Outstanding legal work is only part of what sets exceptional lawyers apart. Equally important are the trust they earn, the influence they have, and the contributions they make beyond their practices.

These are among the qualities celebrated by this year’s Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers 40 and Under, which has named Gowling WLG partners Nelson Godfrey and Gwenyth Stadig among its 2026 honourees. Presented annually, the awards recognize Canada's top legal professionals under the age of 40 for their excellence, leadership, and community impact.

Nelson Godfrey

The leader of Gowling WLG's Trademarks Group in Canada, Nelson has managed trademark portfolios for some of the world's most recognizable brands. He has successfully represented clients in high-stakes intellectual property disputes involving patents, trademarks, copyright, and trade secrets. In 2025, he was named Canadian Practitioner of the Year (Trademark Disputes) by Managing Intellectual Property.

A thought leader in Canadian trademark law, Nelson has influenced the development of trademark practices and procedures through consultations on amendments to the Trademarks Act and Trademarks Office practices. He volunteers with Artists' Legal Outreach and Access Pro Bono and contributes his expertise to research ethics and privacy initiatives.

Gwenyth Stadig

A member of Gowling WLG's Tax-Exempt Entities Group, Gwenyth has become a trusted advisor on complex tax and regulatory matters, particularly for Indigenous individuals and organizations. Through her sophisticated tax structuring advice, she has helped these clients preserve their tax-exempt status and safeguard their financial interests.

A longstanding advocate for advancing women in the legal profession, Gwenyth has played an active role in FEMPOWR, an initiative supporting mentorship and sponsorship, since 2018. Her contributions were recognized in 2026 with the Waterloo Region Law Association's FEMPOWR Pillar of the Community Award. Beyond her mentorship activities, she dedicates more than 200 hours annually to pro bono legal work, providing tailored tax and trust advice to organizations across Canada.

Gowling WLG congratulates Nelson and Gwenyth, along with all recipients of this year’s Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers 40 and Under. View the complete list here.