Associate Lawyer - Criminal Defence

Company Description: Cremer Barristers is a Toronto-based boutique law firm practising exclusively in criminal defence. We defend clients facing a broad range of criminal charges, from routine matters to serious and complex cases, including homicide, firearms, drug trafficking, and other major criminal investigations. We believe everyone charged with a criminal offence deserves a rigorous defence. Our practice is built on thorough preparation, creative legal strategy, and fearless advocacy. We are prepared to take on difficult cases, challenge the Crown's evidence, and pursue unconventional arguments.

We are trial lawyers. We prepare cases to be fought in the courtroom.

Why Cremer Barristers? At Cremer Barristers, the work is challenging, the stakes are real, and the quality of the defence matters. You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop as a trial lawyer. Build practical advocacy skills through meaningful participation in criminal proceedings.
• Work on serious cases. Gain exposure to complex legal issues, challenging evidence, and demanding litigation.
• Contribute to strategy. Participate in the development of defence theories, legal arguments, and trial preparation.
• Take on responsibility. Develop independence and professional judgment as your experience grows.
• Learn from experienced advocates. Work alongside lawyers committed to rigorous preparation and effective courtroom advocacy.

We are looking for a colleague who wants to become an excellent criminal defence lawyer and understands that doing so requires preparation, persistence, creativity, and courage.

Responsibilities:

• Represent clients in criminal proceedings before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.
• Conduct bail hearings, judicial pre-trials, contested applications, trials, sentencing hearings, and other court appearances, as appropriate to experience.
• Conduct legal research and prepare factums, Charter applications, written submissions, and other litigation materials.
• Review disclosure, interview clients and witnesses, identify evidentiary issues, and prepare for cross-examinations.
• Work directly with clients, including individuals in custody, who may be highly demanding, to develop their defence.
• Manage files and meet deadlines, while working collaboratively with colleagues.

Requirements:

• Membership in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario
• Between 0-4 years of legal experience, with a strong interest in criminal defence and trial advocacy.
• This job is on-site, and the candidate must be willing to attend the office in person.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a vehicle to be able to commute to courthouses and jails around Southwestern Ontario, as needed.
• This office is pet-friendly; you must be able to coexist with dogs.
• Excellent oral advocacy, legal research, writing skills, and analytical abilities.
• Strong work ethic, attention to detail, initiative, and a commitment to thorough preparation.
• The ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• A willingness to learn, accept constructive feedback, and continually improve as an advocate

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.