Saul B. Simmonds, QC
“The criminal justice system can be intimidating, confusing, and stressful, especially for someone charged for the first time. I take great satisfaction in helping clients navigate the system; and I take great pride in the fact that I take the time to learn about the latest developments in science and technology that can strengthen your defence.”
Saul Simmonds, a Founding Partner of Gindin Wolson Simmonds Roitenberg, has been practising criminal law since 1980.
He has represented clients in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. Throughout his career, Saul has been called upon as a presenter and panellist for various events. He has published on Charter remedies in criminal law. He has lectured on gang violence; the role of DNA in the courts; disclosure; impaired driving; sexual assault; wiretaps, and other topics of concern in criminal defence law. Saul has many years of experience defending complex drug cases, including recent experience defending people charged under Canada’s 2018 Cannabis Act.
As a passionate advocate for his clients, he vigorously challenges warrants and searches to ensure that no client’s rights have been violated. He is an experienced litigator with deep knowledge of Canadian law, the desire to help clients navigate the complexities of the justice system, and the willingness to explain every stage of the process to his clients with patience and understanding.
Education
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Manitoba, 1980
- A.J. Christie Prize for Litigation (1979)
- Solomon Greenberg Litigation Prize (1979)
- Remedies Prize (1980)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Manitoba, 1977
- Thomas Grey Chown Scholarship in English Studies (1974)
- Isbister Undergraduate Scholarship for Highest Standing (1976)
- Edith Rose Berger Scholarship in Judaic Studies (1977)
- George Mower Memorial Prize in Psychology (1977)
- University of Manitoba Gold Medal, Arts General (1977)
Work History
- 1995–present | Founding Partner, Gindin Wolson Simmonds Roitenberg
- 1986–1995 | Partner, Walsh Micay and Company
- 1980–1985 | Associate, Walsh Micay and Company
Memberships
- Manitoba Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba (Former President)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Litigation Counsel of America
- Crown Defense Criminal Law Conference (Co-chair)
- International Society of Barristers (Fellow)
- American College of Trial Lawyers
- National College for DUI Defense
Selected Professional Highlights
- “Top Ten Things Every Lawyer Should Know about Criminal Law”, Webinar Presenter, Law Society of Manitoba (topics included sexual activity, cannabis, and privileged communication) (2019)
- Delivered a lecture on new impaired driving legislation—covering alcohol and drugs, including cannabis—at the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Law (2018)
- Successfully appealed the conviction of Mark Edward Grant for a 1984 murder by exposing flaws in the DNA evidence originally used to convict him (2017)
- Among the first recipients of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association of Manitoba Award of Merit for excellence in the practice of criminal defence law
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® since 2006, twice earning the publication’s Lawyer of the Year designation
- Has defended clients successfully at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada
- “Gangs, Violence Crime and the System”, Panellist, Resource Assistance for Youth
- “Pre-Trials in the Provincial Court System”, Panellist, Provincial Court Judges Conference
- “Recent Developments in the Law of Impaired Driving”, Presenter, Manitoba Bar Association Criminal Justice Subsection
- “Defending a DNA Case: Historic Cases and their Issues”, Presenter, Legal Aid Manitoba
- “Procedures for Challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms”, Presenter, Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench Judges Conference
- “Impaired Driving: Defences and the Law”, Presenter, Manitoba Law Society Continuing Legal Education
- Counsel to seven families in the 1994 inquiry into 12 deaths at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre (Manitoba Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Inquest)
Outside of Law
Saul is a former triathlete and has served in executive positions with Triathlon Manitoba and Triathlon Canada. He twice completed the “Ironman Canada” competition in Penticton, B.C. In 2017, he won the Manitoba Marathon’s half-marathon for his age category. Saul is also an avid cyclist who logs thousands of kilometres every year.
Our Lawyers
Jeffrey J. Gindin, QC
Jeff is one of the founding partners of this firm and and has been a trial lawyer since 1971. He will fight tirelessly for his clients with passion, skill, and creativity in order to achieve the best possible results.
Richard J. Wolson, QC
Richard Wolson is a skilled, bold, and relentless cross-examiner who represents his clients with focus and determination.
Saul B. Simmonds, QC
Practising criminal law since 1980, Saul is an experienced litigator with deep knowledge of Canadian law.
Evan J. Roitenberg, LLB
Evan is deeply committed to protecting the rights of the accused and is routinely called upon to lecture and present on the art of cross-examination.
Laura Robinson, BA, LLB
Laura has experience dealing with all manner of offences, which has included violent crimes, property offences, drug offences, driving offences, and weapons offences.
Daniel A. Wolson, BA, LLB
Daniel strives to get the best possible results for his clients, having secured acquittals at all levels of court throughout Manitoba.
Kevin Minuk, BA, LLB
Kevin Minuk received his call to the bar in 2014 and has been practising exclusively in the area of criminal law.
Shimon R. Segal, BA, JD
Shimon was called to the bar and hired as an associate in 2015. His practice has grown to include immigration law and criminal law.
Adam R. Hodge, B.Comm (Hons), JD
Adam Hodge received his call to the bar in May 2016 and practises primarily in the area of criminal defence.
Caitlin MacDonald, BA, JD
Caitlin represents clients facing all types of criminal and quasi-criminal charges and strives to provide expertise, guidance, and compassion.
Winnipeg-based criminal lawyers dedicated to your best defence.