One of Ottawa’s Leading Criminal Lawyers, James Foord, is the principal at Foord & Associates. After completing an Honours Degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Toronto in 1992, James Foord continued his studies at Queen’s University, where he obtained his Baccalaureate of Laws in 1996. James Foord has practiced criminal law since his call to the Ontario Bar in 1998.
James Foord is certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in Criminal Law. The Law Society recognizes ‘Certified Specialists’ as “members who have met established standards of experience and knowledge requirements in one or more designated areas of law and have maintained exemplary standards of professional practice”.
James Foord’s practice is focussed primarily on criminal trial and appellate advocacy. James also represents individuals who are charged with regulatory offences and represents professionals before their disciplinary tribunals. James has successfully defended individuals charged with all criminal offences, including: homicide, domestic violence, impaired driving (DUI) and Over 80, all drug offences, firearm offences, white-collar fraud and youth offences. James Foord regularly represents individuals on appeal, both from conviction and sentence. James has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice.
James Foord has taught Trial Advocacy at the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law for 14 years, and regularly presents at Continuing Legal Education programs. James is a past President of the Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa and a former Trustee of the County of Carleton Law Association. From 2009 to 2013 James was the Co-Chair of the Ottawa Criminal Law Conference in Montebello, Quebec, and has also chaired the Impaired Driving Update panel at the Ottawa Criminal Law Conference since 2009. James is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and Ontario Criminal Lawyers Association. In 2006, James Foord was awarded the Regional Senior Justice’s Award in recognition of his accomplishments as an advocate.
With his extensive criminal law experience and highly effective advocacy skills, James Foord is regularly retained to represent individuals charged with serious and high-profile offences. James’ cases have been reported in various media outlets, such as the Globe and Mail, Ottawa Citizen and the CBC. James is also regularly asked to provide his legal opinion to the press, radio and television media regarding current legal issues and events.