Narwal Litigation LLP, headed by Joven Narwal and his partner Cheryl D'Sa, is among the Top Criminal Law Boutiques for 2024–25 as unveiled by Canadian Lawyer. Canadian Lawyer is celebrating the best criminal law firms nationwide, which have been pushing the boundaries of complex and emerging legal issues, exploring the intersection between criminal law and social marginalization, and developing extensive capabilities beyond domestic criminal law. Narwal Litigation LLP, based in Western Canada, stands out among 52 nominees by changing the game on white-collar crime. The firm’s lawyers litigate cases involving extraditions, mutual legal assistance, domestic prosecutions, and constitutional attacks to litigation and investigative techniques. “We bring the same intensity to defending professionals facing potentially career-ending action as we do in defending our clients’ liberty in criminal cases,” Joven Narwal, the firm’s founding partner, told Canadian Lawyer.

By R. Paul Dhillon – Editor DESIBUZZCanada

VANCOUVER - Narwal Litigation LLP, headed by Joven Narwal and his partner Cheryl D'Sa, is among the Top Criminal Law Boutiques for 2024–25 as unveiled by Canadian Lawyer.

Canadian Lawyer is celebrating the best criminal law firms nationwide, which have been pushing the boundaries of complex and emerging legal issues, exploring the intersection between criminal law and social marginalization, and developing extensive capabilities beyond domestic criminal law.

Narwal Litigation LLP, based in Western Canada, stands out among 52 nominees by changing the game on white-collar crime. The firm’s lawyers litigate cases involving extraditions, mutual legal assistance, domestic prosecutions, and constitutional attacks to litigation and investigative techniques.

“We bring the same intensity to defending professionals facing potentially career-ending action as we do in defending our clients’ liberty in criminal cases,” Joven Narwal, the firm’s founding partner, told Canadian Lawyer.

The firm challenges certain kinds of witnesses and advocates against programs that incentivize providing unreliable information. It navigates investigations into white-collar crime and organized crime with an understanding of administrative, criminal, and constitutional laws and with insight into capital markets.

The husband and wife team of Joven Narwal and Cheryl D'Sa were also recently recognized among 26 BC lawyers with the King's counsel (KC) designation for exceptional contributions to the legal profession in British Columbia. 

"The King's counsel designation serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication and contributions these lawyers have made to our legal landscape," said Niki Sharma, KC, Attorney General. "It signifies an elevated standing among peers and clients, showcasing their unwavering commitment to unparalleled service and expertise. I'm honoured to recognize this esteemed group for their invaluable impact on our community, and on the B.C. justice system."

Narwal, who is the son of well known Notary Public Pritpal Naewal, is a prominent trial and appellate lawyer known for handling high-stakes cases, specializing in criminal and securities litigation, professional regulation and complex civil matters with criminal aspects. 

As a partner at his firm, and an adjunct professor at UBC Allard School of Law, Narwal is immersed in legal academia and practice. He actively contributes to advisory committees to promote inclusive policies and, notably, he was the first IBPOC president of the Vancouver Bar Association (VBA). Through his work with the VBA, he championed raising funds for Access Pro Bono and the Lawyers' Assistance Program.

Narwal’s partner D'Sa is a civil litigator and mediator who is recognized for her expertise in personal injury cases, often being asked to speak or lecture on the topic. D'Sa is engaged extensively with the Canadian Bar Association B.C. (CBABC) branch and was the first female IBPOC president of the Vancouver Bar Association. 

 “We are both deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Attorney General. It is especially meaningful because it was announced today on my father, Pritpal Singh Narwal’s, birthday who passed away earlier this year,” Joven Narwal told DESIBUZZCanada.

The winning firms include Narwal Litigation LLP, Neuberger & Partners LLP, Addario Law Group LLP, AGP LLP, and Edelson Foord Law.

Neuberger & Partners LLP, a winning Toronto firm, is shaping the boundaries of criminal defence, including in the areas of sexual and domestic assault. The firm is putting out a podcast that aims to broaden engagement with lawyers and others interacting with the courts.

“Success is not just about advancing clients’ rights and winning in court, but also making a difference,” says Joseph Neuberger, a partner at the firm. “We’ve tackled cases like abuse against men, bringing this social issue to the forefront.”

The firm also takes pride in its culture of philanthropy and makes a point of giving back to the community through fundraisers.

Edelson Foord Law, a winning Ottawa firm, focuses on nurturing young talent and on raising the bar for future generations. The firm has a reputation for protecting those in grave situations and has credibility with prosecutors and judges alike.

“Clients come to us in dire circumstances with many things on the line, including their freedom; we approach every case with that in mind and take seriously their profound trust in us,” says Brandon Crawford, a partner at the firm.