CLA Women’s Committee

Three lawyers leaving Osgoode Hall.

ADVANCING WOMEN IN CRIMINAL DEFENCE:

Founded in 2013, the CLA Women’s Committee works to support, retain, and advance female identifying members in criminal defence across Ontario.

The Committee was established in response to the CLA’s Working Group on Women in Criminal Law and its recognition that women face unique challenges in the practice of criminal defence.

The Committee turns that recognition into action through advocacy, mentorship, research, networking and practical initiatives that help women build sustainable careers in criminal law. 

The two Women’s Directors are elected by the female membership of the CLA at the Annual General Meeting. The positions are each held for 2 year terms.

What We Do:

Advocacy

We advocate for women criminal defence lawyers within the CLA and the broader legal community, respond to issues affecting women in practice and in the courtroom, and stay connected to the experiences of our members.

Responding to Issues Affecting Women in Criminal Defence

The Women’s Committee releases media statements in response to events or publications that impact women practicing criminal defence and the public perception of women practicing criminal defence.

Supporting Women in the CLA

We liaise with women members of the CLA to stay informed of issues currently affecting women in their legal practice, both in the workplace and in the courtroom.

If you have an issue affecting women in criminal defence that you would like to share, please use our confidential submission box to tell the Women’s Committee. Concerns can be kept confidential or anonymous upon request.

Please submit any confidential inquiries to this email :
women@criminallawyers.ca

A Landmark Study on Retention

In 2014, the Committee commissioned a major study on the retention of women in the criminal defence bar and in 2016, published The Retention of Women in the Private Practice of Criminal Law: Research Report.

The study asked whether women were leaving defence practice in greater numbers than men and, if so, why that was happening and what could be done to reverse the trend.

The findings revealed systemic and gender-based challenges in the practice of criminal law, including:

  • low income and long hours;
  • lack of financial support for maternity leave;
  • difficulties with the Legal Aid system; and
  • being treated differently from male peers by judges, Crown Attorneys and court staff.

The Report set out recommendations for systemic changes to help ensure women remain in defence practice.

New Research Through the 2025 LSO Grant

The Women’s Committee and Diversity Committee successfully received grant funding from the Law Society of Ontario in 2025 to gather updated data regarding the barriers to retention and advancement of women and BIPOC lawyers in criminal defence in Ontario.

The CLA was among seven successful grant applicants. Preliminary findings were reported at the LSO’s inaugural Equity Summit in September 2025.

The Extended Leave Roster

In 2025, the Extended Leave Roster was as a practical response to one of the significant barriers to retention: finding reliable coverage for extended leaves.

The Roster connects CLA members taking an extended leave with vetted CLA members willing to provide temporary, paid coverage. 

With its launch, the CLA became one of the first legal professional associations in Canada to provide structured leave support for women in the practice of law.

LEARN MORE /JOIN THE EXTENDED LEAVE ROSTER

Mentorship & Connection

We create opportunities for women lawyers to connect, learn from one another and build relationships across regions, practice types and stages of their careers.

Women in Criminal Law Conferences

The Committee created and continues to organize the biannual Women in Criminal Law Conference.

The first Conference was held in Ottawa in March 2015, attracting 111 participants. Subsequent Conferences have been held in London (2016), Toronto (2017), Collingwood (2019), and Gravenhurst (2024 and 2025). The 2025 Conference was held as a special recognition of the first Conference occurring ten years prior.

The Conferences have brought together leading voices from across the criminal justice system. Notable speakers have included former Chief Justice Maisonneuve of the Ontario Court of Justice, former LSUC Treasurer Janet Minor, Justice Michelle Fuerst, Christie Blatchford, Kim Schofield and Marie Henein.

Annual Women in Criminal Law Dinner

The Committee hosts an annual Women in Criminal Law Dinner at the CLA Fall Conference, creating a dedicated opportunity for women members to connect, share experiences and build relationships with one another and with women members of the judiciary. 

Mentorship Across Careers and Regions

We facilitate mentoring opportunities for women lawyers at all stages of their careers and from all regions and types of practice. The Committee created the “Women’s Office Night” mentorship program in 2026 that connects senior female members with those seeking mentorship and through mentorship events like the Meet a Legal Legend dinner. 

Building Connections Across Ontario

We organize networking opportunities across the province, connecting women with senior practitioners, judges, Crown counsel and colleagues.

Events have been held in communities including Brampton, Hamilton, London, Ottawa, Owen Sound and Toronto.

Recognizing Women in Criminal Defence

We support awards specifically for women in criminal defence, recognizing contributions and achievements within the profession. 

Meet Your Committee Members

The Women’s Committee is co-chaired by the CLA’s two Women’s Directors, who also serve on the CLA Board of Directors.

The Women’s Directors are elected by the female membership of the CLA at the Annual General Meeting for two-year terms. Committee members are selected to reflect the diversity of the CLA’s membership, with particular attention to regional representation, practice type, identity, and background.

Committee Members

Danielle Landry — Owen Sound, Co-Chair
Michelle Psutka — Toronto, Co-Chair
Ayesha Abbasi — Peel
Sarah Black — Kingston
Tara Boghosian — Toronto
Lisa Bristow — Toronto
Jolene Hansell — Ottawa
Melody Izadi — Toronto
Sandra Kimberg — Toronto
Rachel Neiman — Toronto
Sabrina Shillingford — Toronto
Rubaina Singh — Toronto

Get Involved

Have an Issue? Have an Idea?

The Women’s Committee wants to hear from CLA members.

If you are experiencing an issue affecting women in criminal defence or have an idea for an initiative the Committee should explore, let us know.

Concerns can be kept confidential or anonymous upon request.

women@criminallawyers.ca