Toronto Criminal Defence
Lawyers Built on Substance.
When a criminal allegation puts your freedom, reputation and future at stake, the quality of your defence matters.
Shikhman Barristers represents clients in Toronto and throughout Ontario with rigorous preparation, clear and practical legal advice, and respect for the sensitive nature of every case.Led by Sonya Shikhman, the firm brings meticulous analysis, strategic judgment and effective advocacy to every stage of the criminal justice process.
Toronto Criminal Defence
Lawyers Built on Substance.
When a criminal allegation puts your freedom, reputation and future at stake, the quality of your defence matters.
Shikhman Barristers represents clients in Toronto and throughout Ontario with rigorous preparation, clear and practical legal advice, and respect for the sensitive nature of every case. Led by Sonya Shikhman, the firm brings meticulous analysis, strategic judgment and effective advocacy to every stage of the criminal justice process.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Recognition for Criminal Defence
Shikhman Barristers and its Founder and Managing Partner, Sonya Shikhman, have been recognized by legal publications and readers for their work in criminal defence. Each award below is listed with the awarding organization and year received.
ABOUT SHIKHMAN BARRISTERS
Defence Built on Preparation, Judgment and Discretion
Shikhman Barristers is a Toronto criminal defence firm representing individuals at every stage of the criminal process, from police investigations and bail proceedings to trials and appeals. We recognize that every case is different, and that each client faces unique circumstances, concerns and potential consequences.
Our lawyers take a thorough approach to every case, examining the evidence, applicable law, conduct of the authorities and circumstances surrounding the allegations. We identify the issues that matter most, provide clear guidance on the options available and develop each stage of the defence with careful strategy and purpose.
Our role is not to make promises about outcomes, but to provide sound legal advice, protect our clients’ rights and then vigorously pursue every available defence based on the facts, the evidence and the law.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Defending the Individual. Protecting the Integrity of the Justice System.
A criminal allegation is not proof of guilt. Every person is entitled to have the evidence properly examined, the conduct of the authorities scrutinized and the prosecution’s case tested according to law.
This is especially important when allegations are serious, circumstances are emotionally charged or public opinion has already formed. A courtroom cannot operate like social media. Decisions must be based on admissible evidence, legal principles and a fair process.
Shikhman Barristers approach that responsibility with disciplined advocacy, unapologetic in its defence of due process and uncompromising in its preparation.
CRIMINAL DEFENCE SERVICES
Representation Across the Criminal Process
Shikhman Barristers represents individuals in serious and complex criminal matters, from investigations and bail hearings through trial and appeal.
Bail Hearings and Reviews
Representation involving release, detention, sureties and bail conditions.
Assault and Domestic Assault
Defence of assault and domestic assault allegations and related proceedings.
Sexual Offences
Defence of sexual offence allegations involving consent, credibility and evidence.
Impaired and Dangerous Driving
Representation in impaired driving, refusal and dangerous operation matters.
Fraud and White-Collar Crime
Defence of fraud, financial and other white-collar allegations.
Drug Offences
Defence of drug-related allegations, including possession and trafficking.
Homicide and Serious Violence
Representation in murder, manslaughter and other serious violent allegations.
Criminal Appeals
Representation in appeals involving convictions, sentences and legal errors.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Defence of firearms, weapons and related criminal allegations.
Charter, Constitutional and Regulatory Matters
Representation involving Charter rights, constitutional issues and regulatory proceedings.
Bail Hearings and Reviews
Representation involving release, detention, sureties and bail conditions.
Assault and Domestic Assault
Defence of assault and domestic assault allegations and related proceedings.
Sexual Offences
Defence of sexual offence allegations involving consent, credibility and evidence.
Impaired and Dangerous Driving
Representation in impaired driving, refusal and dangerous operation matters.
Fraud and White-Collar Crime
Defence of fraud, financial and other white-collar allegations.
Drug Offences
Defence of drug-related allegations, including possession and trafficking.
Homicide and Serious Violence
Representation in murder, manslaughter and other serious violent allegations.
Criminal Appeals
Representation in appeals involving convictions, sentences and legal errors.
