Julia Hunter

I am a criminal defence lawyer and regional partner at Strategic Criminal Defence Victoria Branch. Strategic Criminal Defence is a full-service criminal defence law office, with central offices across Western Canada and Toronto.

I have a rich criminal justice background which includes a number of years working in Judges’ Chambers at the Provincial Court of Alberta, and the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. My familiarity with both court and prosecution procedures affords me unique insights into criminal law.  Importantly, it enables me to better and more efficiently navigate the justice system as I work to achieve the best possible results for my clients.

In 2008, I moved to Vancouver Island and completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria. I have a particular passion for the pursuit of social and restorative justice. The focus of my work includes giving special attention to how networks of power shape people’s lives, experiences, knowledge and possibilities in relation to Indigenous and racialized identities, class, sexuality, age, ability, mental health and substance use issues.

Following the successful completion of my undergraduate degree, I returned to Calgary after spending some time abroad in 2014 and obtained a Paralegal Diploma with honours distinction. I applied my knowledge while employed as a judicial assistant at the Provincial Court of Alberta in the Family & Youth division in 2016. This role gave me particular insight into youth criminal matters and how they intersect with family law. I also held a role as a senior legal assistant for the Specialized Prosecutions Branch prior to attending law school. Both of these experiences ignited my passion for criminal law and led me to pursue a career in this field.

I completed my Law Degree with Honours at Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland. While living in Belfast, I was employed as a Research Advocate for the School of Law and gained valuable insights through work experience with a local human rights and criminal defence firm famously known for heading up the legal team during the Bloody Sunday Inquiry between 1998 and 2004. I was also published in The Verdict – an award-winning publication through the Law Society at Queen’s University Belfast that provides readers insight into contemporary legal and political issues.

In the summer of 2018, I returned to Calgary and interned at the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service. Under the supervision of Crown Counsel, I ran a number of summary conviction trials. This experience has given me a unique insight into the perspective of Crown Prosecutors.

Although I have amassed a significant level of insight and experience working with the prosecution (before and after law school), I knew I didn’t want to be a Crown Prosecutor. I am far more passionate about helping people with their legal problems than securing a conviction. Fortunately, those experiences with the prosecution have given me invaluable insight, which in turn enables me to better assist my clients.

Before joining Strategic Criminal Defence, I had already gained significant experience in defence work by assisting in many high-profile cases, including murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and criminal appeals. In this role, I further developed my client-centred approach, professional work ethic, and highly refined research and written/oral advocacy skills.

While practicing in Calgary, I successfully defended numerous clients on charges that include assault, impaired driving, theft, break and enter, and sexual offences. Additionally, I assisted the managing partner, Michael Oykhman, on numerous files that range from high-profile cases including sexual assaults, child pornography offences, drug trafficking, and more.

I found my niche in criminal law and have proven to be a successful trial advocate. I am a dedicated, meticulous lawyer that always strives to achieve the best for my clients with an approach rooted in compassion. Furthermore, my pre-trial preparation, courtroom presence, and oral and written advocacy have set me apart from other lawyers and have helped me achieve positive results for numerous clients. I also have the benefit of being able to rely on the combined experience of the collaborative team at Strategic Criminal Defence.

In 2023, I returned to Victoria, British Columbia. Motivated by my passion for justice and an unwavering dedication to serving others, I embarked on a mission to establish a reputable legal practice. With a particular focus on assisting individuals faced with criminal charges, I wholeheartedly strive to help them build a strong and formidable defence. As I immerse myself in the vibrant legal landscape of Victoria, I am ready to make a meaningful impact and provide unwavering support to those in need of effective legal counsel.

My approach is a client focused one. As a member of Strategic Criminal Defence, I will listen to your story and assist you in navigating through the stress of the court process. Whatever the circumstances of your offence may be, you can rest assured that you will be treated with compassion and dignity throughout.

• Impaired Driving and Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP)
• Criminal Driving Offences
• Domestic Assaults and Violent Crime
• Drug Offences
• Theft and Fraud Offences
• Theft, Mischief and Property Offences
• Pre-Charge Legal Advice
• Provincial Traffic Violations
• Municipal Bylaw Infractions
• Young Offender Charges

• Law Society of British Columbia
• Women in Canadian Criminal Defence

• Bachelor of Arts in Gender Studies from the University of Victoria (2012)
• Paralegal Diploma from Reeves College Calgary (2016)
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Queen’s University of Northern Ireland, First Class Honours (2019)