The
team
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jordana goldlist
Jordana H. Goldlist graduated from York University on the Dean’s List with an Honours degree in Philosophy in 2004 and earned her JD/LLB from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2007. She was Called to the Bar in 2008 and started her career in Civil Litigation, articling at Landy Marr Kats LLP and returning as an associate. Two years later, Jordana grew tired of writing angry letters for a living and decided to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a Criminal Defence Lawyer. In 2010 she joined Edward H. Royle & Associates and spent the next 5 years winning cases across the Province. In 2015, Jordana opened JHG Criminal Law, a firm dedicated to a client-centered approach with a focus on high-risk criminal litigation. She hired her first associate in 2019 and has continually shifted her business model to adjust to the needs of both her clients and the Courts. Today, Jordana maintains a caseload that requires a dedicated team but she stays actively involved with every case so that no client feels like they are just a file being passed around an office.
In addition to her practice, Jordana is active in educating people from all walks of life about the criminal justice system as she has seen it from all sides. In 2018 she spoke about her battles with addiction and street life in a TEDx Talk called “Who Judges The Judge?” questioning a system that judges people for what may be the worst decision they made on the worst day of their life. Since then, she has spoken to thousands of university students about the trap of the criminal justice system. In 2019, she started a scholarship at Osgoode Hall Law School called Vs. All-Odds and in 2021 she expanded her scholarship to Windsor Law School, where students who have overcome extreme personal adversity are provided with financial aid and celebrated for making it to law school like Jordana did: “against all odds.”
CRIMINAL DEFENCE LAWYER
P: 647.388.9747
E: jgoldlist@jhgcriminallaw.com
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Katrina Friesen
Katrina moved from her hometown in Manitoba in 2013 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Dance Performance from Toronto Metropolitan University. After a short career as a performer, producer, and teacher, Katrina was inspired to become a lawyer while working as a visiting arts educator in elementary and high schools across Northwestern Canada. She worked in the most rural and remote regions of British Columbia, Alberta, and the Northwest Territories delivering workshops to youth labelled “at risk” due to their involvement in the criminal justice system, child protection proceedings, or other high-stakes situations. She joined the inaugural class at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University in 2020. While in law school, she launched the Pro Bono Students Canada Chapter, spearheading dozens of projects that provided free legal information to individuals facing barriers to justice. Upon graduating with her Juris Doctor with Distinction in 2023, Katrina was awarded the Justice Rosalie Silberman Abella Prize, which is presented annually to one student at each law school who is most likely to positively influence equity and social justice in Canada or globally upon graduation.
Katrina looks forward to assisting youth and adults facing serious criminal charges. She has a particular interest in defending those who have been subject to warrantless searches by police. Katrina is committed to fighting for a fair process for her clients in the criminal justice system and reducing the stress the system can impose as
much as possible.
ASSOCIATE
P: 204.461.2833
E: kfriesen@jhgcriminallaw.com
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DENA CASTRO
Ms. Castro began her legal career as lead librarian at a Bay Street law firm. Recognizing her passion for the practical application of the law, she transitioned her career to become a paralegal. In her subsequent role, she was a Senior Paralegal, Agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. She worked tirelessly for 11 years before deciding to bring her skills and passion to the defence.
Ms. Castro believes that every individual should have their voices heard while accessing justice. Regardless of one’s background, circumstances, or status, accessing justice must be upheld. It is our collective responsibility to foster a society where justice is not a privilege but a universal right.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the legal profession, Ms. Castro was honoured by the Law Society of Ontario as a distinguished paralegal in 2017. This accolade is a testament to her professionalism, integrity, and dedication.
SENIOR PARALEGAL
P: 905.518.1784
E: dcastro@jhgcriminallaw.com
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Taylor Barbesin
Taylor is a dedicated Criminal Defence Paralegal with a diverse legal background. Beginning a career in civil litigation, Taylor transitioned seamlessly into criminal law where she leverages her comprehensive experience to navigate the intricacies of the legal system.
Taylor graduated from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, with a dual specialization in Criminology and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Thereafter, she received her Paralegal Diploma from Durham College.
Beyond the courtroom, Taylor is passionate about sharing knowledge and shaping the next generation of legal professionals. As a part-time professor at Durham College, she enthusiastically imparts wisdom and practical insights to aspiring paralegals, nurturing their skills and understanding of the field.
Taylor’s commitment to justice extends beyond casework, advocating passionately for fairness and equity within the legal system. With a unique blend of practical experience and academic expertise, Taylor stands as a guiding force, both in the courtroom and the classroom.
PARALEGAL
P: 289.893.0665
E: tbarbesin@jhgcriminallaw.com