See the strengths, best fit and practical differences across the Top 3 before opening each complete profile.
At a glance01Daniel Brown Law02Cooper, Sandler, Shime & Schwartzentruber LLP03Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh
Current position#1 in Toronto#2 in Toronto#3 in Toronto
Recognized asToronto criminal-defence firm with a deep current trial and appellate rosterToronto criminal-only institutional practice with trial and appellate depthToronto defence firm spanning trials, appeals, prison law and wrongful-conviction review
Best forA homicide, sexual, violent, fraud, drug, weapons, DUI, bail, trial, appeal or regulatory matterA homicide, sexual, violent, white-collar, youth, Charter, professional-discipline, trial or appeal matterA serious charge, bail review, Charter challenge, appeal, parole, prison or post-conviction matter
Decision fitExact defence office resolved · Charge, stage and forum fit assessed · Responsible lawyer and written scope requiredExact defence office resolved · Charge, stage and forum fit assessed · Responsible lawyer and written scope requiredExact defence office resolved · Charge, stage and forum fit assessed · Responsible lawyer and written scope required
If detained, ask to speak privately with a lawyer and use the official arrest or duty-counsel service where appropriate. Before retaining private counsel, identify who owns the file, who attends bail, motions and trial, whether Legal Aid is accepted, and what the written fee includes through the expected stage.