By Julius Melnitzer | July 10, 2025
MCCARTHY TOPS CANADIAN PROFIT-PER-EQUITY-PARTNER RANKINGS
McCarthy Tétrault LLP’s equity partners lead Canadian law firms’ profit pool – and by a stretch. The US$1.42M PPEQ haul in 2023 topped the $986K earned at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP by over $400K and more than doubled the Gowling WLG figure of $704,000. Blakes’ revenues per lawyer of $994K, however, substantially exceeded McCarthy’s $844K, with Gowling at $565K.
Related Article: The Canadian law firms that generate the most revenue per lawyer
CANADIAN LAWYERS’ PATHETIC RESPONSE TO RULE OF LAW PLEDGE
On May 30, a group of lawyers began collecting signatures from their Canadian counterparts in support of a rule of law pledge. Some 496 signed on in the first five days, but in over a month since, the number of signatures has not even doubled, standing at 897. Considering that some 41,000 lawyers are registered with the country’s various law societies, the response is nothing less than a damning indictment of the profession’s resolve and a startling reminder that the Rule of Law in this country may be even more fragile than some deem it to be. Hopefully, things will get better: LegalWriter.net will keep you posted.
Related Article: Help protect the Rule of Law in Canada
ONTARIO COURT CONSIDERING $900M FEE APPROVAL REQUEST
Ontario Superior Court Chief Justice Geoff Morawetz, who is presiding over the CCAA proceedings brought by victims of tobacco-related diseases against the tobacco companies, is considering a request by plaintiffs’ counsel in the two Quebec class actions involved for approval of the $900M fee the firms have requested. The 250-day trial resulted in a $13.5B award, ultimately approved by the Quebec Court of Appeal as the largest appeal judgment in Canadian legal history. Of that amount, $4.12B will be paid in direct compensation to class members, of which the fee request amounts to 22%. Justice Morawetz has indicated that he will deliver his decision ‘well in advance’ of the anticipated CCAA plan implementation date, currently estimated to be August 29.
Related Article: Billions of dollars in taxes could go up in smoke as $13.5B judgment weighs on tobacco industry
DENTONS PARTNERS WITH AXL TO DEVELOP AI-BASED LEGAL PRACTICE EFFICIENCY DRIVERS
Dentons has announced a collaboration with AXL, a Canadian venture studio transforming AI research into high-growth companies, to shape AI’s next evolution within the legal industry. The strategic partnership will co-develop ventures to accelerate the industry’s pace of innovation. Dentons will also become AXL’s exclusive legal partner and the preferred legal provider to AXL’s growing venture portfolio.
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ALEXI LAUNCHES FULLY ISOLATED AI ENVIRONMENT
Alexi, a leading provider of AI solutions for legal teams, has launched Alexi Private Cloud, which will allow law firms to deploy AI in a fully customized, isolated, and private environment. The platform’s key features include total data compliance; IP ownership; internal control of access, retention and permissions systems; and enterprise-grade security.
Related Article: Alexi launches large-firm AI workflow solution
Julius Melnitzer is a Toronto-based legal affairs writer, ghostwriter, writing coach and media trainer. Readers can reach him at julius@legalwriter.net or on his website.