Karen Symes is a principal lawyer at Morphew Symes Barristers. She obtained her law degree at University of London, Queen Mary College, where she graduated with First Class Honours. Karen then received a Masters of Law from the University of Toronto, with a focus on constitutional law, human dignity and equality.

Karen was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2013. Her practice focuses on complex criminal trials and appeals. Karen brings a thoughtful and creative approach to every case and has obtained success by thinking outside of the box and advancing novel legal arguments. Karen regularly appears before all levels of court in Ontario. Karen has conducted many homicide, gun, drugs, and violent offence cases. She also appears before quasi-criminal and regulatory tribunals. Karen passionately advocates for prisoners’ rights and against the use of solitary confinement.

Prior to practicing at Morphew Symes Barristers, Karen worked at a prominent criminal law firm in Toronto. She obtained her B.A. (Hons.) in Philosophy and English Literature at McGill University and is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association.

When not defending her clients, Karen is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where she teaches Criminal Law in the Criminology Department. Karen also spends her time fostering future dog guide puppies (who are known to be in the office and in court alongside Karen).