Lexpert: 2026 Rising Stars Awards Registration Now Available

• The 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards will be held on Thursday, November 12, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto.
• The event celebrates outstanding Canadian lawyers aged 40 and under, selected through a multi-step process by a panel of judges.
• Award-winning journalist and former national news anchor Farah Nasser will host the ceremony, where winners will be announced for the first time.
• Prominent firms like Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP are Gold Sponsors, emphasizing the importance of nurturing diverse legal talent.
• Interested parties can still register for a table via the official Lexpert Rising Stars Award website.

This sentiment highlights a shared belief among sponsors that recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young legal leaders is vital for the ongoing development and strength of the Canadian legal community.

The annual Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, a premier Canadian Lawyer awards event, is fast approaching, offering a crucial opportunity for legal professionals to celebrate the nation's most promising young talent. Set to take place on Thursday, November 12, at the distinguished Liberty Grand in Toronto, this gathering is a cornerstone event for the legal community. Those interested in attending still have the chance to secure their participation by completing the 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards registration via the official event website.

This prestigious Liberty Grand Toronto legal event is designed to honor lawyers aged 40 and under who have already demonstrated exceptional contributions to the Canadian legal profession. The evening will commence with a vibrant cocktail reception, providing ample networking opportunities, followed by a formal dinner banquet. The highlight of the night will be the awards ceremony itself, where the winners of the 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards will be publicly announced for the very first time. Last year's celebration saw nearly 500 attendees gather to acknowledge the achievements of these rising stars.

The Lexpert young lawyers awards are distinguished by a rigorous, multi-stage evaluation process designed to identify truly outstanding individuals. Each prospective winner undergoes careful consideration by the dedicated Lexpert Rising Stars team before being reviewed by an esteemed panel of judges. This panel comprises leading lawyers and senior executives drawn from Canada's most prominent law firms and businesses, ensuring a comprehensive and expert assessment of each candidate's impact and potential.

The selection criteria emphasize not just professional achievement but also the significant contributions these young lawyers have made to the broader legal landscape. The anticipation surrounding the unveiling of these hand-picked individuals is a key feature of the awards ceremony, which will be expertly guided by award-winning journalist and former national news anchor, Farah Nasser. Her role as the Farah Nasser Lexpert awards host adds a distinguished touch to the evening's proceedings, ensuring a memorable experience for all participants.

The success of the 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards is significantly bolstered by the generous support of its sponsors, reflecting a collective commitment to nurturing the future of the Canadian legal profession. Gold Sponsors for this year's event include prominent firms such as Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Norton Rose Fulbright, Langlois Avocats, Ross Nasseri LLP, and Torkin Manes LLP. Additional crucial support comes from Silver Sponsor McMillan LLP, Education Partners Osgoode Hall Law School and York University, Associate Sponsor Bovine Wine Club, and Experience Sponsor Orient Retreat.

Kristin Taylor, the managing partner at Cassels Brock, articulated the firm's dedication to the initiative, underscoring the importance of Cassels Brock Lexpert sponsorship. She stated that "At Cassels, we know the legal industry's future depends on nurturing diverse and talented professionals." This sentiment highlights a shared belief among sponsors that recognizing and celebrating the achievements of young legal leaders is vital for the ongoing development and strength of the Canadian legal community. These awards serve as a platform not only for individual recognition but also for fostering a robust and dynamic professional environment.

This article serves as an invitation for lawyers and law firms to register for and attend the 2026 Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, providing an opportunity for professional networking, recognition of emerging talent, and engagement with the broader Canadian legal community.

Source: Original reporting via Lexpert and Canadian Lawyer