Barbara J. Boake

First Year of Call
Ontario, 1987

Areas of Practice
Bankruptcy and Insolvency,

Description
Barbara leads with strong direction and influence, effectively positioning the firm and our clients for long-term success
As National People and Practice Leader of McCarthy Tétrault, Barbara Boake drives the firm’s industry-leading talent strategies. She oversees the management of the firm’s legal practices and professionals, and plays a critical role in the growth and development of our 750+ lawyers and 1000+ support staff across 7 offices. Working closely with regional, practice group and industry leaders, she brings the full strength of our exceptional people to our clients.

Demonstrating strong leadership and influence, she leads by example in fostering a firm culture that is inclusive, collaborative and entrepreneurial, the result of which was 11 straight years of recognition as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

Barbara was named one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network. She was the first woman on the firm’s Senior Leadership Team, and is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion within the firm and legal profession. Recruiting, engaging and promoting diverse teams of exceptionally talented lawyers is a key part of her mandate. Notably, Barbara’s vision for the future of the firm set in motion McCarthy Tétrault’s award-winning Inclusion Now Program. In 2024, McCarthy Tétrault was named one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for the 12th consecutive year.

Barbara also sustains a successful practice as a partner in the firm’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring Group, advising clients in Canada and the US. She is also a published author, having co-written Project Management for Lawyers, a leading guide to more efficient and effective management of legal mandates.

Barbara received her LLB from The University of Western Ontario.