Criminal Defence Lawyers

Nicholas Charitsis is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (with distinction) from the Schulich School of Business at York University, graduating in the top 5% of his class.

Mr. Charitsis has extensive experience as a criminal defence lawyer, and has appeared in thousands of cases in the criminal courts since 2004. Mr. Charitsis has often been interviewed by major news outlets reporting on his cases, and has appeared as a guest speaker on multiple radio stations to discuss issues in criminal law ranging from Impaired Driving, Sexual Assault, and Domestic Assault charges.

Nicholas has appeared as counsel in the:

• Ontario Court of Justice
• Superior Court of Justice and the
• Ontario Court of Appeal

Nicholas has worked as an Assistant Crown Attorney for the Attorney General’s office at the Old City Hall, College Park, 1000 Finch, and 311 Jarvis Courthouses in Toronto.

Over the course of his practice Nicholas appeared as counsel in thousands of contested trials for impaired driving, Dangerous Driving, Failure to Provide Breath Sample, Sexual Assault, Sexual Interference, Assault, and Domestic assault charges with favourable resolutions and wins for his clients.

Mr. Charitsis does volunteer work with the Caribbean Children’s Foundation, Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, and regularly participates in the Run for Southlake Regional Health Centre.

Due to Nicks experience in criminal law, and long service to the legal community, the Attorney General of Ontario appointed Nick as the Chairman of the Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee.

Mr. Goodman graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School where he earned his LLB (Bachelor of Law) Degree in 2005.

Thereafter, Mr. Goodman successfully completed his articles in a mid-sized criminal law firm. Upon being called to the Bar of Ontario in 2006, Mr. Goodman was employed as an associate for a mid-level criminal law office, where he immediately commenced extensive trial work.

Mr. Goodman has appeared in all levels of court in the Province of Ontario, and has successfully represented clients in charges ranging from theft under and Driving Offences to Murder. Mr. Goodman takes all charges seriously and defends his clients with a rigorous zeal.

His main priority is providing the best assistance to all those in need of a defence.

In addition to his extensive courtroom experience, Mr. Goodman has participated in High School Q & A forums and has been a guest speaker at the Superior Court of Justice, 361 University, where he has repeatedly spoken to students about his profession and current legal topics.

Jeffrey Berman is a criminal trial lawyer who has successfully litigated cases at every level of court in Ontario.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Berman has defended all types of criminal cases including murder, criminal organization offences, fraud, robbery, drug trafficking, firearms and firearms trafficking, and perjury. Mr. Berman takes a vigorous and creative approach to defending all of his clients’ interests and has extensive experience in Charter of Rights litigation.

Mr. Berman graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School where he earned his Law Degree in 2005. He articled at a Bay Street law firm before shifting to criminal law. Prior to law school, Mr. Berman graduated with an honours degree in Commerce. Since 2006, Mr. Berman has exclusively practiced criminal law.

In addition to his trial work, Mr. Berman regularly mentors articling students as well as students taking part in legal argument competitions and co-op programs.

Vadim Paskarou is a graduate of Queens University, Doctor of Law (JD), and York University where he earned an Honors BA in the field of Criminology and Psychology.

Mr. Paskarou has extensive criminal law experience. After graduating from Queens University Law School he articled with the criminal defence law firm of Edward H. Royle and partners.

Soon after completing his articles, Vadim worked at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada as a federal Crown attorney at the Newmarket Court.

Mr. Paskarou currently works in association with Charitsis Law Criminal Defence Lawyers as a trial lawyer where he litigates several criminal matters, including for his own clients, at the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice throughout Toronto and the GTA.

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Ms. Etwaroo is an associate lawyer at Charitsis Law.

Ms. Etwaroo received her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School. During her time at Osgoode, Ms. Etwaroo worked as a caseworker at Community & Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP) where she managed her own criminal law files. She gained extensive experience representing clients in the Ontario Court of Justice on a variety of different legal issues. Prior to beginning her legal studies, Ms. Etwaroo graduated with an honours degree in Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University.

Ms. Etwaroo completed her articles at a well-respected criminal law firm in Toronto. During her articles, she worked on a wide range of both trial and appellate criminal matters. Ms. Etwaroo has experience assisting on provincial and federal matters such as homicide, sexual assault, impaired driving, drug offences, and firearm offences.

Ms. Etwaroo is passionate about advocacy and is committed to providing quality and effective representation for all of her clients. She will work tirelessly and diligently to protect their rights while fighting to obtain the best possible outcome for them.

William Hebert-Vendramini earned his Juris Doctor from Queen’s University. At Queen’s University, Mr. Vendramini’s desire to help those in need led him to becoming a student caseworker at Queen’s Legal Aid (QLA).

