On April 15, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Legislative Assembly of Ontario Standing Committee on Justice Police regarding Bill 75, Keeping Criminals Behind Bars Act on behalf of the CLA. Our submissions focused on a central feature of the bill: the proposed cash bail provision. This would require an accused or surety to […]

On April 16, 2026, Cassandra Richards, Co-chair of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Legislation (CLA) Committee, appeared before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs‘ study of Bill C-14, the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act on behalf of the CLA. You can watch the CLA’s submissions here.  The CLA made three key recommendations to the Committee: While the CLA […]

Contingency Plans:  Licensees will be required to have a written contingency plan in place in the event they unexpectedly stop practicing, whether temporarily or permanently.  The minimum components of a contingency plan are listed in by-law 7-1 and include the appointment of one or more licensees as administrator(s) to take all steps necessary to preserve […]

The Criminal Lawyers’ Association is happy to let you know it has (finally) established a presence on LinkedIn! We’re using our new page to amplify CLA’s advocacy on key issues affecting criminal law and Canada’s justice system. We’ll also share information about professional development, events, and highlight the work and contributions of our members. The […]

The OPP report on the officers’ conduct in the Umar Zameer trial was a repackaging of the evidence already heard by an impartial jury that unanimously rejected the officers’ accounts and acquitted Mr. Zameer.  At the conclusion of the trial, the Toronto Police Chief declared that: “we were hoping for a different outcome”.  To achieve […]

SENT ON BEHALF OF CHIEF JUSTICE SHARON NICKLAS The Ontario Court of Justice strives to be a fair, accessible, and innovative Court that delivers impartial and timely justice, and ensures all participants are treated with dignity and can take part meaningfully. It is a priority for the Court to be able to offer fair, effective, […]

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the contributions and importance of women in criminal defence, while also recognizing the work that remains to ensure women can build and sustain long-term careers in the profession. Meaningful support requires more than recognition- it requires practical action. The 2025–2027 CLA Women’s Committee is focused on […]