Criminal Lawyer Look Up

Before hiring a criminal lawyer, it is important to verify their credentials and their standing with their provincial law society. Here is why:

Make sure the lawyer is licensed: Confirm that the lawyer is licensed to practise in your province or territory.

Check for disciplinary records: Every provincial and territorial law society maintains a public record of any disciplinary actions taken against a lawyer. A disciplinary record can be a warning sign.

Identify their area of practice: Knowing that a lawyer focuses on criminal law will help you find someone best suited to handle your specific situation.

Law Societies by Province and Territory

Every province and territory in Canada has a law society that maintains a public database of licensed lawyers. These databases are the best starting point when you are considering hiring a criminal lawyer. They show a lawyer's licensing status and any disciplinary history.

Look Up a Lawyer by Province or Territory

• British Columbia (BC): Law Society of British Columbia — Lawyer Lookup
• Alberta (AB): Law Society of Alberta — Lawyer Lookup
• Saskatchewan (SK): Law Society of Saskatchewan — Lawyer Lookup
• Manitoba (MB): Law Society of Manitoba — Lawyer Lookup
• Ontario (ON): Law Society of Ontario — Lawyer Lookup
• Quebec (QC): Barreau du Québec — Lawyer Lookup
• New Brunswick (NB): Law Society of New Brunswick — Lawyer Lookup
• Prince Edward Island (PEI): Law Society of Prince Edward Island — Lawyer Lookup
• Nova Scotia (NS): Nova Scotia Barristers' Society — Lawyer Lookup
• Newfoundland and Labrador (NL): Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador — Lawyer Lookup
• Yukon (YT): Law Society of Yukon — Lawyer Lookup
• Northwest Territories (NWT): Law Society of the Northwest Territories — Lawyer Lookup
• Nunavut (NU): Law Society of Nunavut — Lawyer Lookup

The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) is a national professional organisation representing lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers, and law students across Canada. Founded in 1896, the CBA works to promote fair justice, support law reform, and advance the legal profession.

The CBA offers a voluntary membership directory that can help you find lawyers by province and area of practice, including criminal law. Keep in mind that CBA membership is optional — not all licensed lawyers join. To confirm that a lawyer is actually licensed and in good standing, use your provincial law society's lookup tool (listed above), not this directory.

When facing criminal charges, the lawyer you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case. By following these steps, you can confidently hire a well-suited criminal lawyer to represent you effectively.

1. Identify Your Needs: Criminal law is a broad field that includes various sub-specialties such as DUI defence, drug offences, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, and more. Some lawyers may focus on specific criminal cases, making them more suited for your particular legal issue.
2. Consult Multiple Sources: Don't rely solely on one source for your information. Different sources may offer different viewpoints. For example, a law society database might indicate that a lawyer is in good standing, but client reviews could reveal issues with communication or unexpected fees.
3. Check Reviews and Testimonials: Reviews can provide insights into a lawyer's understanding and handling of legal matters. They may also indicate the lawyer's transparency about fees, legal procedures, and possible outcomes. While a strong track record is a positive sign, keep in mind that every case is different.
4. Consult the Lawyer: Before making your final decision, consult with the lawyer to ensure they understand your needs. Assess your comfort level with the lawyer, understand their approach to your case, and discuss fees. These steps will help you make an informed decision, ensuring that your chosen lawyer can effectively represent you in your criminal case.