Sonya Shikhman built Shikhman Barristers on a simple conviction: everyone deserves a fair process, no matter the allegation they face. As Founder and Criminal Defence Lawyer at the Toronto firm, she represents clients through some of the most serious and complex criminal matters — from bail hearings to trial and appeal — in cases involving fraud, sexual assault, domestic assault, drug offences, impaired driving and more. With offices in North York and Toronto, Shikhman and her team serve clients across the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario, offering strategic advocacy grounded in careful preparation and discretion.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Shikhman Barristers is a Toronto criminal defence law firm focused exclusively on criminal and regulatory matters. We represent individuals facing some of the most serious and complex allegations, from the earliest stages of an investigation through trial and appeal. Beyond representing clients, we’re committed to helping people better understand the criminal justice system by providing clear, practical insight into how it works and why protecting due process matters.
What made you want to do this work?
I’ve always believed that everyone deserves a fair process, regardless of the allegation they face. Criminal law is one of the few areas where the outcome can fundamentally change a person’s life, which is what drew me to criminal defence. I wanted to build a practice where every client receives thoughtful, strategic advocacy and where the focus is always on protecting their rights and ensuring the justice system works as it should. Today, as a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto, I represent clients in matters ranging from bail hearings and appeals to allegations involving sexual assault, domestic assault, fraud, drug offences, impaired driving and other serious criminal charges. I’m equally passionate about helping the public better understand the criminal justice system, because informed people are better equipped to protect their rights when they matter most.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I wanted to address the uncertainty and fear that many people experience when they become involved with the criminal justice system. For most people, being investigated or charged with a criminal offence is overwhelming, and they often don’t understand their rights or what comes next. My goal was to build a criminal defence practice that provides clear guidance, strategic advocacy and unwavering representation at every stage of the process. Whether someone is facing allegations involving fraud, sexual assault, domestic assault, impaired driving, drug offences or another serious criminal charge, they deserve a fair process, a strong defence and someone who will protect their rights while navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our clients come from all walks of life. We represent professionals, business owners, executives, students, first-time offenders and individuals facing some of the most serious and complex criminal allegations. Our practice focuses on criminal defence matters across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, including charges involving fraud, sexual assault, domestic assault, drug offences, firearms offences, impaired driving, violent offences, white-collar crime, regulatory matters and criminal appeals. While every case is different, our clients share one thing in common: they need experienced, strategic representation during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
People usually come to us during one of the most stressful times in their lives, whether they’re under investigation, have been arrested or are facing criminal charges. We begin by understanding the facts, explaining the legal process and developing a defence strategy tailored to the circumstances of the case. Our work includes representing clients at bail hearings, trials, appeals and regulatory proceedings, as well as providing strategic advice from the earliest stages of an investigation. We focus exclusively on criminal defence, including matters involving fraud, sexual assault, domestic assault, impaired driving, drug offences, firearms offences and white-collar crime. Every case is approached with careful preparation, discretion and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights throughout the criminal justice process.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
We have offices in both North York and Toronto, and represent clients throughout Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and across Ontario. Our lawyers regularly appear in courts across the province, defending clients facing criminal charges, including fraud, sexual assault, domestic assault, firearms offences, impaired driving, drug offences and other serious criminal matters.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: What should someone look for in a criminal defence lawyer besides experience?
Answer: Experience is essential, but it isn’t enough. You should look for someone who exercises sound judgment, communicates honestly and develops a strategy based on the facts of your case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Criminal law is rarely about finding easy answers. It’s about understanding the evidence, anticipating risks, protecting your rights and making thoughtful decisions at every stage of the process. A good criminal defence lawyer should also explain not only what can happen, but why, so you can make informed decisions during an incredibly difficult time.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part of my work is helping people through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. When someone is facing criminal charges, they’re often dealing with uncertainty, fear and the potential impact on their family, career and future. Being able to provide clarity, protect their rights and guide them through the criminal justice system is a responsibility I never take for granted. Every successful outcome is important, but knowing that a client felt heard, respected and properly represented throughout the process is equally meaningful.
The hardest part is seeing the personal toll that criminal allegations can have long before a case is resolved. Even before guilt or innocence is determined, an investigation or criminal charge can affect someone’s reputation, relationships, employment and mental well-being. You can’t undo that impact, but you can ensure every client receives a fair process, strategic criminal defence and someone who will stand beside them every step of the way.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
There’s an old saying that if you ask two lawyers a question, you’ll get three opinions. In criminal law, the challenge is making sure yours is the one supported by the evidence.
Where can we follow you?
You can learn more about our work at crimlawcanada.ca. I’m also active on LinkedIn, where I share commentary on criminal law, Charter rights and developments in the criminal justice system. You can also follow Shikhman Barristers on Instagram & X for legal insights and firm updates.
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
One local organization I truly admire is the Innocence Canada network. While it’s not a business, I have enormous respect for the work being done to address wrongful convictions and strengthen confidence in the justice system. Their mission reflects values that are important to me and to the criminal justice system as a whole.
