Our Firm’s History

The Strategic Criminal Defence story is one of over +15 years of collaboration, growth, and a shared commitment to excellence in criminal defence law.

2007 – 2010: Early Collaboration

Our firm’s story began in 2007, when defence lawyers, Michael Oykhman and Ian Savage, started working together after Michael was called to the Alberta Bar. After several office moves and personal shuffles, the firm officially branded as Savage Oykhman Law in 2010. Although it operated as independent practices, the lawyers shared a vision for collaboration, excellence, and integrity.

2012 – 2020: A Digital Leap

In 2012, the website www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com was launched. It quickly gained prominence for its helpful content, robust successful cases, and client-focused messaging across Alberta. Drawing on both his legal experience and his role as a mentor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, Michael developed a trusted online resource that helped thousands of people charged with criminal offences and educated hundreds of law students.

The website’s success grew, and so did the firm’s reputation.

2016: Edmonton Criminal Defence Office Opening

By 2015 the reach and reputation of the Savage Oykhman brand grew to encompass Edmonton and northern Alberta. It became clear that it was time to set up a staffed Edmonton office.

In 2016 Savage Oykhman opened its Edmonton office at Suite 410, 9707 110 Street, Edmonton, AB T5K 2L9, staffed by Danielle Boisvert. The office became very successful very quickly.

By 2019 the Edmonton office had expanded to 4 lawyers, including Anny Wang, Barbara Dowker, and Ellen Sutherland.

2020 – 2023: Growth Across Canada

Fuelled by increasing demand from across Canada, the firm expanded between 2020 and 2025 with new offices in Western Canada and Ontario. The Calgary office alone grew to include more than a dozen criminal defence lawyers. With shared systems and values, the “Oykhman Criminal Defence” brand became a recognizable force in Canadian criminal law.

But as the brand grew, so did confusion. The firm became commonly known by the name of its website, and despite being a collaborative effort, only Michael’s name was referenced. Recognizing the need for a change, a new firm name was selected to reflect the entire team’s character and purpose.

2023: Edmonton Office Rebrand

In 2023, the firm went through several changes. Savage Oykhman Law parted ways with Danielle Boisvert and Anny Wang. Ellen Sutherland became our primary strategic partner through an association of independent practices. Oykhman Criminal Defence was also rebranded as Strategic Criminal Defence. The new brand name is a better reflection of the firm’s approach to strategic, client-focused advocacy. While our firm’s brand name has changed, the team, leadership, and core values remain the same.

The rebrand of the firm also came with a change of the Edmonton location. In 2023, Strategic Criminal Defence moved offices to 9844 106 St, Edmonton, AB T5K 1B8. Ellen Sutherland, along with Frank Carbonaro, continues to be our primary Edmonton counsel. In 2025, we also welcomed Ahmed Haroon to the team, proudly serving Edmonton and Northern Alberta clients.

Present

Strategic Criminal Defence now operates staffed offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Victoria, with additional regional offices across Western Canada. All non-Alberta operations are supported by JL Management Services Inc.

Despite our growth, each lawyer at Strategic Criminal Defence remains dedicated to our shared mission: to provide exceptional advocacy and uphold the highest standard of legal excellence.