Toronto, December 3, 2008 – Baker & McKenzie Partner George Avraam in the Firm’s Toronto office was selected as one of Lexpert’s 2008 Rising Stars – Leading Lawyers Under 40. Mr. Avraam was recognized during an awards gala in late November.

The award recognizes lawyers in private practice and in-house who are both leaders and team players and who have an outstanding track record of success.

Mr. Avraam is a member of the Firm’s Labour, Employment and Employee Benefits practice and focuses on trial and appellate litigation.  His litigation practice focuses on labour and employment law, human rights, pension law and related issues, administrative and public law, professional and academic discipline, employment related class actions, and fiduciary duties.

As a trusted adviser to both major corporations and broader public sector clients in a number of industries, Mr. Avraam has appeared before numerous administrative tribunals throughout Canada and has acted as lead counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, as well as before the courts in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. He has also acted as lead counsel in matters before the Federal Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.  Mr. Avraam joined the Firm in 2004.

Jim Holloway, Managing Partner of Baker & McKenzie’s Toronto office, commented: “Without question, this is a well deserved honour that recognizes the significant and substantial work that George has accomplished since joining the Firm.  At Baker & McKenzie, we are committed to providing superior quality service through our talent, generating higher value for our clients.”

Lexpert is one of Canada's leading sources of news and information about the business of law. Publications and services include Lexpert Magazine, the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, the Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada, the Lexpert/CCCA Corporate Counsel Directory and Yearbook, the Lexpert Law Student and Associate Recruitment Guide and Lexpert Conferences.