How to Find the Best Business Lawyer in Toronto (Without Chasing “The Best”)
Platform Law has “the best” business lawyers in Toronto.*
When you’re navigating a complex commercial transaction, restructuring a business, or facing a shareholder dispute, you don’t just want legal answers—you want the right legal partner. Someone who gets the nuance of your industry, speaks your language, and can strategize beyond boilerplate documents.
*This type of statement is not permitted by the Law Society, but we are saying it expositionally to explain why, and how to find “the best” lawyer for you.
So how do you find that person?
Most clients we work with found us through one of three channels: referrals, online research, or (less often) advertising. Each of these has its place—if you know what to watch for.
- Referrals
The most common and most trusted path to finding a lawyer is a referral from someone in your network—another professional advisor, a colleague, or a friend in your industry. A referral allows you to ask questions about the lawyer’s style, track record, and responsiveness before you even pick up the phone.
But a good referral isn’t just about reputation—it’s about fit. The right lawyer for one business might not be right for yours.
- Online Search
Many people start their search online, and that’s perfectly reasonable. But it comes with a major caveat:
In Ontario, lawyers are not allowed to market themselves as “the best.”
According to the Law Society’s Rules of Professional Conduct, lawyers are prohibited from using superlatives like “best,” “top,” “#1,” or “expert” in their advertising.
So if a law firm’s website or ad makes bold claims about being “the best corporate lawyers in Toronto” or “top-rated deal lawyers,” you should take that with a full-on salt mine—and know that it is a regulatory red flag.
Even beyond the rules, the truth is: there is no universal “best” business lawyer. There are only lawyers who are a great fit for your specific business, your stage of growth, your interpersonal style, and the nature of the issues you’re facing.
- Advertising
While some firms still advertise heavily—especially in consumer-facing fields like personal injury or real estate—it’s less common in corporate law. When you do see ads, remember: production value doesn’t guarantee quality. Some firms advertise with actors or splashy branding but deliver generic service. Others are under the radar but incredibly effective.
Look beyond the tagline. Ask real questions.
What Should You Actually Look For?
If you’re trying to choose the right lawyer or firm for your business, here are better questions to ask than “Who’s the best?”:
- Have they worked with businesses like yours before?
- Do they understand your industry or vertical?
- Who will actually be working on your file day-to-day?
- Do they offer strategic value beyond just legal documents?
- Do they feel trustworthy, responsive, and capable of growing with you?
And finally: Does this lawyer help you think more clearly about your business? That’s often the strongest signal.
There’s no such thing as the best lawyer. But there is a right lawyer for you.
Look for someone who’s capable, candid, and committed to helping your business thrive—not just in a legal sense, but in the broader sense of growth, risk management, and long-term vision.
At Platform Law, we’re not interested in calling ourselves “the best.” We’re more interested in being the right fit—for clients who value clear communication, practical strategy, and fast, reliable service from people who understand both the deal and the dynamic. Our work spans commercial and commercial matters in all industries, with some of our lawyers specializing in entertainment and technology, and we’re proud to support clients who are building interesting, meaningful things.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk.
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