Tomkins’ journey began with a clerkship at the Supreme Court of Canada under Justice Michel Bastarache from 2007 to 2008. This formative experience ignited her passion for appellate advocacy and set the stage for her future success.
Now at Gowling WLG, Tomkins balances a diverse practice, handling constitutional litigation and commercial disputes. Her work spans commercial arbitrations, judicial reviews, and appeals, showcasing her versatility as a legal expert.
One of her most notable contributions came as lead counsel for the Law Society of Saskatchewan in the landmark case Law Society of Saskatchewan v. Abrametz. This 2022 Supreme Court decision has become a cornerstone in Canadian jurisprudence, addressing delay in administrative proceedings and amassing over 250 citations in less than two years.
Tomkins also played a key role in the Public Order Emergency Commission, serving as co-lead counsel for the City of Ottawa. This commission probed the events leading to Canada’s first federal declaration of a public order emergency, triggered by the Freedom Convoy protests.
Beyond litigation, Tomkins is dedicated to legal education. She teaches administrative law at Osgoode Hall Law School and previously instructed appellate advocacy at the University of Ottawa for a decade, nurturing the next generation of legal minds.
Her expertise and impact earned her a spot on Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2024 in the Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal category. This recognition underscores her profound influence on the legal profession both in Canada and globally.
Cynthia L. Elderkin, managing partner of Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office, praised Tomkins for her unwavering commitment to advancing and protecting constitutional and democratic rights. “Alyssa’s advocacy sets a benchmark in the field,” Elderkin noted, highlighting Tomkins’ dedication to achieving meaningful results for her clients.
Now a partner at Gowling WLG, Tomkins’ practice is marked by its diversity. She adeptly navigates both constitutional litigation and commercial disputes, showcasing her legal prowess through cases that range from complex commercial arbitrations to judicial reviews and appeals. This versatility underscores her reputation as a formidable legal expert.
One of Tomkins’ most impactful contributions to Canadian law was her role as lead counsel for the Law Society of Saskatchewan in the landmark case Law Society of Saskatchewan v. Abrametz. This 2022 Supreme Court decision has become a seminal work on delay in administrative proceedings, amassing over 250 citations in less than two years—a testament to its significance in Canadian jurisprudence.
Her influence extended beyond the courtroom as she served as co-lead counsel for the City of Ottawa in the Public Order Emergency Commission. This role involved investigating the events that led to Canada’s first federal declaration of a public order emergency, a response to the Freedom Convoy protests, highlighting her ability to navigate high-stakes, politically charged environments.
Complementing her litigation work, Tomkins is deeply committed to legal education. She currently teaches administrative law at Osgoode Hall Law School, imparting her knowledge to the next generation of legal professionals. Prior to this, she spent a decade teaching appellate advocacy at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law, further cementing her legacy in legal academia.
Her exceptional contributions to the legal field were recognized when she was named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2024 in the Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal category. This accolade reflects her profound impact on the legal profession, both within Canada and on the global stage.
Cynthia L. Elderkin, managing partner of Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office, lauded Tomkins for her steadfast dedication to advancing, protecting, and upholding constitutional and democratic rights. Elderkin emphasized Tomkins’ unwavering commitment to ensuring due process, praising her advocacy as setting a benchmark in the field and demonstrating her resolve to achieve meaningful outcomes for her clients.
Conclusion
Alyssa Tomkins has solidified her position as a leading figure in Canadian public law, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape through her groundbreaking work in constitutional litigation and appellate advocacy. Her involvement in landmark cases such as Law Society of Saskatchewan v. Abrametz and her role in the Public Order Emergency Commission underscore her ability to navigate complex legal and political challenges. Beyond her courtroom successes, Tomkins’ dedication to legal education and mentorship ensures that her influence will extend to future generations of legal professionals. As she continues to advocate for constitutional and democratic rights, Alyssa Tomkins remains a pivotal force in shaping Canada’s legal framework.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Alyssa Tomkins?
- Alyssa Tomkins is a partner at Gowling WLG and a prominent figure in Canadian public law, known for her expertise in constitutional litigation, appellate advocacy, and administrative law.
- What is Alyssa Tomkins’ most notable case?
- One of her most notable cases is Law Society of Saskatchewan v. Abrametz, a landmark Supreme Court decision addressing delay in administrative proceedings, which has been cited over 250 times in less than two years.
- Where did Alyssa Tomkins clerk?
- Alyssa Tomkins clerked at the Supreme Court of Canada under Justice Michel Bastarache from 2007 to 2008.
- What is Alyssa Tomkins’ role beyond litigation?
- Beyond her litigation work, Alyssa Tomkins is committed to legal education. She teaches administrative law at Osgoode Hall Law School and previously taught appellate advocacy at the University of Ottawa for over a decade.
- Has Alyssa Tomkins received any recent recognition?
- Yes, Alyssa Tomkins was named one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers for 2024 in the Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal category.
