Best Lawyers in Canada for Criminal Defence

Michael is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and a partner at Abergel Goldstein & Partners LLP . Michael’s laid-back charm disarms the toughest witnesses and has an irresistible effect on judges and juries alike. Michael has developed a broad-ranging criminal litigation practice, and has appeared before all levels of court. He has defended cases ranging from simple assaults to large drug projects, to complex murders, and has had particular success before juries. Michael has bee...

Cassandra DeMelo is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Cassandra, who practices law in London, Ontario, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Cassandra is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William Smart, K.C. is a senior litigator who has over 45 years of experience primarily in the areas of criminal, administrative and regulatory law. This includes representing clients under investigation or charged pursuant to various federal and provincial Acts such as the Income Tax Act, Canada Labour Code, Fisheries Act, Customs Act, Excise Act, Workers Compensation Act, Mines Act, Securities Act, Police Act, Gaming Enforcement Act and Elections Act, as well as representing lawyers, teache...

Joseph Markson ’s practice is directed to the defence of individual and corporate clients in criminal and regulatory litigation. His practice areas are criminal and regulatory law, tax evasion and white-collar crime, and the law of policing and professional discipline. He has extensive experience successfully conducting criminal and quasi-criminal trials, regulatory and professional discipline hearings, appeals, advisory work, and witness representation. Joseph was selected by his peers...

He has broad trial experience defending clients faced with serious and complex charges, including homicides, criminal organization offences, conspiracies, kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms offences, and money laundering. Daniel has extensive experience as criminal appellate counsel, having represented clients at the Supreme Court of Canada in more than twenty cases. He conducts criminal appeals regularly at the Alberta Court of Appeal and British Columbia Court of Appeal, and ...

Christopher D. Hicks is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Christopher D., who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Adam Weisberg is a dedicated criminal lawyer with both an appeal and trial practice. He has appeared at all levels of court and conducted hundreds of successful trial matters. In 2011, he was granted his Certified Specialist in Criminal Law designation after practising for only eight years. Mr. Weisberg's practice focuses on defending complex drug matters, sexual assault cases, white collar crime and homicides. Mr. Weisberg is also committed to legal education. He is currently a vice-presiden...

Megan Savard is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Criminal Defence. Megan, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Megan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Frances Mahon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence and Immigration Law. Frances, who practices law in Vancouver, British Columbia, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Frances is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew Nathanson is a criminal defence lawyer with over 25 years of experience. He specializes in complex criminal cases and has extensive experience in constitutional matters, media sensitive cases and appeals. He has represented clients in various provinces and has argued cases in the Federal Court of Canada and Supreme Court of Canada.

Mark Polley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative and Public Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defence. Mark, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dominic practices in regulatory law, disciplinary law, and criminal business law, with particular expertise in economic crimes. With nearly 35 years of experience working with public authorities, including 17 years with the Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecutions (DCPP), he has a solid understanding of regulatory issues businesses face and has gained extensive experience in court. Providing both preventive and defensive services, Dominic assists and advises his clients on their regulatory...

Marc-André G. Fabien, Ad. E. is a seasoned litigator and Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers recognized for his mastery of high-profile complex litigation. He specializes in commercial and shareholders’ disputes, securities litigation and penal proceedings, and litigation involving federal, provincial and municipal bodies. In addition, he is the President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Marc-André appears before all levels of courts, including the Supreme...

Howard is widely recognized as a leading appellate lawyer, known for his precise and creative advocacy. With over 20 years of experience, Howard is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law and a partner at AGP LLP in Ottawa. His practice is devoted to criminal appeals and complex trials, and he has argued more than 150 appeals, including seven appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada. At the trial level, he has successfully defended clients charged with murder, large-scale drug traffickin...

Chris Sewrattan is a criminal lawyer who conducts trials and appeals at every level of court. He has successfully defended a wide range of charges, from impaired driving to murder. Chris’ litigation strategy combines intense preparation and a thorough understanding of the law. Chris takes the time to work personally with his clients through every step of their case, ensuring that they understand their obstacle and how to defeat it. Chris does not just practice criminal law. He teaches i...

Andrew Nathanson, KC focuses on complex commercial litigation and white collar crime. He is Co-Chair of Fasken’s Commercial Litigation Group in BC and Co-Leader of the firm’s national White Collar Defence and Investigations group. Andrew is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and has been ranked as a leading litigator in diverse areas including corporate and commercial litigation, directors and officers' liability, securities litigation, public law and criminal defen...