canada (Tier 1) and one of the Best Law Firms in Toronto (Tier1) in the field of Insurance Law.  Our firm is proud of its reputation.  It has the expertise needed to handle the most complex litigation and the dedication required to help clients achieve the most favourable resolutions of their cases.

Today, MMW consists of 14 lawyers, seven of whom are partners, and 14 support staff. The firm is a preferred choice by insurers, who select MMW to act as counsel in a wide range of disputes:  professional liability, products liability, negligence, occupiers liability, serious personal injury, high damages exposure tort cases and contractual disputes.  MMW also acts for individuals who require skilled advocates to represent them in their court cases,  is frequently retained by other lawyers to act as counsel in trials and on appeals.  MMW is committed to giving large and small clients alike the respect they deserve and the thorough attention their cases require. Just as important - MMW is committed to delivering a higher level of personal accountability. The firm embraces technology to ensure accessible and timely reporting, and cutting edge courtroom advocacy. And, it places a priority on building strong relationships with its clients. By meeting client goals and key performance litigation, MMW has earned their clients’ trust. 

MMW’s big-firm background sets it apart from many small-firm competitors. It gives MMW a breadth and depth of expertise that other small firms cannot offer. On the other hand, MMW offers a level of personal attention that is sometimes overlooked in a big-firm, high volume, practice.  MMW is able to clear conflicts quickly and take steps promptly to protect our client’s interests.  MMW emphasizes lawyer accessibility and delivering high-quality representation and cost-effective solutions for its clients cases.

More than 20 years ago, Nathens, Siegel LLP opened its doors to provide high-quality legal services from some of the top family lawyers and divorce lawyers in Toronto.

We have since developed a reputation for having some of the most skilled family lawyers in Toronto and the surrounding area. Drawing on our legal expertise and understanding of our clients’ needs, we provide families with excellent representation.

Olthuis van Ert is a leading barristers’ practice with a focus on commercial litigation and public law. Based in Vancouver and Ottawa, our firm provides expert advice and representation to clients across all levels of provincial and federal courts, as well as various tribunals.

For over 70 years we have delivered The Robins Appleby Edge: top-tier legal acumen with the efficiency, care, and personal touch of a close-knit team. We build lasting relationships, achieve exceptional results in complex legal matters, and treat every client’s needs with dedication, respect, and integrity. 

We provide a wide range of legal services and have specific expertise in:  

• Affordable and Social Housing;
• Business and Transactions;
• Commercial Real Estate and Development;
• Employment Law;
• Litigation and Dispute Resolution;
• Secured Lending and Enforcement;
• Tax; and
• Wills and Estates

Rogers Partners LLP is a unique litigation practice that has the personal touch of a smaller firm along with the resources, expertise, and experience of a larger firm.

Our firm’s size enables us to apply highly specialized legal resources to major cases, while giving us the efficiency and flexibility to meet our clients’ varied needs at a reasonable cost.

Our professional values are traditional but our approach is very modern. This allows us to be nimble and highly efficient but also responsive and reliable.

Our approach and promise is simple: to provide highly skilled service and practical, personalized solutions at a reasonable cost to our clients while at the same time not compromising quality and integrity.

Our commitment and dedication have developed longstanding relationships with our clients and continually put us on top of the list of some of the largest institutional clients and insurance companies in Canada, as well in the U.S. and U.K.

We act as counsel at all levels of our civil justice system. We are defence counsel for insurers and self-insured companies, managing litigation arising from all types of losses including product liability, occupiers’ liability, professional negligence, motor vehicle liability, property losses, municipal liability, medical negligence, and sexual abuse. We will vigorously represent our clients’ interests through trial when a reasonable negotiated resolution is not available or is impractical. 

We are criminal defence lawyers who believe in a world without prisons.

Our prime directive is to serve our clients by keeping them free.

Scargall Owen-King LLP is a boutique law firm focusing only on expropriation law. We provide strategic legal advice and services to private landowners, as well as municipalities and other public entities throughout Ontario.

Expropriation is a power granted to public bodies to acquire privately owned land without the consent of the owner for the fulfillment of a public purpose, such as the construction of public infrastructure.  In Ontario, the statute governing expropriation is the Expropriations Act.  The Act prescribes the process for the compulsory acquisition of land by authorities as well as the rights and entitlements of expropriated landowners.

Our team has extensive experience regarding development and infrastructure projects of all complexities, including road widenings and highway extensions, major capital works, electricity transmission corridors, pipelines, transit and residential and commercial developments.

SOK represents all types of owners, tenants and others impacted by expropriation across Ontario, including homeowners, farmers, developers, and large- and small-scale commercial landowners, to ensure experienced representation throughout the process and in the determination of final compensation. 

Our firm also acts on behalf of expropriating authorities across the province, providing legal advice and services regarding the implementation of land acquisitions and/or expropriations to accommodate a multitude of public infrastructure projects. 

SOK is committed to providing clients with excellent service, effective representation and practical solutions in expropriation law and related areas.  Our ability to consistently assist our clients to achieve positive results in the context of a complex statutory process has placed our firm as a leader in the area of expropriation law.

Torkin Manes LLP is a full-service law firm based in downtown Toronto. Founded in 1974, we have built our firm by focusing on the core principles that we believe make a great law firm: a deep and personal understanding of clients’ business needs; a results-oriented approach to practice that provides practical, smart, and cost-effective advice; and, above all, responsiveness to our clients. 

Our professionals provide legal counsel to individuals, public and private companies, and buyers and sellers of independent businesses. Our clients range from owner-operators and founders to investment funds and high net worth individuals, who value and trust our deep knowledge, experience and expertise in the Canadian mid-market. We advise our clients on day-to-day legal matters, as well as during the most transformative transactions and critical disputes of their businesses and lives. 

When clients require legal services in other jurisdictions, we leverage our affiliation with Meritas, an international network of select law firms of which Torkin Manes is a member, to facilitate the procurement of excellent legal service and counsel worldwide.  

Our client-driven approach has brought professional accolades. Torkin Manes has been named the 2024 Regional Law Firm of the Year (Central Canada) at the Canadian Law Awards, in addition to our long-standing recognition as Top Regional Law Firm (Ontario) by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. This firm is also consistently shortlisted as one of Canada's Regional Law Firms of the Year by Chambers and Partners. Our Construction, Corporate & Commercial, Family Law and Real Estate Groups are all recognized on the Globe & Mail’s Best Law Firms in Canada list.

Many of our lawyers are well known throughout the profession and community at large as highly respected leaders in their practice areas, as well as teachers, authors and advocates for the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association.

Whitten & Lublin PC is a premium boutique law firm, specializing in labour and employment law. Representing both employers and employees, our role is to assist our clients in all aspects of workplace matters, including terminations, human rights violations, workplace investigations, workplace safety, harassment, employment contracts, and shareholder and partnership disputes.

With over 180 years of combined experience, our team of lawyers have dedicated themselves to being experts in this field. Being at the forefront of employment law, we have skillfully litigated cases that have shaped and transformed employment law.

Whitten & Lublin's commitment to client care is consistently confirmed by lawyer colleagues, HR professionals, and the firm’s diverse clientele. Our client centric approach, and results have earned the firm the reputation of being amongst the best in the industry, resulting in our being one of Canada’s most recommended and highly respected law firms, along with numerous awards and honors that underscores the team’s professionalism and expertise.