Five McCarthy Tétrault Lawyers Honoured as 2025 Lexpert Rising Stars

Lexpert has named five of our partners as 2025 Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers Under 40. This prestigious award celebrates legal professionals who demonstrate excellence in client service, leadership in the profession, and meaningful contributions to their communities. This year, the following lawyers have been honoured:

• Hugo Babos-Marchand
• Audrey Bouffard-Nesbitt
• Michael Caldecott
• Dorothy Charach
• Isabel Henkelman

“These exceptional lawyers embody the values that define our Firm — client-focused innovation, legal excellence, and community leadership,” said Sunil Kapur, Partner and Chief Executive Officer. “Their work is shaping the future of legal services and driving impactful results for our clients across industries and regions. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and this well-deserved recognition.”

Hugo, Partner and Practice Lead for our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group in Quebec, is a leading lawyer in financial restructuring and corporate commercial litigation, with deep experience across a range of industries. He has played a central role in major insolvency filings and precedent-setting cases, earning a reputation for navigating complex legal and financial landscapes. Recognized by various top legal directories, Hugo’s client-centric philosophy and hands-on approach continue to inspire confidence and strengthen our reputation. His dedication to excellence and innovative problem-solving make him a trusted advisor to clients and colleagues alike.

Audrey, a partner in our Banking & Financial Services Group in Calgary, has advised on several transformative transactions in Canada’s energy sector. She is known for structuring complex, high-value transactions that advance the country’s energy expansion, and for her expertise in emerging areas like small modular reactors, hydrogen, and battery storage. Audrey’s innovative approach has helped clients pioneer new financing models and navigate evolving regulatory frameworks, accelerating the adoption of sustainable technologies. Clients and colleagues value her strategic insight, practical advice, and commitment to shaping the future.

As a partner in our Competition/Antitrust & Foreign Investment Group in Toronto and a trusted advisor to domestic and international clients, Michael plays a leading role in many of Canada’s most complex merger reviews. His global perspective, shaped by years of practice in London, Brussels, and Washington, D.C., enables him to advise on sensitive cross-border mandates with strategic insight. Highly regarded for guiding clients through intricate competition and foreign investment processes, Michael is sought after for his breadth of experience in the global antitrust landscape, pragmatic approach, and proven track record of delivering results in high-stakes situations.

Dorothy has combined her sharp legal acumen with standout business development skills to become a rising force in litigation. As a partner in our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group in Toronto and Co-Leader of our National Health Industry Group, she’s known for helping clients navigate complex disputes — frequently against senior opposing counsel — with poise and precision. A skilled trial lawyer, Dorothy is especially known for her expert cross-examinations. Her exceptional leadership and unwavering focus on client goals drive strategic outcomes in high-stakes litigation.

A standout Canadian real estate dealmaker, Isabel was recognized for her leadership and impact on Canada’s real estate industry. A partner in our Real Property Development Group in Toronto, she has become a go-to resource for some of Canada’s highest-profile real estate deals. She has led many of the country’s most complex real property and fund transactions, earning a reputation as a closer who brings creativity, precision, and composure to the most time-sensitive and sophisticated mandates. Isabel is also a driving force behind our growing capability — attracting, mentoring, and empowering talented lawyers and leading legal teams to work seamlessly across disciplines to deliver a comprehensive solution on major real estate projects and investments.

The leadership of these outstanding lawyers at our Firm and within the Canadian legal community not only drives results for our clients, but also shapes the future of our profession. We look forward to seeing their continued impact as they take on new challenges and help guide our Firm forward.

About McCarthy Tétrault

McCarthy Tétrault LLP provides a broad range of legal services, providing strategic and industry-focused advice and solutions for Canadian and international interests. The Firm has a substantial presence in Canada’s major commercial centres as well as in New York City and London.

Built on an integrated approach to the practice of law and delivery of innovative client services, the Firm brings its legal talent, industry insight and practice experience to help clients achieve the results that are important to them.

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For further information, or to request an interview with a McCarthy Tétrault lawyer, please contact media@mccarthy.ca.