Firearms and Weapons Offences
Defence of firearms, weapons and related criminal allegations.
Sonya Shikhman
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | BARRISTER
Sonya Shikhman is the founder and managing partner of Shikhman Barristers and an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer whose practice is devoted to criminal defence. She represents individuals facing serious criminal allegations and is known for her strategic judgment, meticulous preparation and commitment to protecting due process.
Beyond her private practice, Sonya serves as Duty Counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal through the Pro Bono Inmate Appeals Program and has taught trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is also regularly invited to provide legal commentary that helps Canadians understand criminal law, evidence and the broader principles at stake within the justice system.
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Criminal Defence in the 2024, 2025 and 2027 editions, Sonya has built her career around a principle that extends beyond any single case: criminal defence is not only about defending an individual; it is also about protecting the integrity of the justice system by challenging the state’s conduct in every case.
FOUNDER AND MANAGING PARTNER | BARRISTER
Sonya Shikhman LL.B.
Sonya Shikhman is the founder and managing partner of Shikhman Barristers and an accomplished trial and appellate lawyer whose practice is devoted to criminal defence. She represents individuals facing serious criminal allegations and is known for her strategic judgment, meticulous preparation and commitment to protecting due process.
Beyond her private practice, Sonya serves as Duty Counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal through the Pro Bono Inmate Appeals Program and has taught trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School. She is also regularly invited to provide legal commentary that helps Canadians understand criminal law, evidence and the broader principles at stake within the justice system.
Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for Criminal Defence in the 2024, 2025 and 2027 editions, Sonya has built her career around a principle that extends beyond any single case: criminal defence is not only about defending an individual; it is also about protecting the integrity of the justice system by challenging the state’s conduct in every case.
MEET OUR LAWYERS
Criminal Defence Built on Preparation and Judgment
Our lawyers represent clients facing serious criminal allegations across Ontario. Every defence is built through careful analysis of the evidence, the law and the issues that matter.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Safiya Dossa J.D.
Safiya’s practice includes sexual offence allegations, domestic assault matters and youth criminal justice proceedings.
Her Canadian and American legal training and legislative experience inform her careful approach to statutory interpretation and criminal litigation.
ASSOCIATE
Kito Romero J.D.
Kito is particularly interested in defending individuals charged with weapons and drug-related offences.
His background includes legal research across various areas of criminal law, public policy and international negotiations, which continue to inform his approach.
ASSOCIATE
Rav Gill J.D.
Rav defends people charged with criminal offences. Her academic work has examined the criminal justice system and systemic bias within it.
She brings that research background to a practice grounded in the record, the governing law and access to justice.
ASSOCIATE
Daniel Anselmo J.D.
Daniel’s practice involves appellate writing and advocacy, as well as the preparation and argument of complex pre-trial applications.
His published commentary has addressed sentencing, DNA orders and the privacy consequences that can follow decisions made in criminal proceedings.
LAW STUDENT
Hansoo Shin
During his summer position, Hansoo supported the firm through legal research, disclosure review and other supervised work. He will return to the firm for his articling term beginning in September 2027.
During his final year of law school, he may assist the firm with urgent inquiries under supervision.
LEGAL ANALYSIS AND MEDIA
Contributing to the Public Understanding of Criminal Justice
The lawyers at Shikhman Barristers write and speak about criminal law, evidence, Charter rights, court decisions and issues of public importance.
Sonya is regularly invited to provide legal commentary that helps Canadians understand criminal law, evidence and the broader principles at stake within the justice system. Her public work is grounded in careful legal analysis, respect for due process and a clear distinction between an allegation and what can be proven in court.
SPEAK WITH OUR FIRM
Request a Confidential Consultation
If you are under investigation, have been arrested or are facing a criminal charge, bail hearing, trial or appeal, contact Shikhman Barristers to discuss your circumstances and understand the next step. If you have been detained or arrested, exercise your right to remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer before answering questions about the allegation.
416-365-3151
Toll-free: 1-888-508-9178
Available 24/7
Email: info@crimlawcanada.com
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