Mr. Sookman has consistently been ranked by authoritative Canadian and international guides as the top or among Canada’s top information technology, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and privacy lawyers. For example:
Chambers Canada (2027) Artificial Intelligence – Nationwide (“Senior Statesperson”; inaugural Artificial Intelligence ranking): “Barry Sookman is widely recognised for his expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), copyright and technology law. He advises clients on the development, commercialisation and use of AI systems, including intellectual property, regulatory compliance and technology contracting issues, and is a leading figure in complex AI-related disputes and policy matters.” “He offers expert advice on IT, AI and contracting matters, with a strong understanding of our industry’s specific requirements.” “Barry is one of the leading copyright scholars, and we appreciate his insight.” “Barry is terrific.”
Chambers Canada and Chambers Global (2005-2027) Information Technology: Consistently ranked as a “Star Individual” (higher than Band 1) or “Senior Statesman”/“Senior Statesperson” or Band 1 (highest band). “He wears the IT crown”. “Barry Sookman’s clients consider him to be in a class of his own in Canada – no one else has his depth and breadth of knowledge and technological expertise.” “Peers especially highlight his commercial IT and IP work, particularly in relation to copyright litigation and procurement transactions.” Clients describe him as “lucid in his approach and capable of absolutely brilliant advice.” “Barry Sookman is reputed for his top-rated copyright practice. He leads the firm’s technology law group and is recognized as a leading practitioner in this area.” “He is very talented”. He “is a leading light in Canada for IT and comes highly recommended for his knowledge of computer, internet and e-commerce law.” “He has an IQ of 190 zillion; he is remarkable. He is incredibly thorough, is very perceptive and quick.” He “is recognised for his knowledge of both IT and IP law, and is also well regarded for copyright work.” “He is one of only a few lawyers with that type of expertise.” “Barry Sookman is a name that stands out in Canada for IT. He is widely acclaimed for his knowledge of computer, internet and e-commerce law. One interviewee enthused: “He is terrific, awesome – a great speaker and educator.”” “Sources describe Barry Sookman as “the pre-eminent lawyer in the sector,” and say: “He puts law in the context of business and keeps on top of the legislation.” He is a renowned authority on IT, internet and copyright matters.” “Barry Sookman is outlined as being “in a class of his own.” One of the pioneers of Canadian IT law, he offers unparalleled depth in outsourcing work and litigious matters, and utilises his IP expertise to assist clients with a range of multidisciplinary work.” “Star individual Barry Sookman is widely respected as “one of the leading lawyers in Canada” for technology law, offering unparalleled multidisciplinary proficiency in IP concerns. He wins the widespread respect of his peers for his extensive expertise in outsourcing and for his prowess as a litigator: “He is a total force in this area – he is outstanding.” One client enthused: “He is the best in Canada and has to be one of the best lawyers internationally I have ever dealt with.”” “Barry Sookman is regarded as a “phenomenal lawyer” with unparalleled proficiency in technology law and IP concerns. Viewed as an “expert in his field,” he is acclaimed for his ability to navigate a complex area of law and to “convey it in a way that is understandable.” He is also revered for his thought leadership.” “Barry Sookman is regarded as an eminent lawyer in the field, with unparalleled expertise in technology and IP matters. Peers view him as “an educator to the sector” and “one of the leading lights in Canada.” “Barry Sookman operates a market-leading practice which focuses on technology law and e-commerce issues, including the associated IP concerns. Market commentators say: “He’s a really good IT lawyer.” “He has significant experience advising clients on major outsourcing and licensing agreements.” “Barry Sookman remains a premier figure in the field and is lauded as “one of the foremost scholars in the country.” He comes highly recommended by both clients and peers, with interviewees admiring his “soft client relationships skills” and “unparalleled ability to strategise.” He regularly advises on the most complex and cutting-edge IT and IP transactions in the market.” “Barry Sookman draws acclaim from clients as “a knowledgeable, steady hand who gets the job done, develops our team and is a tough negotiator.” He is a pre-eminent technology lawyer with vast experience in complex negotiations including systems integration deals and licensing agreements.” “Barry Sookman is a pre-eminent Toronto-based technology lawyer with vast experience in complex negotiations including systems integration deals and licensing agreements. “He definitely remains a household name.” “He is the godfather of the market.”” “Barry Sookman is a pre-eminent Toronto-based technology lawyer with vast experience in complex IT contract negotiations, including master services agreements. “He has a breadth and depth of knowledge which is unsurpassed.” “He is an academic. If you need to understand something inside-out, he is your guy.” “Barry is not only extremely knowledgeable but very hard to fluster.” “He is excellent at distilling issues to their essence and helping us find a practical solution. Every time I am in a negotiation with Barry I learn something new.” “Barry is the leading IT lawyer in Canada and brings his expertise and experience to each deal.” “Barry brings significant depth of experience, combining deep expertise in information technology matters, a strong understanding of the financial services industry, and a creative problem-solving mindset to address and resolve complex issues.”
