Academic Law
2 lawyers · City of Toronto
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 455 handling Criminal Defence.
Virtual appointments
Virtual appointmentsAbout Academic Law
Academic Law is a Toronto practice that focuses on academic misconduct cases, representing students facing allegations such as plagiarism, cheating, and forged documentation at universities across Ontario and Canada. It's operated out of Adam Goodman Law, a Toronto criminal defence firm, and is led by Adam Goodman, who has practiced criminal and administrative law since 2008. Alex Zheng, an associate who has practiced since 2018, also works on academic files.
Goodman built a niche practice representing students before disciplinary bodies at schools including the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, the University of Western Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and the University of Guelph, and before professional colleges as well. Goodman has spoken about academic misconduct at continuing education programs through the Law Society of Ontario and was interviewed for the CBC documentary Faking the Grade, which looked at why students cheat. The firm's blog also tracks newer issues in the field, including how universities are responding to tools like ChatGPT.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Adam Goodman Law, which operates Academic Law, has practiced in Toronto since 2008.
- Adam Goodman was interviewed for the CBC documentary Faking the Grade about academic misconduct on Canadian campuses.
- Goodman has presented on academic misconduct law at continuing professional development programs through the Law Society of Ontario, including at the Destination CPD conference in Las Vegas.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
LGBTQ+ friendly
Virtual appointmentsFees & payment
Flat feeLawyers 2
Who handles what
The neighbourhood
Academic Law's office is in the Simpson Tower at 401 Bay Street, a 33 storey building completed in 1968 that was built as the head office of the Simpsons department store chain and later served as Hudson's Bay Company's head office for decades. The tower sits in the heart of downtown Toronto, connected to the PATH network and directly across Queen Street from the Toronto Eaton Centre, with Queen subway station close by. That's a convenient, transit-reachable spot for students coming in from other parts of the GTA, or from out of town, to meet about a university disciplinary matter.
Frequently asked questions
- Can Academic Law help if I've been accused of plagiarism or cheating at my university?
- Yes. Academic Law represents students at exploratory meetings, disciplinary hearings, and appeals over allegations like plagiarism, cheating, and forged documentation, at universities across Ontario and Canada.
- Does Academic Law only handle University of Toronto cases?
- No. The firm has represented students from schools including the University of Toronto, York University, Ryerson University, the University of Western Ontario, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and the University of Guelph, and it also handles some matters before professional colleges.
- What happens after my professor reports me for an academic integrity violation?
- Academic Law describes the process in stages: a meeting with the professor who raised the allegation, an exploratory meeting with the school's investigator (often called the Dean's Designate), and, if the matter isn't resolved there, a formal hearing before a tribunal or committee. Appeals and judicial review can follow if either side isn't satisfied with the result.
- Does Academic Law charge a flat fee for a consultation?
- Yes. Academic Law lists flat consultation fees rather than a free consultation: $450 plus HST for a consultation with Adam Goodman, or $600 plus HST for a package that adds four weeks of email support and a follow-up consultation. Alex Zheng's rates are $250 plus HST for a consultation and $400 plus HST for the package.
- Where is Academic Law located?
- The office is at 401 Bay Street, Suite 2008, in the Simpson Tower in downtown Toronto, a short walk from Queen subway station and the PATH network.
- Is Academic Law connected to a criminal law firm?
- Yes. Academic Law is operated by Adam Goodman Law, a Toronto criminal defence practice where Adam Goodman is lead counsel, and the two practices share the same downtown Toronto office.
Where to find them
401 Bay St, Suite 2008, Toronto, ON M5Y 2Y4 · 416-477-6793
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