We’re proud to announce that Fraser MacLean has been nominated for Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada — in the prestigious Changemaker category.
PLEASE VOTE!
- Link: https://www.research.net/r/C2TRJQL
- Click Next three times to reach the Changemaker category
- Select Fraser in the left column
- Click Next three more times
- Click Done to submit your vote
At just 34, Fraser MacLean has already made a lasting mark on the Canadian legal landscape. In the past 18 months, he has catalyzed the most important conversation in Canadian law: how to responsibly use artificial intelligence in the justice system. He hasn’t merely participated in change — he’s defined it.
A Legal Milestone: Zhang v. Chen (2024 BCSC 285)
As lead counsel in the landmark case Zhang v. Chen, Fraser exposed the misuse of AI in legal filings, uncovering two fake cases generated by ChatGPT — the first reported Canadian decision involving AI-generated “hallucinated” authorities. The ruling made headlines across the country and sparked immediate reform:
- New law society and court directives now require AI-use disclosure in legal filings
- The case became a national touchpoint for legal ethics in the AI era
- Coverage followed in multiple media agencies such as Forbes, Global News, and Canadian Lawyer, and more
Fraser’s advocacy didn’t stop at the courtroom door. His leadership has shaped national discourse and policy on AI — while keeping the focus squarely on public trust, transparency, and the rule of law.
A Quiet Force Behind Legal Transformation
While Fraser’s AI advocacy garners headlines, his day-to-day work in family law is equally transformative. He has quietly built a record of landmark victories in some of British Columbia’s most complex and high-stakes cases:
- Secured one of the largest interim support awards in BC history (Zhang v. Chen, 2023 BCSC 2206, $90M case)
- Convinced the court to reject a Texas custody order on public policy grounds (S.S.C.M. v. A.C.W., 2024 BCSC 1694)
- Won a 25-day parental alienation trial resulting in parenting enforcement, fines, and court-ordered therapy
- Overturned final summary judgment in Cho v. Kim, 2023 BCSC 780
- Prevailed in a 30-day trial involving complex spousal and retroactive child support
- Authored a support article cited in Payne on Child Support 2024, a leading national text
Fraser appears regularly at all levels of BC courts, and his reported decisions are shaping the future of Canadian family law.
Leadership, Wellness, and Mentorship
Fraser’s influence extends well beyond litigation. As part of the MacLean Law management team, he has:
- Founded the firm’s Mental Health Initiative, offering young lawyers confidential access to professional coaching
- Spearheaded internal programs to improve client service and lawyer wellness
- Founded two scholarships at TRU Law, where he continues to lecture and mentor emerging lawyers
- Published work with Westlaw, Law360, and national continuing legal education programs
His commitment to service also shows in his philanthropy, with meaningful contributions to Union Gospel Mission and Dress for Success.
Fraser MacLean is a Changemaker — Let’s Make It Official
Fraser believes family law is the most important area of law — because its outcomes shape not just families, but society. He fights for compassion, for clarity, and for change. And now, he needs your vote.
VOTE NOW — It’s Quick and Easy
- Link: https://www.research.net/r/C2TRJQL
- Click Next three times to reach the Changemaker category
- Select Fraser in the left column
- Click Next three more times
- Click Done to submit your vote
Thank you for your support.