At QLA he learned to advocate on behalf of vulnerable individuals and navigate the challenges of representing clients with mental or physical health issues. During this time, Mr. Vendramini also conducted presentations to student groups and non-profit organizations on a variety of topics to raise awareness of the legal services being offered around the community. Prior to beginning his legal studies, Mr. Vendramini earned a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from Bishop’s University.

Mr. Vendramini completed his articling at a smaller criminal and family law firm in St-Catharines, Ontario. While articling, Mr. Vendramini worked on files relating to firearms offences, drug offences, sexual assault, breaking and entering, fraud and much more. To ensure quality legal service, Mr. Vendramini approaches representation in a way that uniquely caters to the specific needs and circumstances of each person.

Mr. Vendramini is known for working hard to obtain the best possible outcome in every case, communicating closely with clients to ensure they remain involved at every step of their defence.

Yamini Harish is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Criminal Lawyers Association.

Ms. Harish is an associate at Charitsis Law. She received her Bachelor’s in Law and Arts in India. In India Yamini worked in the dispute resolution team at a leading Indian law firm representing domestic and international clients in diverse litigation and arbitration proceedings.

Ms. Harish completed her articles with Goodman & Berman, Barristers. She assisted the firm in provincial and federal matters including sex assaults, domestic assaults, impaired driving, and drug offences. Ms. Harish provides quality representation to her clients by being dedicated, thorough, and incisive. She is fluent in Hindi and Kannada.

Parvin Thako works in association with Charitsis Law Criminal Lawyers. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, where she also gained hands-on experience working at a prominent criminal defence law firm and attending the Ontario Court of Justice regularly. Through this role, she developed extensive skills in client representation and in drafting Charter applications on a variety of complex legal issues.

Before pursuing her legal studies, Ms. Thakor graduated with high distinction in Political Science and Criminology from the University of Toronto. She began her articling journey at a well-respected Ottawa law firm and completed it at Goodman and Berman. During her articles, she worked on a broad spectrum of criminal cases, including those involving homicide, sexual assault, impaired driving, drug offences, and firearm offences. In Ottawa, she also contributed to cases involving unique criminal law issues, such as the convoy protest and COVID-19 regulations.

Ms. Thakor is deeply committed to advocacy and effective legal representation. She strives to achieve the best possible outcomes in every case and maintains regular communication with her clients, ensuring they remain well-informed and engaged throughout their defence process. She is fluent in English, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujarati.

Daniel Jenner – Senior Paralegal

Specializing in the Highway Traffic Act and the Provincial Offences Act of Ontario, Daniel brings experience and expertise that has been instrumental to many happy clients.

As a senior paralegal his background is in helping clients dealing with serious matters such as stunt driving charges, appeals, licence reinstatements & suspensions.

Brittainy McGillis is a licensed paralegal with the Law Society of Ontario, since 2014. She graduated from Nipissing University with her Bachelor of Arts Honors in History and Sociology with focus on criminal justice. She then attended Paralegal College in Barrie, Ontario with honors and a 90% average.

Growing up in Muskoka she knew that with law being her passion and wanting to help her community that her goal would be to open a legal services firm.

After working with a senior paralegal in the Ontario Provincial Act sector. Brittainy opened McGillis Legal in 2018. Since then she has litigated cases with regards to Ontario Highway Traffic Act, Dog Owner’s Liability Act, Ministry of Natural Resources (Hunting & Fishing), Animal Welfare, Small Vessel Regulations & Fire Prevention. She is also a stand in Assistant Prosecutor (in conflict cases) for the Attorney General for Provincial Offences Act matters.

Brittany is involved in community events with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Muskoka, has worked with the Canadian Cancer Society Relay for LIke Team, and regularly participates in the annual Bracebridge Firefighter Food Drive.

Brittainy is excited to be teaming up with Charitsis Law Muskoka Criminal Lawyers to bring some more options to local defendants facing criminal charges in Muskoka & Parry Sound. She will be meeting with clients in our Huntsville satellite location.

Melody Stone – Senior Law Clerk and Office Manager

Melody has more than 25 years experience working in a criminal law firm environment. Ms. Stone graduated from post secondary Legal Assistant and Law clerk programs. She provides administrative support for all the Lawyers and Paralegals at Charitsis Law: Managing Trust Account Ledgers, PC Law Accounting, Client Accounts, Law Society of Ontario spot Audits and updating clients about their court matters by request.

Melody facilitates client intake by preparing retainer agreements and all other administrative documents that are required for court, giving more time for our lawyers to focus on the legal aspects of each file.