Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025 
Sonya Shikhman was born and raised in the Soviet Union, where witnessing injustice and abuses of authority inspired her to pursue a career in criminal defence.
She has dedicated her practice to ensuring that the power of the state remains within its lawful limits and that the rights and freedoms of individuals are protected.
Ms. Shikhman began working with a senior criminal defence lawyer at the age of 17. At 23, she graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, where she focused her studies on criminal law.
Following graduation, she joined Adler Bytensky Prutschi as an articling student, continued with the firm as an associate and became a partner in 2010.
Ms. Shikhman has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. While she represents clients facing a broad range of criminal charges, much of her practice focuses on sexual assault, drug and firearm cases.
She has earned a reputation as a passionate and determined advocate with exceptional cross-examination skills.
Beyond her legal practice, Ms. Shikhman has served as an instructor in Trial Advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School.
She has also travelled to Ukraine, Russia, England, Italy and Indonesia to judge the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition and help law students from around the world develop their advocacy skills.
