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CAN-TECH Award of Distinction Winner: CORY FREED
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 CAN-TECH Law Award of Distinction winner is Cory Freed!Cory Freed is Assistant General Counsel and Head of Legal Affairs for Microsoft in Canada. Cory joined Microsoft in 2005 and now leads the team of legal professionals who provide comprehensive legal support to the business in Canada. Cory and the team also advise Microsoft Canada’s Public Sector sales and services organization.
In this role, Cory oversees the drafting and negotiation of agreements related to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, on-premises licensing, and consulting services for Microsoft Canada’s largest public sector customers. Cory acts as a strategic advisor on a range of legal issues to the Canadian business, including privacy, compliance, and regulatory matters.
Prior to joining Microsoft, Cory was an Associate in the technology law group at Osler LLP, a leading Toronto law firm. Cory previously served on the board of directors of CAN TECH, the national forum for Canadian legal practitioners specializing in technology law.
CAN-TECH Rising Star in Tech Law Award Winner: CECILIA BARNES
We are very pleased to announce Cecilia Barnes as the winner of the 2025 CAN-TECH Rising Star in Tech Law Award.
Cecilia Barnes is Counsel at Lawson Lundell LLP, where she advises a broad range of domestic and international technology clients on commercial transactions, intellectual property, privacy, and data security. Cecilia brings a unique blend of in-house experience and entrepreneurial insight to her work in private practice, having served as lead commercial counsel at high-growth companies and supported major milestones such as a $950M IPO. She is known for her practical, business-oriented legal advice and her ability to bridge law, technology, and innovation.
Cecilia was recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2025, a testament to her excellence and rising influence in the legal profession.
Beyond her legal practice, Cecilia is a passionate advocate for access to justice and inclusive innovation. She has led initiatives to expand legal support for underserved communities, including securing funding for BC’s first Black legal clinic and developing mobile legal tools to improve access to legal information across the province. A recognized thought leader, mentor, and educator, Cecilia contributes to the advancement of the tech law bar through teaching, speaking, and strategic partnerships. Her work bridges law, technology, and community – making her a true rising star in the field.
CLOSED FOR SUBMISSIONS
2025 CAN-TECH Awards
Deadline to submit is CLOSED
The Canadian Technology Law Association (CAN-TECH) invites nominations for two esteemed awards:
- Award of Distinction, recognizing members with a minimum of twenty (20) years of practice.
- Rising Star in Tech Law Award, honoring early-career members within their first ten (10) years of practice.
Both awards celebrate extraordinary contributions in leadership, innovation, integrity, and commitment to the Technology Law Bar.
ELIGIBILITY:
Current CAN-TECH member in good standing (excluding Executive and Board of Directors).
NOMINATION PROCESS:
- Submission: Nominations to be made online by August 29, 2025, including a written document (max. 2 pages double-spaced) and the candidate's curriculum vitae.
- Consent: The candidate must be advised of the nomination and consent to it.
- Promotion: Solicitation through email, social media, CAN-TECH newsletter, and the awards page on the CAN-TECH website.
SELECTION PROCESS:
Selected by the Nomination Subcommittee, considering CAN-TECH guidelines on Diversity and Inclusion.
Only one award will be presented for each category.
PRESENTATION:
To be presented at a CAN-TECH Law event.
DEADLINE:
Online submissions must be filed by August 29, 2025.Nominations from across Canada are encouraged. For additional details, see our award outline documents below:
SUBMIT FOR AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Past Winners
2024
CAN-TECH Award of Distinction Winner: ANDREW NUNES
Andrew is a Vice-Chair of Fasken’s Business Law Department (Ontario), Co-Leader of the Firm’s Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) group and Leader of the Technology Law group for the Ontario region. His practice encompasses numerous aspects of corporate and commercial law, with a particular emphasis on the technology sector and technology related matters.
CAN-TECH Rising Star in Tech Law Award Winner: SHREYA GUPTA
Shreya Gupta is Director, Legal Counsel (Technology, AI and Privacy) at Loblaw Companies Limited. Prior to Loblaw, Shreya was an associate in Norton Rose Fulbright's Toronto office. Shreya focuses on technology, artificial intelligence, privacy, cybersecurity and information governance matters. She also advises clients entering into a variety of complex commercial transactions.
2023
CAN-TECH Award of Distinction Winner: AMY-LYNNE WILLIAMS
Amy-Lynne Williams has been honored with the inaugural CAN-TECH Award of Distinction for her profound impact on the field of technology law in both Canada and internationally. From pioneering the adaptation of various Canadian laws in the 1980s to the establishment of Deeth Williams Wall LLP (DWW), her legacy in technology law is undeniable.
CAN-TECH Rising Star in Tech Law Award Winner: SAM IP
Sam Ip receives the inaugural CAN-TECH Rising Star in Tech Law Award for his exemplary work with AI companies and his innovative contributions to the technology law domain. As a partner at Osler and co-creator of "Osler Code Detect," Sam has demonstrated immense promise in the early stages of his career.
