Karen Mirsky

Karen is a criminal lawyer who has practiced defence and advocacy for over twenty years. She has experience with complex criminal matters, youth and family-related criminal matters, trafficking, firearms and all manner of Criminal Code offences. Her work includes advice and representation for those involved at every stage of the criminal system. She provides complainant representation in domestic and sexual assault matters, and legal support for those facing police investigations.

Karen uses a trauma-informed approach and clear language to give practical legal advice that can be understood by everyone. Her straight-forward practice style guides her clients through release hearings, disclosure, trial, and sentencing. She is a skilled cross-examiner who navigates testimony with preparation, awareness and instinct. Karen’s experience ensures she can protect and advance her clients’ interests at every stage of the process. She is confident, assertive, and thorough.

Karen is also a movement lawyer. Groups seeking collective representation require a particular style of practice that ensures quality support while minimizing the potential for conflicts. She offers legal advice to individuals, organizers and groups who engage in protests, direct action and all forms of civil disobedience. She provides arrest support for organized protests and follows her clients through the justice system. She understands the importance of trust, consistency and humility because she’s worked with diverse communities throughout her career. This includes advocacy and representation on behalf of people involved in sex work and drug-user groups, climate activists, and political activists. She has a Masters in Constitutional Law with a focus on the policing of protests and activist communities.

Karen is an avid forager, food gardener, and fermentation geek.