Advocacy & Education
We are the voice of the criminal defence bar helping to educate justice stakeholders and the public at large. The CLA regularly advises governments on criminal justice policy and evidence-based reforms as well as intervenes in important appellate cases that shape the criminal law in Canada.
The CLA offers innovative and informative Continuing Professional Development programs tailored for criminal defence lawyers and law students. Annually, at our Fall Conference, the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal is presented for an outstanding contribution to criminal justice. The Honourable G. Arthur Martin was one of Canada’s greatest criminal law practitioners before his appointment to the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Frequently asked questions
CLA membership is open to criminal defence lawyers and students in Ontario. We also welcome members from other provinces and territories. It’s easy to join. Complete the online application and choose the membership category that’s right for you.
We’re just an email away and look forward to collaborating.
Let us know about your story and we’ll get in touch as soon as possible. Don’t forget to leave us your deadline!
The CLA is not a referral service and doesn’t offer legal advice.
If you need legal help, we encourage you to visit the Law Society of Ontario referral service.
The CLA offers year-round opportunities for sponsors and exhibitors. Our Executive Director would be happy to provide you with the details.
News
CLA and CCLA to Challenge Unconstitutional Cash Bail in Ontario
The Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Criminal Lawyers’ Association will launch an urgent constitutional challenge next week against the introduction of mandatory cash bail by the province on August 17. Cash bail creates two tiers of justice: one for the rich, and the other for the rest…
2026 G. Arthur Martin Award Winner, Justice David M. Paciocco
Toronto, ON, August 6, 2026 – The Criminal Lawyers’ Association (CLA) has awarded the prestigious G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal to the Honourable David M. Paciocco. The award will be presented Saturday, November 21, 2026, 1 to 3 p.m. at a special…
The Criminal Lawyers’ Association is deeply saddened by the passing of Marlys Edwardh, one of Canada’s most accomplished criminal defence and civil liberties lawyers.
Marlys Edwardh — March 6, 1950 – July 14, 2026 Marlys was a fearless advocate for justice whose extraordinary career helped shape Canadian criminal and constitutional law. As one of the first women to practise criminal defence in Canada, she broke barriers in a profession where few women…
CLA’s submissions on Bill 119
Members of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s (CLA) Legislation committee provided written submissions to the provincial Standing Committee on Justice Policy with respect to Bill 119, “Protecting Ontario’s Streets and Communities Act”. The CLA is deeply concerned that the creation of a public website containing the personal information of…