Andrew Stewart
Criminal Lawyer
About Andrew Stewart
I am a senior lawyer at Savage Oykhman Law, a division of Strategic Criminal Defence, a full-service criminal law office with central law offices across Western Canada and Ontario. Since being called to the bar in Alberta in 2010, I have exclusively practiced in the area of Criminal Defence, and I have appeared at all levels of Court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Over these 15+ years, I have always prioritized my clients and their goals in defending them against all criminal charges.
Since 2017, I have also assisted Student Legal Assistance, a non-profit organization of law students at the University of Calgary as an Advising Lawyer. I provide guidance, wisdom, and strategic advice to future lawyers about issues that arise on their criminal defence law files.
Currently, I am an active member of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association (the CDLA). The CDLA is composed of members of the defence bar in Calgary. Together, we work to improve access to justice for our clients, and to help serve you better.
Education, Accomplishments, and Career
I received my law degree from the University of Manitoba in 2009. During my studies, I volunteered my time with the University Law Clinic assisting low-income individuals with criminal matters in Winnipeg. It was this experience that really cemented my passion for Criminal Defence work. It was a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable, practical experience, and I used it as a springboard to my articling position with Legal Aid Manitoba’s Criminal Law Office.
As an articling student with Legal Aid Manitoba, I was thrown into the deep end, with a significant workload of criminal matters and duty counsel assignments. Thankfully, I quickly found my footing, and developed a work ethic that I have carried through to the present day.
I also obtained a Bachelor of Music in 2006 from Queen’s University. While I was completing this degree, I was also on the Board of Directors for the Queen’s Student Opera Company.
Community Involvement and Outreach
The commitment I have to help my clients with their legal issues, also motivates me to help and engage with my community. In furtherance of this philosophy I served as Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Asian Heritage Foundation from 2011 to 2018, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Chinatown District Business Revitalization Zone with the City of Calgary. I am also heavily involved in local politics, all with a goal to make life better for Albertans.
When not practicing law, I am involved in the martial arts, and I currently have a Purple Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
How I can help
Whether helping my own clients, or those who can’t afford legal representation, the best interest of every person who needs my help is always my number one priority.
If you have been charged with a criminal offence, and you want an experienced and passionate lawyer who isn’t afraid of a fight, you need me in your corner.
With an attention to detail and strong advocacy skills, I have expertise necessary to get the job done.
Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta
- Calgary Defence Lawyers Association
- Calgary Bar Association
Education
- Bachelor of Music from Queen’s University (2006)
- Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Manitoba (2009)
