Barbara Boake

Barbara Boake, having graduated with an LLB from The University of Western Ontario, quickly became a trailblazer in the legal profession. By 1987, she was practicing law in Ontario, showcasing her expertise in bankruptcy and restructuring. Barbara's role at McCarthy Tétrault transcends traditional boundaries; as the National People and Practice Leader, she is at the helm of steering both the firm's strategic direction and nurturing its talent. Her leadership encompasses the stewardship of over 650 lawyers and 843 support staff sprawled across seven locations, ensuring the firm's operations are seamless and its culture thrives on inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation.

Barbara's influence is recognized far beyond the confines of office walls. Her achievements have landed her among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada, an accolade awarded by the Women’s Executive Network. Breaking glass ceilings, she was the inaugural female member of the firm’s Senior Leadership Team, championing diversity and inclusion relentlessly. Her efforts are instrumental in the Inclusion Now Program by McCarthy Tétrault, an initiative celebrated for its commitment to fostering a diverse workforce.

In addition to her leadership duties, Barbara maintains an active role in client advisory within the Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group, advising across borders in Canada and the US. Her intellectual contributions to the legal field include co-authoring "Project Management for Lawyers," a guide that champions efficiency and effectiveness in legal practice management.

Barbara's excellence has not gone unnoticed in the wider legal community. She has been recognized as a leading lawyer in insolvency and financial restructuring law by Best Lawyers in Canada. The Global Insolvency and Restructuring Review lists her among the top 40 international restructuring professionals under 40, while the IFLR 1000 Guide praises her as highly regarded in restructuring. These accolades testify to Barbara's profound impact on the legal profession and her unwavering commitment to excellence, diversity, and leadership.