Elena Ryland
Criminal Lawyer
About Elena Ryland
I am a criminal defence lawyer practicing with Strategic Criminal Defence. I am a passionate and fearless advocate for my clients. In every case, I work to find innovative solutions, empower my clients, and advocate fiercely on their behalf.
I received my Law Degree from the University of Alberta, where I focused on Criminal Law and developed my advocacy skills, both inside and outside the classroom. I was an active member of the Student Legal Services Criminal Law Project (SLS), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income individuals navigate the criminal justice system. I was both an in-court advocate, and was promoted to supervise volunteer law students. SLS formed the foundation for my passion and skill in criminal law.
In my first year of law school, I was selected to compete in the Deans’ Cup Moot, a competition for the year’s strongest advocates. In my final year of law school, I represented the University of Alberta in the Gale Cup Moot, a national advocacy competition for criminal and constitutional law.
Before practicing at Strategic Criminal Defence, I articled at a well-renowned criminal defence firm in Edmonton, where I assisted on many high-profile cases, including murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. Since completing my articles, I have practiced exclusively in criminal defence, handling a wide variety of criminal charges including assault, drug offences, property offences, and impaired driving.
I also have previous work experience as a summer student for the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services. This experience has given me a unique insight into the perspective of Crown Prosecutors, enabling me to better assist my clients.
I know that each client has individual needs and interests when it comes to their criminal charges. My varied experiences working in the criminal justice system have allowed me to develop creative and effective solutions for each of my clients. I am thrilled to serve my clients as part of the exceptional team of lawyers at Strategic Criminal Defence.
Areas of Practice
- Sexual Offences
- Domestic Assaults and Violent Crime
- EPO, Peace Bond and Probation Breaches
- Firearms Offences
- Fraud Under
- Drug Offences including Possession and Trafficking
- Theft, Mischief and Property Offences
- Youth and Young Offender Charges
Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta
- Roster Lawyer, Legal Aid Alberta
- Calgary Defence Lawyers Association
- Calgary Bar Association
Education
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Calgary, with Distinction (2013)
- Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from University of Calgary, with Distinction (2013)
- Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Alberta (2017)