SPBarristers is comprised of experienced criminal law and regulatory litigation lawyers who are committed to providing exceptional legal representation. Our team combines extensive courtroom experience with strategic thinking to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Susan Pennypacker, Criminal Lawyer

Susan Pennypacker

Partner, Criminal Law & Regulatory Litigation

Call to Bar: Ontario, 2008

Education: J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School, York University

Languages: English


Susan Pennypacker is a highly respected criminal lawyer and regulatory litigation specialist with over 20 years of experience practicing law in Ontario. She has built a reputation as a formidable advocate who combines meticulous preparation with skilled courtroom advocacy to achieve exceptional results for her clients.


Areas of Expertise

  • Complex criminal litigation and white-collar crime
  • Regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings
  • Professional discipline and licensing matters
  • Securities law enforcement and compliance
  • Privacy law and data breach response
  • Criminal and regulatory appeals

Professional Experience

Susan has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. She has extensive experience representing individuals and corporations in complex criminal matters, regulatory investigations, and professional discipline proceedings.

Prior to founding SPBarristers, Susan practiced with leading criminal law firms in Toronto, where she developed expertise in defending serious criminal charges including fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and other white-collar offenses. She has also represented clients before various regulatory bodies including the Ontario Securities Commission, Law Society of Ontario, and other professional regulatory colleges.


Notable Cases and Recognition

Susan has been involved in several high-profile criminal and regulatory matters that have shaped Canadian law. Her strategic approach and thorough preparation have resulted in numerous successful outcomes, including acquittals in complex fraud cases, successful appeals, and favorable regulatory settlements.

She is regularly consulted by other lawyers on complex criminal law and regulatory matters and has been recognized by her peers for her expertise and professionalism.


Professional Involvement

  • Member, Law Society of Ontario
  • Member, Criminal Lawyers' Association
  • Member, The Advocates' Society
  • Former member, Ontario Bar Association Criminal Law Section Executive

Community Involvement

Susan is committed to access to justice and has provided pro bono legal services throughout her career. She has also mentored junior lawyers and law students, sharing her expertise and passion for criminal law advocacy.



James Silver, Criminal Lawyer

James Silver

Founder/Partner, Criminal Law & Appeals

Call to Bar: Ontario, 1995

Education: LL.B., University of Toronto Faculty of Law

Languages: English, French


James Silver is an accomplished criminal lawyer with over 25 years of experience in criminal defense and appellate advocacy. Known for his analytical approach and persuasive advocacy skills, James has successfully represented clients in a wide range of criminal matters, from summary offenses to the most serious indictable charges.


Areas of Expertise

  • Criminal defense litigation at all court levels
  • Appellate advocacy and constitutional law
  • Impaired driving and traffic offenses
  • Domestic violence and assault charges
  • Drug offenses and trafficking charges
  • Youth criminal justice matters
  • Charter applications and constitutional challenges

Professional Experience

James has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Appeal. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of criminal law, with particular expertise in appellate advocacy and complex constitutional issues.

Before joining SPBarristers, James practiced criminal law with boutique criminal defense firms in Toronto, where he developed a reputation for thorough case preparation and effective courtroom advocacy. He has successfully defended clients charged with serious offenses including sexual assault, robbery, drug trafficking, and fraud.


Appellate Advocacy

James has particular expertise in criminal appeals and has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal on numerous occasions. His appellate practice includes conviction appeals, sentence appeals, and applications for fresh evidence. He has achieved successful outcomes in complex appeals involving Charter issues, evidentiary matters, and sentencing principles.


Constitutional Law and Charter Applications

James has extensive experience with Charter applications and constitutional challenges. He has successfully argued applications under sections 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 24 of the Charter, resulting in excluded evidence and stayed proceedings. His understanding of constitutional principles and their practical application in criminal cases has benefited numerous clients.


Notable Achievements

James has been involved in several significant cases that have contributed to the development of criminal law in Ontario. His careful legal research and persuasive advocacy have resulted in important precedents in areas including search and seizure law, right to counsel, and sentencing principles.


Professional Involvement

  • Member, Law Society of Ontario
  • Member, Criminal Lawyers' Association
  • Member, The Advocates' Society
  • Volunteer lawyer, Pro Bono Ontario

Legal Writing and Education

James has contributed to legal publications and has spoken at continuing legal education seminars on topics including criminal appeals, Charter applications, and impaired driving law. He is committed to staying current with legal developments and sharing knowledge with the legal community.


Approach to Client Service

James believes in providing clients with clear, honest advice about their legal situation and options. He takes the time to explain complex legal concepts in understandable terms and ensures that clients are fully informed throughout the legal process. His compassionate approach, combined with aggressive advocacy, has earned him the trust and respect of clients and colleagues alike.


Our Collaborative Approach

While Susan and James each bring their own areas of expertise and experience, they work collaboratively on complex matters to ensure clients receive the benefit of their combined knowledge and skills. This team approach allows SPBarristers to handle the most challenging criminal law and regulatory matters while providing personalized attention to each client.

Why Choose SPBarristers

Extensive Experience

Our lawyers have decades of combined experience in criminal law and regulatory litigation, with appearances before all levels of court in Ontario.

Strategic Thinking

We approach each case strategically, identifying the best defense options and developing comprehensive litigation strategies tailored to each client's situation.

Proven Results

Our track record includes successful outcomes in complex criminal trials, regulatory proceedings, and appeals, including acquittals, stayed proceedings, and reduced charges.

Client-Focused Service

We provide personalized attention to each client, ensuring clear communication and keeping clients informed throughout the legal process.

Professional Recognition

Our lawyers are respected by their peers and have been recognized for their expertise, professionalism, and contributions to the legal community.

Comprehensive Expertise

From summary offenses to the most serious criminal charges, from regulatory investigations to Supreme Court appeals, we have the expertise to handle any legal challenge.

Professional Standards and Ethics

Both Susan and James are committed to the highest standards of professional conduct and ethics. They maintain comprehensive professional liability insurance and comply with all Law Society of Ontario requirements for continuing professional development and client service standards.

All client communications are strictly confidential and protected by solicitor-client privilege. Our lawyers understand the sensitive nature of criminal and regulatory matters and provide discreet, professional representation while aggressively advocating for clients' rights and interests.

Contact Our Experienced Legal Team

If you are facing criminal charges or regulatory proceedings, contact SPBarristers today to discuss your case with our experienced lawyers.

Schedule a Consultation