The most widely read magazine for Canadian lawyers
Issue link: https://digital.canadianlawyermag.com/i/1544922
54 www.canadianlawyermag.com TOP CRIMINAL LAW BOUTIQUES 2026–27 story," says partner Hilary Dudding. "The second element is the ability to pivot. You need to be limber and nimble. Things move fast, and the more chaos can become your tool, the more effective you're going to be as an advocate." She emphasizes mastery of the record combined with adaptability in cases shaped by digital evidence and fast-moving develop- ments as crucial to cutting through the noise and making the strongest possible case. Beyond preparation, firms point to strategy as the differentiator. Advocacy is shaped through early decisions about how a case is positioned, which issues are advanced, and how risk is managed before a trial ever begins. AGP LLP defends complex criminal cases through trial and appeal, including matters before the Supreme Court of Canada. The Ottawa-based firm has grown from a small defence practice into a seasoned litigation team handling serious and high-profile cases. "Quite often, the most efficient and effec- tive advocacy is done outside of court, before a trial ever reaches the courtroom door," says partner Michael Spratt. "Courtroom advo- cacy is obviously very important, but it's really the tip of the iceberg." This approach treats courtroom advocacy as part of a broader strategy that includes negotiation, issue narrowing, and resolution before trial, reinforcing the firm's ability to deliver effective outcomes. For leading law firms operating in complex or high-stakes matters, advocacy extends further. It requires coordination across multiple fronts, including regulatory exposure, civil liability, and reputational risk. Narwal Litigation LLP focuses on high- stakes trials and appeals involving criminal, securities, and regulatory matters from its Vancouver office. The firm represents indi- viduals and corporations in complex crim- inal, regulatory, and white-collar investiga- tions across Canada. Managing partner Joven Narwal, K.C., explains that domestic investigations increas- ingly evolve into multi-jurisdictional matters and are often shaped by shifting geopolitical priorities and enforcement agendas. He notes that effective advocacy requires anticipating collateral regulatory and civil consequences, managing reputational risk, coordinating parallel domestic proceedings, navigating cross-border and international enforcement activity, and ensuring that stra- tegic decisions align with a client's broader vulnerabilities and objectives. "As I have noted publicly in my teaching and writing, these shifts often expose gaps between legislative intent, enforcement ambi- tion, and regulatory capacity, with significant consequences for clients caught in complex, interjurisdictional investigations," he says. This multidimensional advocacy high- lights a model where the courtroom is only one element of a wider strategic environ- ment. Even at its most technical, advocacy remains grounded in decision-making. The difference between winning and losing often comes down to choices made under pressure, informed by experience and judgment. Weisberg Law Criminal Lawyers LLP, based in Toronto, defends serious criminal matters across Ontario, including homicide, sexual assault, drug, and fraud cases. The newly minted top-tier firm's lawyers appear regularly in trial and appellate courts, handling complex matters across the crim- inal justice system. "Knowing the law, mastering the facts, and developing persuasive arguments are the base of what is required for effective criminal defence advocacy," says managing partner Adam Weisberg. This illustrates a focus on tactics and execution, where preparation and legal knowledge are necessary, but not sufficient on their own. Managing complexity in modern litigation Criminal defence finds firms dealing with larger disclosures, digital evidence, and cases that extend across multiple legal and regula- tory domains. The most immediate change for lawyers is the growth of digital evidence. Files now include extensive video, data, and documen- tation that must be reviewed, organized, and analyzed within tight timelines. The key skill is identifying what matters within large volumes of disclosure, ensuring critical evidence is not overlooked. At AGP, efficiency and focus define effective case management in data-heavy files. "It used to be a VHS tape with a minute of grainy security footage. Now we receive hours of high-definition footage SPECIAL REPORT 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Share of mentions (%) 28% 20% 17% 14% 9% 7% Courtroom advocacy Criminal law expertise Professional reputation Client service Standing within the bar Contribution to the profession 5% Team culture and membership WHAT CL VOTERS SAY DEFINES LEADING CRIMINAL LAW FIRMS