LEORA SHEMESH
Barrister and Solicitor
Leora Shemesh graduated Osgoode Hall Law School in 2000.
Ms. Shemesh was the winner of the Gale Cup Mooting Competition and the winner of the Criminal Law - Stephen Leggett award.
Ms. Shemesh initially articled for Greenspan Humphrey Levine and then went on to complete her articles with Paul Burstein. Ms. Shemesh was a partner at the law firm of Neuberger Rose LLP, before she opened her own law practice in 2006.
MORE ABOUT LEORA SHEMESH

Ms. Shemesh’s practice for many years focused on search warrants. Ms. Shemesh has appeared at all levels of Court, and continues to maintain a busy practice focusing on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and defending her client’s constitutional rights. Ms. Shemesh has been a part of groundbreaking cases involving the legalization of marijuana in the now infamous case of Regina v. Hitzig. She had challenged the limits of strip searches on women in York Region and she has vigorously defended many clients defending their constitutional rights to privacy, and security. Ms. Shemesh’ practice focuses on search warrants, search and seizure and the police use of excessive force. Ms. Shemesh defends all of her clients vigorously and persuasively with compassion and passion.
Ms. Shemesh was an educator with the Toronto Advocates Society and the Young lawyers’ Criminal Lawyers Association and has guest lectured at Osgoode Hall Law School. Ms. Shemesh often assists young criminal lawyers in Toronto with mentorship and guidance.
Ms Shemesh continues to argue extremely serious cases including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder and various guns and gangs offenses. More recently - Ms Shemesh has been successful in various homicide cases including Regina v. Jabril Abdalla. She has been extremely successful in defending those charged with the most serious offenses in the Criminal Code of Canada. In addition, Ms Shemesh is the Vice President of the Abraham Global Peace Initiative a ground breaking organization that seeks to combat racism and antisemitism on a global scale.
Leora Shemesh Named One of Toronto Life’s Top 50 Most Influential Torontonians of 2025 (Rank 46)
In Toronto Life’s annual “The Influentials 2025,” Leora Shemesh, a distinguished criminal lawyer, was recognized as one of the city’s most impactful figures, earning the No. 46 spot on the list. Toronto Life’s ranking celebrates individuals whose influence, leadership and achievements have shaped Toronto’s civic, cultural and professional landscape over the past year.
Shemesh’s selection reflects her significant presence in high-profile legal arenas throughout 2025. In September, she secured a notable acquittal for Toronto city councillor Michael Thompson, who faced serious allegations of sexual assault. Building on that momentum, she took over lead counsel for Frank Stronach, the 93-year-old Magna billionaire also accused on multiple counts of sexual assault. Her strategic legal advocacy has included successfully persuading the courts to bifurcate what began as a single trial into two separate proceedings, with Stronach’s cases set for judge-only hearings in Toronto and Newmarket beginning in February 2026.
Toronto Life points to Shemesh’s courtroom successes and her prominence in major legal matters as key reasons for her inclusion on the 2025 list. The profile also notes her connections within broader cultural circles, underscoring the intersection of her professional influence and social visibility.
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