{"id":5742,"date":"2021-06-09T21:37:39","date_gmt":"2021-06-09T21:37:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oykhmancriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/?page_id=5742"},"modified":"2026-04-26T09:07:27","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T16:07:27","slug":"ellen-sutherland","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.strategiccriminaldefence.com\/edmonton\/ellen-sutherland\/","title":{"rendered":"Ellen Sutherland"},"content":{"rendered":"

I am a criminal defence lawyer at\u00a0the Strategic Criminal Defence Edmonton Office<\/a>, a full-service criminal defence law office, with central offices in\u00a0Calgary<\/a>,\u00a0Edmonton<\/a>,\u00a0Lethbridge<\/a>,\u00a0Victoria<\/a>,\u00a0Saskatchewan<\/a>, and\u00a0Toronto<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I practice out of the Edmonton office, where I represent individuals charged with a wide range of criminal and quasi-criminal offences.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Practice Philosophy<\/h2>\n

My litigation style is client-focused. I begin each file with an in-depth meeting to understand my clients\u2019 unique personal circumstances, concerns, and thoughts before we ever step foot into a courtroom. Regular meetings and updates ensure that my clients always know what is occurring in their file and fully understand the court process.<\/p>\n<\/div>

Education, Accomplishments and Career Path<\/h2>\n

I received my Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in English Literature with a minor in History from the University of Alberta. During my degree, I worked as an Editor-in-Chief for the History department\u2019s undergraduate research magazine and guest lectured in the department of History and academic conferences.<\/p>\n

I received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Calgary, where I was the Education Executive for the Student Legal Assistance program.<\/p>\n

During law school, I received several awards including:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Scholarship of Merit,<\/li>\n
  • Student Legal Assistance Caseworker of the Year Award for Client Advocacy, and<\/li>\n
  • Donnel O. Sabey Q.C. Prize in Advocacy Law for Superior Oral Advocacy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    As a law student, I summered with the Edmonton Rural Prosecution office, gaining valuable experience in how Crown Prosecutors approach charges. I continue to leverage this experience to my client\u2019s advantage in reviewing files and using my positive working relationships with the Prosecution to negotiate and obtain excellent results for my clients.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    Legal Career<\/h2>\n

    I articled and launched my practice at a high-calibre Alberta defence firm where I assisted on serious trial matters including murder, sexual assault, trafficking, and fraud in preliminary inquiries, trials, and jury trials.<\/p>\n

    I presently hold membership on a number of boards and committees, including the Criminal Trial Lawyer\u2019s Association (CTLA), the CTLA Indigenous Overincarceration Committee, and the CTLA\u00a0Gladue Report<\/em>\u00a0Committee. I am on the board of director\u2019s of the Old Strathcona Youth Society, which offers harm reduction to at-risk youth in Edmonton.<\/p>\n

    As a lawyer I have garnered an impressive track record safeguarding the interests of clients across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia in their legal battles. I have successfully defended clients in Provincial Courts, Superior Courts, and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. I have also appeared extensively at various tribunals, including the Parole Board of Canada, SafeRoads Alberta, and Edmonton District Soccer Association. My practice continues to encompass all areas of criminal law, traffic offences, civil protection applications, and quasi-criminal tribunal matters.<\/p>\n

    I have represented clients in the following practice areas with a high degree of success:<\/strong><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Domestic assaults and Violent Crime<\/li>\n
    • Murder, attempted murder, and manslaughter<\/li>\n
    • Sexual Assault and Interference<\/li>\n
    • Child Pornography<\/li>\n
    • Fraud<\/li>\n
    • Firearms and Weapons Offences<\/li>\n
    • Drug trafficking and Simple Possession<\/li>\n
    • Impaired Driving and Provincial (IRS) Appeals and Judicial Review<\/li>\n
    • Fraud and Property Offences<\/li>\n
    • Young Offenders<\/li>\n
    • Emergency Protection Orders and Restraining Orders<\/li>\n
    • Parole Board Hearings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>

      How I Can Help<\/h2>\n

      Whatever the circumstances you find yourself in, I am pleased to offer a personalized approach to your charges.<\/p>\n

      If you have been charged with an offence, expect to be charged, are seeking independent legal advice, or are simply unsure of what your legal options are, contact me for a free and flexible legal consultation, be it by video, over the phone, or in person.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>