Best Lawyers in Canada for Criminal Defence

Margaret Bojanowska is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Criminal Defence. Margaret, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Margaret is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

One of Canada’s leading criminal defence counsel, David has been a partner in the firm for over thirty years. His advocacy practice is focused on the vigorous defence of individuals and corporations facing criminal investigation or prosecution, and regulated professionals responding to allegations of professional misconduct. David has argued cases in all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He is equally experienced and adept conducting trials, appeals, and profession...

For two decades, Hilary has represented clients facing a wide range of criminal charges, from theft to murder. She is particularly adept at defending individuals accused of sexual assault , drug offences, and human trafficking. Hilary aims to guide her clients confidently through challenging legal situations. Hilary earned her law degree from the University of Toronto's Faculty of Law and completed her Master of Laws in Criminal Law and Procedure at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. With a ...

Ms. Shikhman was born and raised in the Soviet Union. Having witnessed injustices and abuses of power, she decided to become a criminal defence lawyer and to dedicate her career to ensuring that the power of the state functions within is proper limits and is not abused by those who possess power over the freedom of others. At the age of 17, Ms. Shikhman started working for a senior criminal defence lawyer pursuing her passion. At the age of 23 Ms. Shikhman graduated from Osgoode Hall Law Scho...

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...

Mark Brayford, K.C. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bet-the-Company Litigation and Criminal Defence. Mark, who practices law in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has been recognized since 2006. 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.

Jessyca Greenwood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative and Public Law and Criminal Defence. Jessyca, 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 Jessyca is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Jessyca assists clients with investigations, those facing allegations of wrongdoing, and hi...

Over the 20 years Tonii Roulston has been a member of the Calgary Bar Association, she has built her long-standing reputation as a tough criminal defence lawyer. Known for her strategic thinking, and effectiveness in the courtroom, she has represented a variety of challenging and high-profile cases. As a female lawyer, she holds an advantage in vigorously questioning female complainants on difficult details including their motivations to lie and inconsistencies in their accusations. Tonii is ...

Hussein Aly is a highly successful trial lawyer. His experience and track record of success resulted in the Law Society of Ontario recognizing him as a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. In 2021, he was named a Lexpert Rising Star, an award recognizing leading lawyers under 40. Hussein was also elected by his colleagues to sit on the board of directors for the Criminal Lawyers Association. Hussein has successfully defended hundreds of criminal cases, many of them garnering media attention.

Naomi has a diverse practice, representing clients in criminal and regulatory trials and appeals, with a particular focus on corporate crime, complex criminal litigation, and appellate advocacy. She has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario as well as the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition to her criminal law practice, Naomi regularly appears at the Law Society Tribunal, representing lawyers in disciplinary proceedings, as well as before other ad...

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...

Fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers (Chair, Ontario Committee). Fellow of International Society of Barristers. Best Lawyers in Canada® , Criminal Defence. Former Director, Advocates’ Society. Faculty Member, National Criminal Law Program. Criminal lawyer experienced in criminal, quasi-criminal, constitutional and special prosecutions matters. Appeared as counsel on many jury and bench trials, argued over 80 appeals in the Court of Appeal for Ontario and multiple appearances ...

Louis Belleau has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1981, practicing in the field of criminal and penal law. Having served as Crown counsel from 1981 to 1983, Mr. Belleau then practiced at the firms of Silver Braun, Filteau Belleau and Shadley Battista before opening his own office in 2012. Mr. Belleau has appeared before all courts of criminal jurisdiction in the Province of Quebec and, on occasion, in jurisdictions outside Quebec. He appeared many times before the Supreme Court of Canad...

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...

Fredrick Schumann is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative and Public Law, Appellate Practice, Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defence. Fredrick, 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 Fredrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Halfyard is the senior appellate lawyer at Daniel Brown Law LLP , based in Toronto, Ontario. With extensive experience in the legal field, Mark focuses on Appellate Practice and Criminal Defence. He earned his B.A. in legal studies and political science from Carleton University in 2001, graduating with honors. Mark subsequently received his LL.B. cum laude from the University of Ottawa, where he completed a clerkship with the Regional Senior Judge of the Ontario Superior Court. The Law S...