Dawne Way Law

About Dawne Way Law

Way Law is a Toronto solo practice that represents victims and witnesses of crime in criminal and quasi-criminal proceedings, with a particular focus on survivors of sexual assault. Founder Dawne Way was called to the Ontario bar in 1997, joined the Crown Attorney's office in 2000, and opened Way Law in 2007. Most of the firm's clients are survivors of sexual assault, including children, and the practice centers on trial preparation, section 276 applications (which govern a complainant's sexual history evidence), and protecting a survivor's privacy through the criminal court process.

Beyond individual representation, Way Law advises institutions such as hospitals, counselling services, and shelters on their obligations when subpoenaed, and advises complainants on tribunal complaints before bodies such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. Dawne Way authored the chapter "Representing the Victim in a Sexual Assault Proceeding" in a practitioner's handbook on prosecuting and defending sexual assault offence cases, edited by Daniel Brown and Jill Witkin, and has trained Crown prosecutors, victim services staff, and law societies across the country on complainant representation.