June 26, 2025
Torys is pleased to announce that the Honourable Arif Virani, P.C., K.C., has joined the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice as Senior Counsel.
Arif brings to the firm a distinguished record of leadership, public service and legal excellence. Before joining Torys, Arif served as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. As the Chief Law Officer of the Crown he oversaw the administration of Canada’s justice system, provided broad strategic counsel to the federal government, and represented Canada internationally at meetings of the Commonwealth, the UN and the G7.
During his tenure as Minister of Justice, Arif championed numerous initiatives in service of the justice system, including streamlining the process and pace of judicial appointments, advancing a wide range of legislation and developing access-to-justice strategies to serve diverse Canadian communities. Arif’s work also included leading meaningful engagement with Indigenous leaders and communities through consultations and the co-development of public policy.
Prior to his Ministerial appointment, Arif served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the federal Ministers of International Trade, Justice, Democratic Institutions, Heritage and Immigration. His parliamentary career included three consecutive mandates as a Member of Parliament in the House of Commons.
Earlier in his career, Arif was Crown Counsel for the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario in the Constitutional Law Branch, and engaged in appellate work at all levels of court. He also served as a war crimes prosecutor for the United Nations. He began his legal career in private practice as a commercial, civil and public law litigator.
“We are thrilled to welcome Arif to the team at Torys”, said Linda Plumpton, Chair of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice. “His wealth of knowledge in constitutional and public law matters, as well as in policy matters both domestically and abroad, are exceptional. We look forward to working with Arif as he brings his strategic thinking and advocacy to support and advise our clients”.
Arif will start in his position at Torys on September 8, 2025.
Learn more about Torys’ litigation team and our work for clients.
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