Find legal representation that best suits your needs.
How do you choose a lawyer?
Choosing a lawyer can feel daunting. You should have an introductory call or meeting to see if you get along and for a preliminary opinion. Be sure to ask if they will run a trial for you. Some lawyers favour guilty pleas because they are less work. If the file requires travel, ask if the lawyer is familiar with the jurisdiction. The best legal advice often turns on knowledge of, and experience with local prosecutors and judges.
Best practices by lawyers include providing a clear quote or estimated fees in a retainer agreement and a staffed office where someone answers the phone most of the time. You should receive updates about your file as it moves through the system.
If you are hiring a lawyer through Legal Aid Ontario, choose carefully because they rarely allow a change of counsel after the lawyer acknowledges the legal aid certificate. If you are hiring a lawyer privately, ask about hourly fees or a block fee for the file, and whether unused retainer deposits are refunded. Many lawyers quote a high retainer without having assessed the file based on disclosure, and keep the full deposit even if the matter resolves early.
Our Team
LEGAL COUNSEL
Geneviève Eliany, JD
Geneviève Eliany has been practicing criminal law since 2013. In 2017, she founded Eliany Advocates after building a busy defence practice in British Columbia, where she worked alongside Shawn Buckley.
Based in Hamilton, Geneviève regularly represents clients in the surrounding area, including Burlington, Milton, St. Catharines, Niagara, Simcoe, Cayuga, and Brantford. Her approach to criminal defence is shaped by her commitment to testing evidence and telling your story through trial.
Geneviève is also an active member of the Criminal Lawyers Association and WiCCD (Women in Canadian Criminal Defence). In 2024, she was honoured with the WiCCD Woman Award of the year for facing a contempt citation after standing up to a judge.
Before becoming a lawyer, Geneviève spent over a decade studying and practicing homeopathic medicine. This background gives her a strong understanding of the issues faced by manufacturers, practitioners, and patients in the natural health sector. While her primary focus is criminal law, she accepts regulatory files on a selective basis.
Geneviève est francophone et offre aussi ses services juridiques en français.
LICENCED PARALEGAL
Emily Brunt
Emily Brunt joined Eliany Advocates in 2019 after completing the paralegal program at Mohawk College. She previously earned a degree in anthropology from Western University.
As the first point of contact for most clients, Emily will answer your call, field questions, and explain next steps. Her role also includes attending remand (administrative) appearances with clients as they wait for trial or resolution, keeping you updated on your case, and following-up and any tasks to assist in preparing your defence.
Emily is passionate about advocacy. Her goal is to support the firm’s many clients while minimizing the stress that often comes with legal proceedings.