Ravipal Bains, JD ’15, Director & Senior Counsel, BCI
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means a recognition of hard work that has been possible with the mentorship, patience, and support of my family, friends, and colleagues.
My favourite memory of law school was how warmly my classmates and professors welcomed me when I first arrived in Canada, from the very first day, in a way that made a new country feel like home.
Law school offered remarkable opportunities and equipped me with essential skills. Its unique environment, combining proximity to public institutions with training in core business law, helped shape a perspective that continues to guide my work.
I am most proud of the journey itself, the relationships that have shaped it, and the impact we have been able to accomplish together.
“Law school offered remarkable opportunities and equipped me with essential skills.”
Ravipal Bains,JD ’15
— Director & Senior Counsel, BCI
Kelly Harris, LLB ’10, Principal / Lawyer, Harris + co.
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means an opportunity to celebrate all I have achieved over the last 15 years, and thank the patient mentors, brilliant colleagues and innovative businesses I've had the privilege to work with. I was also very proud to see so many friends, classmates and colleagues being recognized.
My favourite memory at law school was the FeminaRico exchange term with Prof. Backhouse, which holds a special place in my heart. I am still in touch with some of the Puerto Rican students we met, and as a figure skater, throwing a skating party for them under the twinkling lights at the Governor General's skating rink was pretty magical.
How has law school contributed to your success? uOttawa law gave me a strong academic foundation, immediate practical experience and guidance from an impressive faculty of academics, practitioners, activists and judges. My advocacy as a business lawyer has been enriched by my interdisciplinary experiences at law school, including shadowing crown attorneys, delivering oral arguments in trial advocacy, and tackling social justice issues.
I am most proud of taking the leap from 10+ years on Bay Street to found my boutique advertising law firm Harris + co., which is about to celebrate its 4th birthday. I'm proud that our clients continue to trust us to deliver practical, timely and business-focused advice, and that I get to work with these market-leading manufacturers, retailers and advertising agencies while also running a small business.
“I was also very proud to see so many friends, classmates and colleagues being recognized.”
Kelly Harris, LLB ’10
— Principal / Lawyer, Harris + co.
Ryma Nasrallah, LLB ‘10, Partner BLG
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means being recognized for hard work and dedication in the field of law, particularly in working with charities and not-for-profits.
My favourite memory at law school would have to be the immense feeling of relief after completing each exam – you truly don’t know the challenge of an exam until you’ve tackled a law school exam!
Law school contributed to my success by equipping me with fundamental legal knowledge that has been instrumental in my career.
I am most proud of the positive impact I've been able to make through my work, and the trust my clients place in me to handle their legal matters with care and expertise.
“Receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means being recognized for hard work and dedication in the field of law, particularly in working with charities and not-for-profits.”
Ryma Nasrallah, LLB ‘10
— Partner BLG
Devin A. Persaud, JD ’14, Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means that my Just For Men subscription is about to increase. In all seriousness, it is a culmination of all the great places, people, and files that I’ve been lucky enough to work with throughout my career. I’m grateful for the recognition from the esteemed judging panel and the support I receive from Miller Thomson along the way.
My favourite memory at law school was all the amazing events we got to plan together as part of CLSS. My classmates and I built a real community, and those late nights organizing, debating, and laughing together are memories I’ll always carry with me. Our fun nights on Sandy Hill, the Market, and Byward, as well as our Ottawa Fun Time Group community will always stick out to me.
Our law school fostered a collaborative, not cut-throat, environment — one where learning was nurtured and teamwork was the norm. Being part of a community that supported each other, shared notes, and pushed one another to grow taught me how to work effectively in teams and approach problems with both humility and confidence. Those habits have stayed with me throughout my career.
I am most proud of my family and friends, and the time I’ve always made and dedicated to them. No matter how busy things get, staying grounded in the people who matter most has been my greatest accomplishment and the foundation for everything else.
“Receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means is a culmination of all the great places, people, and files that I’ve been lucky enough to work with throughout my career”
Devin A. Persaud, JD ’14
— Partner, Miller Thomson LLP
Amy Sherrard, JD ’15, Assistant General Counsel at Ernst & Young LLP
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means a lot. Not only is it a recognition of many years of hard work but it also represents the trust that my colleagues, clients, and mentors have in me. It is a great reminder that no one achieves this kind of milestone alone.
Law school taught me how to think critically, communicate clearly, and stay calm in the face of uncertainty. These skills were foundational in my growth as a professional and shaped my approach to client service, advocacy, and leadership, and they continue to influence how I navigate the profession today.
I am most proud of the journey my career has taken and the relationships I’ve made along the way. I started out at a labour and employment firm in Ottawa, moved to Toronto, and eventually joined a leading litigation firm where I stayed until I moved in-house at EY. The common thread throughout my career has been a willingness to embrace change, take on new challenges, and continuously stretch myself. I’m proud of the path I’ve taken, not because it has been linear, but because each step has taught me something essential about the kind of lawyer — and colleague — I want to be.
“Receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award represents the trust that my colleagues, clients, and mentors have in me. It is a great reminder that no one achieves this kind of milestone alone.”
Amy Sherrard, JD ’15
— Assistant General Counsel at Ernst & Young LLP
Edona Vila, JD ’13, Partner BLG
To me, receiving a Lexpert Rising Star Award means a reminder that individual success is the product of collective effort. This recognition reflects my own work as well as the collaboration with my colleagues at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG), the trust our clients place in us to navigate their most complex challenges, and a legal community that continually inspires me to grow. Ultimately, this award feels like a celebration of everyone who has contributed to my journey.
My favourite memory at law school was Professor Rosemary Cairns Way's Small Group Criminal Law class was truly inspiring! Professor Cairns Way has an incredible gift for making complex legal concepts accessible, instilling a love and passion for the law that now drives my practice.
Law school taught me far more than how to practice law; it reshaped how I see our role as advocates for meaningful social change. That sense of responsibility has shaped my entire career and led to my active engagement with the Toronto Lawyers Association, The Advocates' Society, and the International Bar Association. What drives me is learning from incredible legal minds and being able to share knowledge back. The relationships and insights from law school continue to enrich my practice every day.
I'm most proud of my parents, who made the brave decision to leave their careers and homeland in Albania 25 years ago to create new opportunities for my sisters and I in Canada (the best country on earth). Their courage to start over in a new country, their quiet sacrifices, and their belief in the power of education have shaped who I am today. My professional achievements honour their leap of faith and remind me that with determination, anything is possible.
“Ultimately, this award feels like a celebration of everyone who has contributed to my journey.”
Edona Vila, JD ’13
— Partner BLG
The Lexpert Rising Stars Awards, held annually in Toronto, celebrate Canada’s top legal talent under 40. Since their launch in 2007, these awards have recognized lawyers who demonstrate exceptional professional achievement, leadership, and community impact across all areas of practice. Each year, a distinguished panel selects winners from across the country, highlighting the next generation of leaders shaping the legal profession.
Congratulations to all our seven alums honoured this year!