George Karahotzitis reflects on advocacy, mentorship, and the duty of family law
As a group called on to help people de-escalate conflict and move forward from one of the lowest points of their lives, family law practitioners have long stood as collective stewards of families in crisis and of the justice system that serves them.
Now, with rule changes increasingly demanding broader skill sets and access-to-justice challenges such as systemic delays and overburdened judges, members of the family law bar carry a greater duty today than ever before.
George Karahotzitis, partner and head of the Family Law Group at Thomson Rogers LLP, has always seen that incredibly high standard for what it is: a privilege. He was told as much on the day he was called to the bar, and his belief in that simple truth has never wavered.
“We’re lucky that people come to us for our knowledge and that judges listen to what we put forward,” he says. “We advocate on behalf of people. There’s such a level of responsibility that comes with doing that correctly, honestly, and with integrity. We’re preserving the law and what it stands for.”
Thomson Rogers has long held itself out as a law firm that excels in every aspect of its practice, with one of its first mottos stating it plainly: excellence in advocacy. Whether serving a client’s interests or conducting oneself in court, professionalism has always served as a foundational pillar, with rules and process followed exactingly.
“It wasn't enough to be good; you had to be great, and that high standard carries on,” Karahotzitis explains, adding that mentorship is another core element of Thomson Rogers’ near century-long reign as one of the top firms in Ontario.
“Through teaching young lawyers how to practice and prosecute cases, we ensure they understand what a privilege it is to do what we do,” he says.
Karahotzitis was taught to never be afraid to call another lawyer with a question and, over the course of his career, he’s appreciated that lesson increasingly. Now, he’s the one happily fielding those kinds of inquiries.
“It’s probably the most important thing, to not assume you know everything,” he says. “It’s not about always being right; it’s about doing right.”
Karahotzitis learned this lesson when he first came to Thomson Rogers, at the side of the great Patrick Schmidt. While everyone defines success in different ways, there are some measures that apply to every lawyer. Schmidt imparted wisdom about practicing with integrity, resolute that the most powerful differentiators were deceptively simple: work hard, be prepared, pay attention to details, and remain humble no matter how many accolades come your way.
“He’d always tell me, ‘You only have one reputation; you’ve earned it, but you have to preserve it,’” Karahotzitis recalls.
Overall, the most impactful lesson Karahotzitis learned from Schmidt is that it’s not enough to pay lip service to these values. Every day, you must walk the walk. That’s the clear through line in Karahotzitis’ leadership as he heads up Thomson Rogers’ family law group, currently the largest it’s ever been.
Boasting four partners and five associates, the team reflects the cumulative teachings of the firm’s giants, passed down from generation to generation. Karahotzitis is hands-on in his approach, not simply being assigned associates but actively seeking out those he sees as the right fit and training them with intention. One or more members of the thriving group can often be found in Karahotzitis’ office, gaining tools, experience, and opportunity.
“Excellent advocates came before me, and now there’s another group of excellent advocates coming up behind me,” Karahotzitis says. “I wasn’t just told I had to pay it forward; I was taught the way to pay it forward. We take greatness and we make it greater — that’s the model for the firm, and that’s the model for how we practice law.”
Co-author of several articles used in continuing legal education seminars and a regular speaker at those programs, Karahotzitis has shared his knowledge with attendees at the Law Society of Ontario, the National Judicial Institute, Osgoode Professional Development, and the Advocates’ Society. He also serves as co-chair of the “Complex Issues” series of conferences held by Osgoode Professional Development related to complex issues in family law, solidifying his reputation as a devoted advocate who gives back in any way he can.
It’s a commitment to the bar that doesn’t go unnoticed. Over the last number of years, Karahotzitis’ peers have spotlighted his family law achievements. He was listed in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a leading practitioner in the field, selected for inclusion in the “Best Lawyers” listing, named “Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year, Family Law Toronto” in 2022, and is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers.
Most recently, Karahotzitis was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, widely recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America, composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Fellowship is extended by invitation only, following a rigorous investigation process, to experienced trial lawyers who have demonstrated the highest standards of trial advocacy, ethical conduct, professionalism, civility, and collegiality.
George Karahotzitis is inducted into the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers in October 2025.
Karahotzitis found it a very humbling experience when he saw the list of other jurists and lawyers included as fellows. Sharing ideas with colleagues about principles of civility, excellence in advocacy, access to justice, and protecting and enhancing the rule of law inspired him. It also reminded him of all the wonderful reasons he chose to become a lawyer so long ago and put into perspective for him what he’s accomplished thus far — and what’s left to do.
“I know the journey is not over, not for myself, the firm, or the profession. There's more to be done. But the idea has always been that we move Thomson Rogers and the law forward, into a better place than where we found it. And that’s still the mission.”
Distilling his biggest career takeaway thus far is difficult, but one lesson stands apart as most meaningful: this job is bigger than any one firm, and certainly bigger than any one lawyer. Karahotzitis urges fellow practitioners to stay the course, keep their focus and direction, and most importantly, to never take the privilege of practicing law for granted.
“It's always been about helping others,” he says simply. “We have a duty to practice law in a particular way, and it's not just for our clients. It's so the public has trust in what we’re doing, so that this idea of what it is to be a lawyer — the integrity, the professionalism, the position of trust — is protected.”
This article was produced in partnership with Thomson Rogers LLP
