Criminal Defence Lawyer

Toronto, Ontario | Hybrid | Full-Time | $80,000–$200,000

A successful and growing criminal defence law firm in Toronto is seeking an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer to join its team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a lawyer with a strong interest in criminal defence who has demonstrated courtroom and trial experience and is looking for the opportunity to independently manage a diverse caseload.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on matters ranging from bail hearings through trial and sentencing, while working alongside an experienced legal team.

The Opportunity

The ideal candidate is a confident advocate with strong courtroom skills, sound legal judgment, and the ability to manage files independently.

You will work directly with clients, develop case strategies, conduct legal research, prepare legal submissions, and represent clients throughout various stages of the criminal justice process.

Key Responsibilities

Manage a diverse caseload of criminal defence matters from intake through resolution.
Handle matters at various stages, including bail hearings, pre-trials, applications, trials, and sentencing.
Represent clients before the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice.
Conduct legal research and develop litigation and defence strategies.
Draft Charter applications, legal submissions, motions, correspondence, and other court materials.
Prepare for and conduct hearings and trials.
Communicate regularly with clients and manage client expectations.
Assess files critically and provide practical, strategic legal advice.
Work collaboratively with other lawyers, counsel, and legal support staff.
Maintain accurate and organized files and meet court and procedural deadlines.
Participate in firm meetings, training, and ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of experience practicing Criminal Law.
Demonstrated criminal trial experience.
Member in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
Strong courtroom presence and advocacy skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong legal research and drafting abilities.
Ability to independently manage a busy caseload.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Sound legal judgment and strategic thinking.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a legal team.

Assets

The following experience will be considered an asset:

Legal Aid Ontario files.
Complex criminal matters.
Mental health-related matters.
Youth Court experience.
Experience appearing at both the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice.
Multilingual abilities.

Compensation

$80,000–$200,000

Compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, courtroom experience, and overall fit.

The firm offers a competitive compensation structure for the right candidate.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position based in Toronto.

The successful candidate will have the option to work from the firm's Toronto office as well as from home on designated days.

Why Join?

Opportunity to work on a broad range of criminal defence matters.
Meaningful courtroom and trial experience.
Direct client interaction and file ownership.
Collaborative and supportive legal environment.
Professional development opportunities.
Hybrid work flexibility.
Opportunity to grow with an established and expanding criminal defence practice.

Position Details

Position: Criminal Defence Lawyer / Associate Lawyer
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Experience: 2+ years of Criminal Law experience with trial experience
Licensing: Law Society of Ontario
Salary: $80,000–$200,000, based on experience
Employment Type: Full-Time

How to Apply

If you are an experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer with strong advocacy and trial skills and are looking for an opportunity to grow within a successful criminal defence practice, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and two professional references for confidential consideration.