Chambers Canada and Chambers Global (2015-2027) Intellectual Property (ranked highest in Band 1 or “Senior Statesman”/“Senior Statesperson”): “Barry Sookman is universally regarded as one of Canada’s foremost authorities on information technology and intellectual property issues. One client enthused: “He is excellent – he has the knowledge, the passion and the experience of how to navigate a matter to a successful conclusion.” “Barry Sookman is a renowned copyright expert, who recently acted for Music Canada as an intervener in an infringement case before the Supreme Court of Canada. Sources refer to him as “top-notch,” and say he “has his finger on the pulse of new market developments.”” “Barry Sookman is a recognised leader in the area of copyright, where he holds a wealth of experience.” “Barry Sookman is a recognised leader in the area of copyright, where he holds a wealth of experience. His work highlights include representing Teranet in copyright class action litigation against map surveyors in Ontario.” “Barry Sookman has a “great reputation” in the market as a talented lawyer who “wrote the book on IP and technology law.” He is particularly applauded for his work in copyright infringement matters.” “Technology specialist Barry Sookman is recognised throughout the market for his copyright practice. He is described as “a remarkably intelligent, sophisticated practitioner.” He is often retained as counsel on significant copyright mandates pertaining to websites.” “Barry Sookman is a popular choice for technology sector clients, as he offers “unparalleled copyright expertise” and deep knowledge of IP issues relating to the industry. Considered to be one of the country’s foremost experts on e-commerce issues, market commentators explain: “His ability to handle many different sides to things and his well-rounded practice sets him apart.”” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. “You don’t just get top-notch advice, but there is a gravitas that comes with working with him,” revealed one client, adding: “He is so well regarded within the legal industry and the government.”” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files. “He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law and is a leader in the field of technology law.”” Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files. “Barry Sookman is a top Canadian IP and internet lawyer.” “Technology industry stalwart Barry Sookman continues to be recognised as a leading light in the area of copyright and information technology. Based in Toronto, he has also been engaged on major litigation files.” “Barry is well respected within the profession.”
Chambers Canada and Chambers Global (2015-2023) Canada, Privacy & Data Protection (“Senior Statesman”) “Barry Sookman of McCarthy Tétrault LLP is a major player in the e-commerce and IT space, and is widely viewed as a “thought leader” on CASL issues. One client enthused: “He provides wise counsel and has a great sense of the broader picture. He gives us great confidence in dealing with the regulators.” “Barry Sookman of McCarthy Tétrault LLP is a prolific technology lawyer who is “at the forefront of sophisticated thought about CASL.” “Barry Sookman is recognised by the market as a “very prominent technology lawyer.” He has substantial expertise assisting with CASL compliance and advising clients in connection with CRTC investigations.” “Barry Sookman has a strong reputation in the technology sector. He is especially well versed in data protection matters and compliance with regulations such as CASL.” “The “pre-eminent” Barry Sookman has expertise in privacy issues concerning the use of artificial intelligence, in addition to advising financial institutions on data breach management.” “Eminent technology lawyer Barry Sookman is highly respected for his contributions to the privacy and cybersecurity field, particularly as it relates to intellectual property and anti-spam legislation.” “Toronto-based senior counsel Barry Sookman is highly respected for his contributions to the privacy and cybersecurity field, particularly as it relates to intellectual property and anti-spam legislation.” “He is the top Canadian IP and internet lawyer.”
Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory (2003-2026): Listed in Computer and IT Law (Highest ranking – Most Frequently Recommended Lawyer), Technology Transactions (Highest ranking – Most Frequently Recommended or consistently recommended). Also ranked in the Lexpert Special Edition Technology and Health Sciences (2022 and 2026); Privacy (Data Privacy & Cybersecurity) Highest ranking – Most Frequently Recommended; Litigation – Intellectual Property
Globe and Mail “Canada’s Best Law Firms: Meet the Winners” (2023): “The firm’s technology group…includes Barry Sookman, one of the country’s pre-eminent authorities on IT and intellectual property law.”
