Leila Rafi

Leila Rafi is an adjunct professor at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Alexander Lincoln School of Law, where she teaches an introductory securities regulations course. She previously taught at Queen’s University Faculty of Law and the University of Windsor and Western Ontario law schools.

• Adjunct Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University (current)
• Former adjunct faculty, Queen’s University, University of Windsor, University of Western Ontario

Her research and professional focus includes securities law, corporate governance, investment funds, and psychedelics industry regulation. She has advised on major M&A transactions, regulatory compliance, and legislative modernization projects.

Recent publications and speaking engagements highlight her expertise in capital market trends, regulatory technology, and ESG reporting. She has received numerous awards, including recognition in Best Lawyers in Canada (2022–2025), Lexpert directories, and Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers (2022).

• 2025: Recognized in Lexpert Special Edition on Finance and M&A Guide
• 2024: Lexpert “Consistently Recommended Lawyer”
• 2023: Lexpert “Leading Finance and M&A Lawyer”
• 2022: Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers

Leila mentors through the University of Toronto Women’s Association and serves on the Board of Directors for VersaFi (formerly Women in Capital Markets) and GEM (Girls E-Mentorship). She was called to the Ontario bar in 2006 and holds a JD from the University of Western Ontario (2005) and a BA from the University of British Columbia (2001).