Two Canadian partners named 2021 Lexpert Leading Lawyers Under 40

Canada | Press release - Recognition | November 2021

Partners Maya Angenot (Montréal) and Trevor Zeyl (Toronto) have been recognized as 2021 Lexpert Rising Stars.

The prestigious award acknowledges the achievements of young practitioners like Angenot and Zeyl, who balance high-pressure legal careers with family life and philanthropic commitments. Both are exceptional leaders in their respective practice areas, not only dedicated to delivering strategic and pragmatic advice to our clients, but also to mentoring the next generation of lawyers.

Maya is a sought-after member of the Montréal litigation team with a practice focused on product liability and consumer protection class actions, construction law and general civil and commercial litigation. Over her past 14 years at Norton Rose Fulbright, Angenot has demonstrated a keen ability to adapt to a variety of high-profile cases and mandates.

Passionately committed to improving the gender balance within the legal industry, Maya actively participates in the Women in Norton Rose Fulbright network and The Path to Partnership sub-committee, ensuring favourable policies surrounding remuneration, maternity leave and retention for women. Maya advocates for establishing strong networks of women lawyers across various Canadian firms, associations and programs, and frequently mentors the next generation of lawyers entering the firm.

Montréal managing partner Solomon Sananes commented:

“Maya is an outstanding lawyer and leader. She has been a key player on several successful high-profile cases; she consistently receives referrals from partners in other practice groups and offices and has extensive experience in managing teams and large files. Maya leverages the firm’s resources to lead a file from beginning to end, and delegates to associates with a view to refining their advocacy skills. She is a mentor and inspiration to many, and well deserving of this award.”

Trevor practises corporate and securities law, with a particular emphasis on public and private mergers and acquisitions, financings and corporate governance. Zeyl exemplifies adaptability and flexibility to meet his clients’ specific needs, advising on emerging legal trends, legislative changes and current business realities.

Additionally Trevor has made unwavering contributions to the legal profession. In light of the pandemic, Trevor pivoted his practice to focus on crisis response, advising clients on how to navigate the legal impacts of the pandemic, and spoke as a panelist on several webinars regarding the legal implications of COVID-19. Trevor is a formal mentor to associates and articling students, and informally to many lawyers, both inside and outside the firm, including former members of Norton Rose Fulbright. He is a member of the student committee and is invested in student recruitment and the next generation of lawyers.

“He does it all,” says Norton Rose Fulbright Canadian chair, Walied Soliman.

“Trevor is an innovative thinker, highly in demand for complex cases due to his knowledge and unparalleled dedication to his practice. He is known as a remarkable mentor and leader, both within the firm and the profession at large. He gives to all his clients, his colleagues and the pro bono endeavours he supports. Congratulations Trevor on this extraordinary achievement.”

The Rising Star Award is peer reviewed and celebrates personal aspirations and contributions beyond the profession, such as volunteering, board membership, education and teaching. It also honours the determined, hardworking and well-rounded young professionals who are at the top of their field.

Zeyl and Angenot will be listed as Lawyers to Watch in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory 2022, along with Tommy Wong and John Cassell.