Defending Your Rights.
Protecting Your Future.
Experienced Criminal Defence Lawyer in Ontario
About Laura Metcalfe
Laura Metcalfe is a dedicated criminal defence lawyer with extensive experience representing clients throughout Ontario. With a passion for justice and a commitment to protecting individual rights, Laura provides exceptional legal representation in all areas of criminal law. She also works on complex litigation in regulatory and administrative law.
Prior to founding Metcalfe Law, Laura worked for several years at the premier Addario Law Group, where she honed her litigation skills and developed a reputation for thorough case preparation and compelling courtroom advocacy. Before that, she spent five years learning from and working with the preeminent criminal lawyer Alan D. Gold
As an active board member of the Criminal Lawyers' Association (CLA) and a member of the CLA's First Chair Litigation Committee Laura remains at the forefront of developments in criminal law and procedure, ensuring her clients receive the most current and effective legal strategies. Laura is the co-author of the texts section 10(b) and Section 11(b): A Practical Guide To The Charter. She also is also a contributing author in the Law of Objections: A Handbook, 1st and 2nd editions.
Committed to justice. Dedicated to clients.
Practice Areas
Laura Metcalfe provides expert legal representation across a wide range of criminal
and regulatory matters.
Criminal Defence
All Criminal Offences, including:
Sexual Assault
Firearms
Homicide
Drug Offences
Theft & Property Crimes
Domestic Charges
Pre-Charge Advocacy
Impaired Driving
Regulatory Advocacy
Professional Misconduct
Licensing Issues
Administrative Hearings
Regulatory Compliance
Disciplinary Proceedings
Appeals & Constitutional Law
Criminal Appeals
Constitutional Challenges
Charter Applications
Judicial Reviews
Sentence Appeals
Why Choose Laura?
When your freedom and reputation are at stake, you need a lawyer who will fight
tirelessly on your behalf.
Experienced & Respected
With years of courtroom experience, Laura has represented clients at all court levels, earning the respect of judges, prosecutors, and peers alike.
Client-Centered Approach
Every case is handled with dedication and discretion. Laura takes the time to understand your unique situation and develops strategies tailored to your specific needs.
Results-Driven Advocacy
Laura is committed to achieving the best possible outcome for every client, whether through strategic negotiation or aggressive courtroom advocacy.
Notable Cases And Publications
Trusted Representation. Respected Voice in Legal Circles.
Notable Cases
R. v. Nichols, 2024 ONSC 1602 – trial judge finds exceptional circumstances warrant second fitness assessment in homicide case
R. v. Hills, 2023 SCC 2 – Supreme Court finds mandatory minimum sentence for discharging firearm unconstitutional
R. v. D.D., 2022 ONCA 786 – Court of Appeal quashes sexual interference convictions based on trial judge’s error in assessing the adult witness’ evidence about childhood events
R. v. Theriault, 2020 ONSC 3317 – Trial judge acquits C.T. of aggravated assault and obstruct justice
R. v. Brar, 2020 ONSC 4740 – Convictions quashed and impaired charges stayed because trial judge erred in her s. 11(b) reasonable delay analysis
R. v. Atkinson, 2019 ONSC 7132 – Fraud charges stayed because accused’s s. 11(b) constitutional right to be tried within a reasonable time violated
R. v. Doobay, 2019 ONSC 7272 – Acquittals entered, convictions quashed in part because trial judge erred in his s. 10(b) right to counsel analysis
R. v. Macgregor, 2019 ONCJ 80 – Accused acquitted at trial of impaired driving because of police failure to make reasonable efforts to contact counsel of choice
R. v. Voong, 2018 ONCJ 353 – Accused acquitted of various fraud, impaired, and obstructions of justice charges because of flawed identification evidence
R. v. Walia, 2018 ONCA 197 – Appeal allowed, aggravated assault conviction quashed, and acquittal entered because of inconsistent jury verdict
Notable Publications
Co-author with Jonathan Rosenthal, "Highway Traffic Act Consequences in Criminal Driving Cases", For the Defence Vol. 43, No. 4 (August 2023)
Co-author with Wes Dutcher-Walls, "Expanding the rationale of minimization to sexual, medical, and religious communications", For the Defence Vol. 42, No. 3 (September 2022)
"The Privilege against Self-Incrimination," chapter in The Law of Objections in Canada (Toronto: LexisNexis Canada, 2019 and 2024)
Co-author with Alan D. Gold & Michael Lacy, A Practical Guide to the Charter: Section 10(b) (Toronto: LexisNexis Canada, 2020)
Co-author with Alan D. Gold & Michael Lacy, A Practical Guide to the Charter: Section 11(b) (Toronto: LexisNexis Canada, 2019
Co-author with Alan D. Gold, "Using the spirit of Jordan to benefit your client at the sentencing stage," For the Defence, Vol. 39, No. 2
"Reconsidering the constitutionality of mandatory minimum sentences under section 235(1)(e) post-Luxton," 6:2 Western Journal of Legal Studies (2016)
Notable Media Publications
Podcast Interview – The Law Garage
Insightful conversation with Sherif and Laura Metcalfe on life and lawyering in criminal defence.
https://thelawgarage.fireside.fm/sherif-laura
Toronto Star: Gun Case Dismissed Over No-Knock Warrant
Laura’s case featured in The Star, spotlighting a judge’s dismissal due to Charter breaches by police.
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/judge-tosses-another-toronto-police-gun-case-this-time-over-unwarranted-no-knock-raid/article_9ab8242e-005e-543e-ada1-1a86ee507fa6.html
Canadian Lawyer: Top Criminal Law Boutiques
Laura’s former firm named one of Canada’s leading criminal law boutiques.
https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/rankings/top-criminal-law-boutiques/363282
Toronto Star: Legal Fundraising for Umar Zameer Case
Featured coverage of the legal community’s support and fundraising efforts for high-profile defence.
YouTube: Women in Canadian Criminal Defence Series
Laura Metcalfe shares her journey and insights in this spotlight video series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwvg8DMbT8
Law360: Commentary on Toronto Police Gun Case
Featured in Law360 coverage of judicial concern over Toronto police conduct in a gun case.
https://www.law360.ca/ca/articles/1818913
Notable Speaking Roles
Trial Advocacy Instructor – Osgoode Hall Law School (2023–Present)
Training future lawyers in the art of trial advocacy at one of Canada’s top law schools.
LSO CPD: Impaired Driving Law – Presenter
Delivered insights on defending impaired driving charges at a Law Society of Ontario CPD session.
2023 CLA Fall Conference
2023 DCAO/CCLA Annual Conference
2022 CLA Recent Call Conference
Client Testimonials
What clients are saying about Laura's representation
"Laura provided expert guidance and unwavering support during a difficult time. Her knowledge of the law and strategic approach made all the difference in my case. Highly recommend!"
— Michael T.
"When I faced serious charges, Laura was there every step of the way. She explained the process clearly, fought tirelessly for my rights, and achieved an outcome I didn't think was possible."
— Sarah K.
"Professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. Laura's attention to detail and thorough preparation made me feel confident throughout my case. I couldn't have asked for better representation."
— David R.
Contact Laura
Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case
Contact Information
Phone
(416)-342-3559 MAIN LINE
(613) 868-5307 CELL
Office Location
24 Duncan St., 3rd floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 2B8
