Toronto Criminal Defence and Appeals Lawyer | Founder and Managing Partner, Shikhman Barristers

Shikhman Barristers – Toronto Criminal Defence Lawyers

Sonya Shikhman is the founder and managing partner of Shikhman Barristers, a Toronto criminal defence firm. An accomplished trial and appellate lawyer, she has devoted her practice to criminal defence and to representing individuals when the consequences of an allegation are serious and deeply personal.

Sonya represents individuals facing serious criminal allegations, including homicide, sexual offences, drug and firearms charges, complex fraud matters and other proceedings where liberty, reputation and professional standing may be at risk. Her practice also includes criminal appeals and related regulatory or professional proceedings.

Year Called to the Bar: 2006

Criminal Defence Grounded in the Evidence

Sonya’s work begins with a close examination of the evidence, the governing law, and the conduct of the authorities. She approaches each stage of a case with meticulous preparation, strategic judgment and disciplined advocacy. The defence is developed according to the particular record, not through a standard response to the charge.

Her role is to ensure that the prosecution is put to its burden, that the evidence is properly tested, and that the legal protections available to the person accused retain their meaning when the stakes are high. She gives direct advice about risk, identifies what remains unresolved, and prepares the client for the decisions that may arise as the case proceeds.

Criminal Appeals in Toronto and Across Ontario

An appeal is not a second trial. It is a structured review of whether a conviction, sentence, or other decision should be reconsidered because of an error recognized by law. The starting point is the record of what occurred and the legal standard that applies.

Conviction and Sentence Appeals

A conviction appeal may involve an alleged legal error, an unreasonable verdict, a problem with jury instructions or another issue arising from the conduct of the trial. A sentence appeal may be available where there is an arguable error in principle or another recognized basis for appellate intervention. The available grounds depend on the record and the nature of the proceeding.

The Record, Deadlines and Procedure

Transcripts, exhibits, written rulings and reasons for judgment form the foundation of an appeal. Effective appellate work depends on identifying what actually occurred and applying the correct standard of review. Appeals are subject to procedural requirements and filing deadlines, which makes prompt legal advice important after a decision or sentence. An appeal is generally based on the existing record; additional evidence may be considered only where the applicable legal test is met.

Appellate Experience and Legal Contributions

Sonya serves as Duty Counsel at the Court of Appeal for Ontario through the Pro Bono Inmate Appeal Program, assisting appellants who do not have counsel.

She has taught trial advocacy at Osgoode Hall Law School and served as a judge at the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Russia, Ukraine, England, Italy, Indonesia and Washington, D.C.

Sonya also serves on the inaugural Board of Directors of the Runnymede Society, a Canadian organization of lawyers and law students committed to constitutionalism, fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.

Serious and Complex Criminal Matters

Sonya and the legal team at Shikhman Barristers represent individuals from the investigative stage through bail, trial, sentencing and appeal. The firm’s work includes:

• Criminal Appeals
• Bail Hearings and Judicial Interim Release
• Drug and Firearms Offences
• Sexual Offences
• Homicide, Murder and Manslaughter
• Fraud and White-Collar Crime
• Assault, Domestic Assault and Criminal Harassment
• Impaired and Dangerous Driving
• Failure to Remain and Other Driving Offences
• Breaches of Court Orders and Peace Bonds
• Youth Criminal Justice Matters
• Academic and Professional Tribunals
• Extradition and International Crime

Legal Commentary and Public Education

Sonya is regularly invited to comment on criminal law, evidence, Charter rights and the administration of justice. Her public work focuses on helping Canadians understand the legal principles and procedural safeguards that govern criminal proceedings.

When discussing active cases, she does not speculate about guilt or innocence. Her analysis remains focused on the law, the evidence, the process and the broader implications for the justice system.

Recognition, Education and Professional Background

• Recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for Criminal Defence
• Duty Counsel – Court of Appeal for Ontario Pro Bono Inmate Appeal Program
• LL.B. – Osgoode Hall Law School, York University
• Hon. B.A., History and Law & Society – York University
• Runnymede Society – Inaugural Board of Directors

Contact Sonya Shikhman and Shikhman Barristers

If you are under investigation, facing a criminal charge or seeking advice about an appeal, contact Shikhman Barristers to discuss the circumstances and the next steps. If someone is in custody or a bail hearing is approaching, identify the urgency when contacting the firm.

• Downtown Toronto office: 73 Richmond Street West, Suite 207, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1Z4
• North York office: 5000 Yonge Street, Suite 1602, Toronto, Ontario M2N 7E9

The initial consultation is paid. Legal fees depend on the nature of the matter, its stage and complexity, the anticipated scope of representation and the lawyer selected as lead counsel. The firm will explain the proposed scope of work, fees and next steps before representation begins.

Contact Form Notice

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