Elena Ryland

As a member of the Strategic Criminal Defence team, my role as a criminal defence lawyer is fueled by a profound commitment to advocate for my clients with unparalleled zeal and creativity. My journey in law began at the University of Alberta, where my dedication to criminal law and advocacy skills took root, guided by both academic rigor and practical experiences.

During my time at university, I was deeply involved with the Student Legal Services Criminal Law Project (SLS), an organization dedicated to assisting those facing economic hardships within the criminal justice system. My roles evolved from an in-court advocate to supervising other law students, laying the groundwork for my profound engagement with criminal law.

My advocacy skills were honed through competitions that tested my mettle and passion for the field. Participating in the Deans’ Cup Moot in my first year and representing my university at the Gale Cup Moot during my final year were pivotal experiences, sharpening my abilities in criminal and constitutional law debates.

Before joining Strategic Criminal Defence, my legal apprenticeship was served at a prominent criminal defence firm in Edmonton. This phase of my career exposed me to a spectrum of complex cases, from murder and sexual assault to kidnapping and drug trafficking, enriching my expertise and resilience in handling serious criminal charges.

An interesting chapter of my career was my stint as a summer student with the Alberta Crown Prosecution Services. This experience afforded me a dual perspective of the criminal justice system, enhancing my strategic approach to defence by understanding prosecutorial tactics.

At the core of my practice is a personalized approach to each case, recognizing the unique circumstances and needs of every client. My diverse experiences across different facets of the criminal justice system have equipped me with the tools to devise innovative and impactful defence strategies.

Now, as part of Strategic Criminal Defence, I am committed to upholding the rights and interests of my clients across a broad array of charges, from sexual offences and domestic violence to drug-related crimes and theft. My membership in the Law Society of Alberta, alongside affiliations with Legal Aid Alberta and local defence lawyers' associations, underscores my commitment to legal excellence and advocacy.

With a foundation in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Calgary, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta, my educational background complements my practical experience, allowing me to serve my clients with both knowledge and passion.