The Canadian legal landscape is dominated by several prestigious firms known for their extensive expertise and client service. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP stands out as the top law firm. Following closely is Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP. Third is Fasken LLP. These firms specialize in various sectors and accommodate clients as per their needs. Let’s move forward and discover Canada’s top five law firms and explore the country’s legal industry trends in 2024.  

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List of Top 5 Law Firms in Canada in 2024

• Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
• Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
• Fasken LLP
• Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
• Dentons Canada LLP

1- Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is Canada’s biggest and most respected law firm. The firm was founded in 1823. Today, it operates in several major cities, such as Vancouver, Montréal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Toronto, with 900 professionals. BLG provides comprehensive legal services in both common and civil law systems.

BLG specializes in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, intellectual property, environmental law, and complex disputes. The firm is particularly noted for its expertise in sectors such as energy, healthcare, and international trade. In 2024, it was recognized in 16 practice areas by Chambers Global.

One of BLG’s core values is community involvement. The firm supports over 200 non-profit organizations annually, contributing more than 20,000 pro bono hours to assist vulnerable individuals and local charities. Initiatives like the BLG Reads to Kids literacy program highlight its dedication to education and community welfare. 

2- Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP

Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP, commonly known as Gowling WLG, is the second biggest law firm in Canada. It was founded in 1887. Originally founded as Henderson & McVeity in Ottawa, the firm has undergone several transformations and mergers. 

In 2016, it merged with UK-based Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co. to form an international law firm with a presence in multiple countries, including Canada, the UK, and China. Today, it operates with 700 employees across these countries.

The firm specializes in various key areas, including business law, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate. Its expertise also extends to sectors such as energy, life sciences, technology, and natural resources. Gowling WLG is known for its innovative approach to client service and its ability to resolve complex legal challenges across borders.

It supports numerous charitable initiatives and encourages employees to volunteer their time and skills. The firm also promotes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and the broader community, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.

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3- Fasken LLP

Fasken LLP is a third prominent Canadian law firm with a history dating back to 1863. The firm was formed in 2000 through the merger of three leading firms: Fasken Campbell Godfrey, Martineau Walker, and Russell & DuMoulin. The transformative merger united the firms’ expertise and created one of Canada’s largest law firms with a global footprint.

Fasken specializes in a range of practice areas, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, litigation, intellectual property, and real estate. The firm is particularly known for its expertise in sectors such as energy, mining, financial services, and technology. In 2024, Fasken was recognized in 25 out of 31 practice areas by The Globe and Mail.

The firm actively engages in pro bono work, providing legal services to charities and community organizations. With a network of over 950 employees, Fasken also collaborates with NGOs to facilitate the delivery of legal services to clients in need. 

4- Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP is Canada’s fourth leading law firm, with a history that dates back to 1856. Founded by Dominick Edward Blake in Toronto, the firm quickly established itself as a prominent player in the legal field. Over the years, it has grown through strategic mergers and expansions.

Today, the firm has a presence in major Canadian cities such as Montreal, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver, as well as international locations in New York and London. Its expertise includes corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, competition law, and real estate. 

The firm also actively participates in pro bono work and supports various charitable initiatives. It has launched programs like the Daily Bread Toronto Law Firm Challenge to raise funds for local food banks. On the other hand, Blakes emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its workforce and has been recognized multiple times as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.

5- Dentons Canada LLP

Dentons Canada LLP is one of the biggest law firms in Canada. The firm was founded in 2013 after a merger of SNR Denton, Fraser Milner Casgrain, and Salans. Today, it has a network of 600 employees and a presence in all six of Canada’s key economic centers—Calgary, Edmonton, Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver. 

Dentons Canada specializes in a range of areas, including corporate commercial, mergers, securities, litigation, real estate, banking and finance, employment and labor, immigration, tax, ESG, regulatory, international trade, and privacy and cybersecurity. 

Community involvement is a core value at Dentons Canada. In 2023, the firm’s Smart Cities Think Tank team held its 4th Annual Canadian Smart Cities Virtual Summit to discuss topics like municipal digital access strategies and innovative ways to ensure equitable access for all residents. 

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Current Trends in Canada’s Legal Market 

Canada’s legal industry in 2024 is experiencing significant transformations driven by technological advancements, economic pressures, and evolving client expectations. 

1- Economic Pressures

Economic volatility continues to impact the legal sector. Rising interest rates and inflation have made clients more price-sensitive. Many law firms are feeling pressure to reduce fees as clients seek better value. A survey indicated that nearly half of the partners in law firms are facing demands to lower costs or risk losing clients to less expensive competitors. The shift compels firms to reassess their operational efficiencies and explore alternative fee arrangements, such as flat or fixed fees, which are becoming increasingly popular.

2- Technological Advancements

The integration of technology is reshaping how legal services are delivered. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is particularly noteworthy. Tools like generative AI are expected to automate up to 50% of legal tasks in corporate transactions, enhancing productivity and efficiency. Law firms are now prioritizing the adoption of AI to streamline workflows and improve client service. However, this shift also raises ethical concerns about data usage and compliance with legal standards.

3- Cybersecurity Concerns

As firms embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity has become a critical focus. A significant percentage of law firms have experienced cyber incidents and there is an urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures. On the other hand, many firms are investing in cloud-based solutions that offer enhanced security for sensitive client information. 

4- Changing Client Expectations

Clients are no longer passive recipients of legal services; they demand more transparency and engagement. The trend towards alternative legal service providers is growing as clients seek innovative solutions that traditional firms may not offer. Apart from that, clients are increasingly enforcing budget caps and guidelines for outside counsel, further influencing how law firms structure their services.

5- Shift in Practice Areas

There is a noticeable shift towards counter-cyclical practices such as litigation, bankruptcy, and labor law, especially during economic downturns. These areas tend to perform better when economic conditions are challenging, while transactional practices have seen a decline in demand. Midsize firms are capitalizing on this trend by expanding their capabilities in these sectors.

6- Evolving Workplace Dynamics

The workplace culture within law firms is also changing. The hybrid work model remains prevalent as firms adapt to new talent needs and preferences. Employee engagement has become a focal point, with firms recognizing that attracting and retaining talent requires a supportive and flexible work environment. 

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Conclusion

In 2024, Canada’s top law firms are not only setting the standard in legal expertise but also adapting to the shifting landscape of the legal industry. Firms like Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Gowling WLG, Fasken LLP, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, and Dentons Canada LLP continue to lead in delivering innovative and client-focused services. As economic pressures, technological advancements, and cybersecurity concerns reshape the market, these firms are evolving their practices to meet changing client expectations. On the other hand, a focus on diversity, community involvement, and pro bono work highlights their commitment to social responsibility. 

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