Heather Leslie Gunter

Heather is an experienced criminal defence lawyer. She is a skilled, intelligent and empathetic advocate who fights for her clients with creativity and reason. She is dedicated to obtaining the best possible outcome in every case.

Heather’s background in science gives her a strong competitive advantage in the changing legal landscape, where scientific evidence has become increasingly relevant in many cases that come before the courts. She is skilled at assisting clients who are facing criminal charges that engage evidence in the areas of forensics, technology, and mental health.

Heather has a special interest in youth justice and assisting young people who have become involved in the criminal justice system, particularly those also facing educational sanctions such as suspensions and expulsions. She has experience conducting appeals of expulsions under Ontario’s Education Act , including pursuing outcomes for her clients through mediation .

She also works with clients who face mental health challenges. She has experience navigating Not Criminally Responsible (NCR) designations before the criminal courts and assisting clients who are before the civil mental health system.

Heather has experience representing victims of crimes, including victims of uncharged crimes. She has helped these clients seeking peace bonds (the equivalent of restraining orders), and assisted clients with every stage of private prosecutions , including representing clients at pre-enquete hearings. She also represents complainants in criminal proceedings.

Heather is a strong advocate for Indigenous rights in criminal and public law. Prior to joining Ruby Shiller Enenajor, Heather worked on Indigenous and constitutional law projects involving water, treaties, and governance. She continues to advocate for these rights through the representation of her Indigenous clients.