Ontario (March 24, 2026) – Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is proud to announce that Nadia Effendi has been named recipient of the 2026 Laura Legge Award by the Law Society of Ontario, an award that recognizes women lawyers in Ontario who exemplify strong leadership within the profession.
"Nadia defines leadership in law," said David Di Paolo, BLG's National Managing Partner. "She delivers for clients in high-stakes cases, argues precedent-setting matters, and leads by example for every lawyer coming up behind her."
For more than 20 years, Nadia has represented clients in some of Canada's most complex and high-profile legal cases, in both English and French. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in landmark cases, including serving as pro bono counsel, and advises on sensitive public matters that require discretion and principled judgment. Nadia previously served as president of the Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Ontario (AJEFO), strengthening its credibility, expanding its presence across Ontario, and renewing key partnerships with the judiciary and legal community.
As National Business Leader of BLG’s Disputes – Commercial and Construction Group, she is an active mentor and creates opportunities for the next generation of lawyers to lead. Her dedication to mentorship and professional excellence has been recognized with the 2025 Catzman Award for Professionalism and Civility and the 2023 Women in Law Leadership Stronger Together Award for Ontario.
The Laura Legge Award will be presented at the Law Society's annual awards ceremony in May 2026.
About the Laura Legge Award
Established in 2007, the Laura Legge Award recognizes women lawyers in Ontario who exemplify strong leadership within the profession and honours the late Laura Legge, OOnt, QC, the first woman elected as a Law Society bencher and Treasurer.