Murphys Criminal Law
1 lawyer · City of Toronto, Saskatoon Region
One of 2,345 law firms listed in Toronto, and one of 455 handling Criminal Defence.
About Murphys Criminal Law
Murphys Criminal Law is a small criminal defence practice based in Toronto, with a second office in Saskatoon. Chris Murphy established the Toronto practice in 2004 after several years as a drug prosecutor with the Department of Justice Canada. Before that, Murphy clerked at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and worked in civil litigation at a large Calgary firm. The firm's tagline, "Fighting for your Future," reflects a practice built entirely around criminal defence work.
Murphy has conducted hundreds of trials and represented clients on charges spanning the Criminal Code, from impaired driving to first-degree murder, and has argued a case before the Supreme Court of Canada along with multiple appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal. Murphy holds a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Arts from the University of British Columbia, and a Certificate in International Criminal Law from Salzburg Law School. Legal Aid Ontario lists Murphy among lawyers handling extremely serious matters, Gladue considerations in sentencing of Indigenous offenders, and Ontario Review Board matters, alongside general criminal defence work.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Chris Murphy established Murphys Criminal Law in Toronto in 2004, after working as a drug prosecutor with the Department of Justice Canada.
- Murphy completed a Certificate in International Criminal Law at Salzburg Law School in 2004.
- The firm has argued a case before the Supreme Court of Canada and conducted multiple appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal.
In the community
- Murphy represented the family of Colten Boushie, a First Nations man shot and killed near Biggar, Saskatchewan, saying the family wanted the case investigated and prosecuted rigorously.
- Murphy spoke at the Criminal Lawyers' Association's 52nd Annual Fall Conference in November 2024, presenting on records and disclosure applications to strengthen Charter arguments.
- The firm takes on Legal Aid Ontario certificate work, including extremely serious matters, Gladue considerations in sentencing of Indigenous offenders, and Ontario Review Board matters.
Good to know
By appointmentWho handles what
Offices 2
The neighbourhood
The Toronto office sits at 545 King Street West, in the King West neighbourhood, a space with exposed brick rather than a courthouse or government cluster nearby.
Murphy grew up in Saskatoon, and the firm's second office is in the East Tower of the River Landing development at 409 3rd Avenue South, set along the riverbank.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of cases does Murphys Criminal Law handle?
- The firm handles criminal defence exclusively, from impaired driving and assault charges to serious matters such as murder and drug trafficking. Chris Murphy has argued a case before the Supreme Court of Canada and has conducted multiple appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal.
- Does the firm handle cases involving mental illness or Not Criminally Responsible findings?
- Legal Aid Ontario lists Chris Murphy for extremely serious matters and Ontario Review Board matters, which cover cases involving a finding of Not Criminally Responsible on account of mental disorder.
- Does Murphys Criminal Law handle Gladue matters for Indigenous clients?
- Legal Aid Ontario lists Gladue considerations in sentencing of Indigenous offenders among the areas Chris Murphy handles.
- Where is Murphys Criminal Law located?
- The firm is based in Toronto at 545 King Street West, with a second office in Saskatoon at 409 3rd Avenue South. Both offices can be reached at the same phone number, 1-647-490-5122.
- How long has Chris Murphy practiced criminal defence?
- Murphy established the Toronto practice in 2004, after working as a drug prosecutor with the Department of Justice Canada. Before that, Murphy clerked at the Supreme Court of British Columbia and practiced civil litigation in Calgary.
- Has the firm been involved in any well known cases?
- Murphy represented the family of Colten Boushie, a First Nations man shot and killed near Biggar, Saskatchewan, in their call for a fair and rigorous investigation and prosecution.
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Civil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionListing compiled from the firm’s public website in August 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