Four BLG partners receive national recognition for outstanding legal achievement
Toronto, November 21, 2025 - Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce that four of our partners have been recognized as recipients of the 2025 Lexpert Rising Stars 40 & Under awards, reinforcing the Firm's position as a leader in developing exceptional legal talent across Canada.
This year’s recipients are:
Maureen Doherty (Toronto) - A Securities Disputes partner specializing in complex securities, regulatory, and financial services disputes, Maureen advises leading institutions including major Canadian banks on pivotal securities class actions and regulatory proceedings. She serves on the OSC Securities Proceedings Advisory Committee, the Women’s White Collar Defense Association, and The Advocates’ Society (Securities Litigation). Clients describe Maureen as being a “trusted voice” in the wealth management industry.
Ryma Nasrallah (Ottawa) - National Co-Leader of BLG's Charities and Not-For-Profit Law Group, Ryma advises on the most sophisticated mandates in Canada and serves as a key advisor to many of the country's largest family foundations. She chairs the CBA's CNFP Law Section and contributes to national policy as a member of CRA's Technical Issues Working Group.
Stephen Nguyen (Toronto) - A Corporate and Capital Markets partner who led the nearly C$1 billion acquisition of a Canadian natural gas power station. Stephen's client-focused approach and innovative deal structuring have made him a sought-after advisor for complex corporate matters.
Edona Vila (Toronto) - A partner in BLG's Specialized Disputes group, Edona has built a standout practice in product litigation and regulatory compliance. She represents global brands in complex disputes and has established herself as a definitive voice in AI governance frameworks, delivering keynote addresses at the IBA Annual Conference 2024 and AIoT Canada Summit.
"These exceptional lawyers represent the innovation, excellence, and client dedication that define BLG," said David Di Paolo, National Managing Partner and CEO. "Their recognition celebrates their individual achievements and demonstrates our firm's commitment to fostering the next generation of legal leaders who are shaping the future of law in Canada."
The Lexpert Rising Stars 40 & Under awards celebrate leading lawyers across Canada who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to their practices, communities, and the legal profession. Winners are selected through a rigorous process involving peer nominations and evaluation by an expert advisory panel.