Fraser MacLean’s selection as one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers recognizes a career defined by high-stakes advocacy, precedent-setting work, and a deep commitment to client service.
A family law Associate at MacLean Law, Fraser MacLean has appeared at every level of court in British Columbia, including the Court of Appeal, and has built a litigation record that continues to shape Canadian family law. His early mentorship from Lorne MacLean KC, the Hon. Keith Bracken, and the late Doug Eastwood QC, along with years in competitive hockey, laid the foundation for the discipline, teamwork, and determination that now define his practice.
Fraser handles some of the province’s most complex family law disputes, from multimillion-dollar property division to cross-border parenting cases. He has secured one of British Columbia’s largest interim support awards, succeeded in extended trials involving parental alienation, and contributed to leading jurisprudence on parenting, support, and relocation.
His influence grew nationally with Zhang v. Chen, 2024 BCSC 285, where he exposed fabricated legal citations generated by ChatGPT, the first such finding in Canada. The decision sparked new directives on AI use in legal submissions and launched a country-wide conversation about professional standards in emerging technologies. MacLean has since become a vocal advocate for transparency and responsible AI integration, contributing to policy discussions and publishing commentary across legal forums.
At MacLean Law, Fraser MacLean pairs rigorous litigation with a commitment to leadership. He has introduced a career-coaching program, organized wellness initiatives, and supported students through scholarships. He continues to lecture at conferences, mentor junior lawyers, and volunteer with organizations including Union Gospel Mission and Dress for Success.
Being named to the Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers reflects not only his courtroom accomplishments but also his broader impact: elevating ethical standards, fostering professional development, and strengthening the culture of the legal community. To Fraser, family law is ultimately about guiding people through profound personal change with clarity, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.
Who are the Top 25 Most Influential Canadian Lawyers?
The 16th edition of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers reinforces a simple truth: real influence transforms the system itself.
Steve Assie, general manager of global large law firms at Thomson Reuters, has worked alongside many of Canada’s most impactful legal minds. He notes that the lawyers who stand out share several defining traits:
- mastery of their craft
- adaptability and creativity
- the ability to build strong relationships
- a commitment to developing the next generation
“The legal community has an extraordinary ability to recognize authenticity and character,” Assie says. “Influence naturally gravitates toward good people. Those who use their platform not just for personal success but to lift others. True influence isn’t measured by what you achieve alone, but by what you empower others to accomplish.”
As a prime example of one of Canada’s most impactful legal minds, Fraser MacLean aims to continue advancing complex family law litigation while shaping national policy on the ethical use of AI in legal practice. His dedication to mentorship, wellness, and innovation underscores a guiding belief: exceptional client service starts with the growth, integrity, and well-being of the professionals who deliver it.
High net worth lawyer Fraser MacLean of MacLean Law is one of Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers
Fraser was lead counsel in the landmark decision pertaining to costs and the harm of artificial intelligence (AI), the first case in Canada of its nature. In Zhang v. Chen, 2024 BCSC 285, the case involved the father’s application to have parenting time with his children overseas. After discovering the fake cases generated by Chat GPT, the father’s application was dismissed, with costs in favour of Fraser’s client.
As lead counsel in an ultra-high net worth case Zhang v. Chen, 2023 BCSC 2206 involving up to $70-90 million in assets, Fraser successfully obtained one of the highest interim support awards in BC history for his client.
He was co-counsel in S.S.C.M. v. A.C.W, 2024 BCSC 1694, a complex interjurisdictional parenting dispute, where he successfully argued in having the Court refuse to recognize foreign orders from Texas, USA, on the basis it was contrary to public policy and the best interest of the children, while also obtaining a 100% special costs award.
Fraser was lead counsel in a 25-day parental alienation trial, successfully obtaining various relief for his client including compensatory parenting time, a $5,000 fine and police enforcement for wrongful denial of parenting, family systems therapy and the appointment of a parenting coordinator. See S.T.M v. C.G.H., 2023 BCPC 110 and S.T.M. v. C.G.H., 2023 BCPC 182.
Vancouver Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 – Call 604 602 9000
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Our Vancouver Family and Divorce Lawyers office can help you settle your Vancouver family law case and if that isn’t possible they help you obtain a just result in court. Our ultra high net worth divorce and family law cases demand precise and discrete legal advice to ensure wealth and asset protection is maximized. Our Vancouver high net worth divorce lawyers know privacy is also crucial both for one’s personal reputation and for maintaining healthy financial relationships with banks, partners and investors. Lorne MacLean, KC heads our BC ultra high net worth divorce department. Mr. MacLean has successfully acted for Vancouver spouses in the Supreme Court of Canada the BC Court of Appeal, the Supreme Court of BC and in the Queen’s Bench in Calgary Alberta. Hiring the best Vancouver family and divorce lawyers takes time so do your due diligence.