Martindale-Hubbell (2019-2026) Preeminent Practitioner (peer review 5.01/5.0)
Managing IP: IP Stars (2020-2024) Copyright Star; Notable Practitioner (2025-2026)
The Legal 500 Canada (2019-2026) (2023-2026 Hall of Fame) Intellectual Property (Leading individual) “key contact is litigator Barry Sookman, who focuses on IT, IP and privacy matters.” “Leading Individual” in Technology. “Barry Sookman ranks among the market’s leading regulatory specialists.” “McCarthy Tétrault operates across all key pillars of IP law, with strong offerings in prosecution, litigation, and multi-jurisdictional matters. Among the names to note in Toronto, senior counsel Barry Sookman stands as an authority in copyright and IP-related issues.” “Other key practitioners include Toronto-based senior counsel Barry Sookman, who focuses on technology and IP law.”
The Legal 500 Canada (2026) Artificial Intelligence (Leading Partner): “The team benefits from the experience of Barry Sookman, who is geared to support on issues involving the development, commercialisation and use of AI systems.”
Benchmark Litigation Canada (2024): Impact Case Award – Canada (Privacy Commissioner) v. Facebook, Inc., 2023 FC 533
Canadian Law Awards (2024): Commercial Litigation Team of the Year – Canada (Privacy Commissioner) v. Facebook, Inc., 2023 FC 533
Best Lawyers (2006-2027) Ranked as the best Technology Lawyer of the Year, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2026. Ranked by Best Lawyers in Communications Law, Information Technology, Technology, Intellectual Property, and Privacy and Data Security Law.
Who’s Who Legal / Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal): Canada (2011-2026) Data – Information Technology – “Thought Leader”; Data Privacy & Protection Global Leader, Data Security, Information Technology. “Most Highly Regarded” Individual or Global Leader”., Data “National Leader”; Lexology Index Thought Leader – Data: Data Privacy & Protection; Lexology Legal Influencer – TMT, Canada (Q2 2025) “Peers describe him as a “seasoned lawyer” who is in a “class of his own”. “He is “the doyen on internet work” and is a “legend”. “Barry Sookman is described by peers a ‘world class’ and ‘an inspiration for other lawyers operating in this space’.” “Barry Sookman is in “a class of his own” according to our sources. Based in Toronto, his practice encompasses information technology and intellectual property matters including outsourcing, joint ventures, and licensing”. “Barry Sookman is a “major player” in the field and one of Canada’s “pre-eminent” practitioners advising upon information technology, internet, copyright and privacy law matters. He is described as practising at the forefront of the discipline and “has a close eye on industry developments.””
GDR Global Data Review (2021): Leading Individual, Privacy. “Sookman is world-class on technology, internet and e-commerce issues”.
Euromoney Legal Media Group’s Managing IP (2013) award for Canada’s Outstanding IP Practitioner.
Lexpert/American Lawyer Guide to the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada published by Lexpert and American Lawyer (2003-2022): Top-ranked lawyer in Computer & IT Law, Technology Transactions and Intellectual Property. Recognized in its successor guide, Lexpert’s Leading 500 Cross-Border Lawyers: A Guide to Doing Business in Canada (2026): Data Privacy & Cybersecurity; Intellectual Property; and Information Technology.
IAM: The World’s Leading Patent and Technology Licensing Lawyers (2011-2017): “Barry Sookman garners plaudits for his commercial awareness and ‘enterprising approach’ to licence agreements”; among “’the absolute elite of licensing experts’. He maintains a thriving practice encompassing IP and IT transactions for an international clientele.” “Barry Sookman has a wealth of experience in tech. he excels in transactions.” Barry Sookman “brings experience and quality to the table and is a pleasure to learn from.” “Barry Sookman is quick to spot monetisation opportunities.”
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) Patent 1000: Recommended – Patents (Transactions)
Who’s Who Legal Information Technology, Telecoms & Media (2016) Ranked in Information Technology
Guide to the World’s Leading Technology, Media & Telecommunications Lawyers (2008): Ranked as the number one lawyer in Canada and among the world’s top three lawyers in the technology, media and telecommunication category.
Lexpert Magazine (2006): Top-ranked lawyer on list of “Canada’s 100 Most Creative Lawyers.”
Who’s Who Legal: The International of Who’s Who of Business Lawyers (2008-2013): Described as the “highly capable Co-Chair of the Technology Group and former head of the Internet & e-Commerce Group.”
Guide to the Leading US/Cross-border Corporate Lawyers in Canada (2010) published by Lexpert. Leading Lawyer in Technology Transactions.
Legal Media Group Best of the Best, Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers (2009): Listed as one of the top Information technology experts in the world.
Legal Media Group Best of the Best, Guide to the World’s Leading Lawyers (2005): Ranked as the top lawyer in Canada and listed among the Top 10 lawyers in the world in the fields of technology, media and telecommunications.
PLC Which Lawyer? (2008): Ranked as a “Highly Recommended Individual” in the outsourcing category and as one of two leading individuals in the telecom and IT category.