"You're number 2! You're Number 2! You're Number 2! ....."

Good Day Readers:

The results of the Canadian Lawyer Magazine's fifth annual most influential lawyers for 2014 were just released. Five categories were identified and the top five for each selected based on an online vote of slightly more than 6,100 readers. For the Changemaker Category Mr. Galati came in second only to Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin. However, for being cool it's nolo contendere he's Numero Uno no problemo!

When was the last time you saw the Chief Justice traipsing around the Supreme Court Building wearing a pair of sandals?

He will only have a legitimate claim to Number 1 until he gets a Christmas Season's Greeting card from the Prime Minister and one from his goofy Justice Minister "Helicopter Pete" MacKay plus a congratulatory Father's Day e-mail from "Helicopter."

Until then, sorry, it's no Davidoff for you!

For more about the survey's methodology reference The Top 25 Most Influential 2014 - The Canadian Lawyer Magazine by Gail Cohen, August 4, 2014.

Sincerely,
Clare L. Pieuk

Rocco Galati
Rocco Galati Law Firm, Toronto

Galati’s mistrust of authority has often made him a focal point in the national media. This past year, Galati made huge waves by challenging the government on its appointment of Justice Marc Nadon to the Supreme Court of Canada. Galati’s challenge led to widespread public debate on both the judicial appointment process and areas of the constitution and division of powers. In large part due to Galati’s challenges, Nadon’s appointment was unsuccessful, but he didn’t stop there. Galati has also challenged the appointment of Justice Robert Mainville of the Federal Court to the Quebec Court of Appeal as well as suing the government over changes to the Citizenship Act.

What voters had to say: “While the legal community wrung its hands, Galati stepped up in a big way. He deserves huge recognition for that.