FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKercher LLP is proud to announce that Nikita Rathwell, Partner in our Saskatoon office, has been recognized as a 2026 Lexpert Rising Star: Leading Lawyer Under 40–a national recognition celebrating emerging leaders in the Canadian legal profession.

Nikita is the fourth lawyer in McKercher LLP’s more than 100-year history to receive this national recognition, which is awarded annually by Lexpert to a select group of lawyers under 40 who demonstrate excellence in leadership, innovation, and community impact. The award is determined by a panel of senior legal experts from across Canada and celebrated at a gala attended by hundreds of legal professionals.

Nikita’s practice centers on First Nations clients with governance and litigation matters, as well as a general litigation practice. Nikita has specialized in assisting First Nations with elections, law-making, and ratification and implementation of modern treaties, land claims, and rights-based settlements. Nikita has experience at the Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan, Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal for Ontario, and various administrative tribunals.

“Nikita’s recognition as a Lexpert Rising Star reflects her client-first approach, her leadership in the Firm and the community, and her breadth of knowledge in legal practice,” said Nicholas Cann, Partner and Chair of McKercher LLP’s Executive Committee.

The Lexpert Rising Stars Awards Gala was held on November 12, 2026, at the Liberty Grand in Toronto, marking the award’s 22nd year of celebrating Canada’s most exceptional young lawyers.

Congratulations to Nikita and all of the other selected lawyers across Canada who received this national recognition.

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For media inquiries or to learn more about Nikita’s work, please contact:

Nikita B. Rathwell

Partner

+1 (306) 664-1384

n.rathwell@mckercher.ca

Kaitlyn Cook-Maki

Director of Marketing, Business Development & Communications

+1 (306) 565-6578

k.cook-maki@mckercher.ca

Bryan Witt, MBA, CHE, RT(NM)

Chief Operating Officer

+1 (306) 664-1302

b.witt@mckercher.ca