Global law firm Baker McKenzie has earned nine practice area and ten lawyer rankings in the 2026 edition of The Legal 500 Canada. New to this year’s rankings are Usman Sheikh, who is recognized as a "Leading Partner" in Artificial Intelligence, and Sepideh Nassabi, who received a “Leading Associate” ranking in Intellectual Property.
The Legal 500 guide is compiled from the input of 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms, interviews with leading private practice lawyers and a team of legal market researchers.
Commenting on Baker McKenzie’s capabilities, one client noted: “With the ability to draw on deep expertise across disciplines and geographies, they bring a breadth of support that is hard to find.” The firm offers an “unparalleled international network and reach that allows them to handle cross-border and multinational litigation at the highest level,” added another.
The following practice areas received recognition:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Competition and Antitrust
• Corporate and M&A
• Dispute Resolution: Ontario
• Intellectual Property
• International Trade
• Labour and Employment
• Tax
• Technology
Four lawyers were recognized as Leading Partners:
• George Avraam, Labour and Employment
• Jacques Bernier, Tax
• Usman Sheikh, Artificial Intelligence (newly ranked)
• Stephanie Vaccari, Intellectual Property
Four lawyers were recognized as Next Generation Partners:
• Jennifer Bernardo, Labour and Employment
• Michael Garellek, Insurance
• Haran Viswanathan, Corporate and M&A
• Julia Webster, International Trade
Two lawyers were recognized as Leading Associates:
• Ajanthana Anandarajah, Labour and Employment
• Sepideh Nassabi, Intellectual Property (newly ranked)
A full list of the Firm's rankings can be found here.