Counsel, Cox & Palmer, St. John's, N.L. Myles' recent claim to fame is the $3-billion international merger of Barbados-based Columbus International Inc. with England-based Cable & Wireless Communications PLC.. His M&A experience, together with his dedicated client connections, haven't only led to the largest deal in the telecommunications firm 's history, but demonstrated that significant international deals are being deftly handled by an Atlantic Canadian law firm. He's also acted as lead counsel and strategic adviser on numerous acquisitions, licensing, and financing of many subsea and terrestrial telecommunications businesses in the international fish processing and marketing sector. Myles also advised on aviation matters, on many national and international commercial bankruptcy and restructuring projects and on energy and transport matters. What Republicans needed to say:[An] excellent attorney with international vision. Massive advantage to any trade, TOP Coquitlam Realtors, Port Coquitlam, Burnaby & Greater Vancouver.

Senior counselor, Torys LLP, Toronto, Ont. This heated justice has set the bar for authorities treatment of the mentally ill. His 2014 milestone report summarized 84 sound ways of helping prevent shooting of mentally ill people by the Toronto Police. The execution of this report would go a long way toward avoiding disastrous confrontations between police and emotionally disturbed individuals. Some of the recommendations include using body-worn cameras and optimized use of tasers. The report is a powerful message that the status quo is no longer acceptable. As a Torys counselor, Iacobucci is used to advising government and company on important policy and legal issues. What Republicans needed to say: Has anyone actually done more? and Energetic, never ceases.

Counsel, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Montreal, Que. An international lawyer who has recently settled in Canada, Arbour has earned a place on the Canadian Lawyer's Top 25 Most Influential list again this season. She's a winner of the 2015 Simons Foundation Award, recognizing world leaders who form and create an environment for a safer and more just world. Arbour has spoken out against protracted use of solitary confinement and has been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. She's been a Supreme Court of Canada judge, an international war crimes prosecutor, and a law school professor. Her ability to pick up things quickly led her to various roles nationally and globally. Arbour says economic disparities between and within counties is that the number-one inexcusable human rights issue at the moment. Constantly craving fresh and challenging environments, only last year she eventually did something she hadn't ever done: joined a law firm in Montreal where she continues to struggle for human rights. What voters had to say:Her stunning contributions speak for themselves. International celebrity.

Professor & research chair, legal pluralism and comparative law, University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Ottawa, Ont. Fournier has attained international recognition for her groundbreaking work on gender, religion, and the law, together with fieldwork interviews with women from several states to highlight the complex interplay between spiritual and secular law. She's received numerous national and global awards and nominations in 2014. Fournier became a fellow of the prestigious International Women's Forum for her job as a leader in the legal profession; receiving the Canada-Arab Chamber of Commerce Award for academic excellence and contribution to humankind. Fournier represented the University of Ottawa as an effective pioneer in the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference and has been unanimously appointed by the National Assembly of Quebec to the Quebec Human Rights and Youth Rights Commission. What voters had to say: Outstanding thoughts, according [to] Harvard's Prof. Kennedy.

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 continues to make waves, handing down two very important decisions 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. Last year that the Supreme Court of Canada granted announcement of aboriginal title to over 1,700 square kilometres of land. She is also responsible for upholding the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal in Keewatin v. Ontario (Natural Resources) released in July 2014, she has overhauled what the Lamer court started and has left her mark in this area for decades to come. The chief justice continues to be a powerful proponent of justice for all Canadians. As her incredible amount of votes once again this season reveal, McLachlin is greatly admired not only for her rulings but also her public support in favour of free speech, diversity, and comprehensive direction. What voters had to say: A brilliant judge who, time and time again, marries the law with common sense. Justifiably most respected legal mind in the country; outstanding integrity; trusted public servant; obviously guided by law enforcement and also a strong moral compass, Canada citizenship.