Brian Greenspan

Brian H. Greenspan, born amidst the scenic backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario on March 14, 1947, has established himself as a titan in the legal landscape of Canada. His journey began at the University of Toronto, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1968, followed by a Law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1971. Greenspan further honed his legal expertise at the London School of Economics, earning his Master of Laws in 1972. His official entry into the legal profession came in 1974 when he was called to the Bar.

Greenspan's career is marked by a blend of academia and practice. He served as an educator in the field of Criminal Justice at Osgoode Hall Law School from 1977 to 1984, imparting wisdom to the next generation of legal minds. His educational contributions continued as a special lecturer in Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Toronto Law School from 1984 to 1998. These teaching roles underscore his commitment to nurturing legal talent and his belief in the power of education.

In his professional sphere, Greenspan shines as a senior partner at the esteemed Toronto firm Greenspan, Humphrey, Weinstein. He is not the only luminary in his family; his late brother Edward Greenspan was also a renowned figure in Canadian law. His sister, Rosann Greenspan, served as the Executive Director of the Center for Law and Society at the University of California, Berkeley. His personal life is equally fulfilling, shared with his wife Marla Berger. They are parents to Jared and Jenna Greenspan and proud grandparents to Lucy, Greta, Sam, and Oliver.

Greenspan's leadership qualities have been evident throughout his career. He presided over the Criminal Lawyers' Association (Ontario) from 1989 to 1993 and was the inaugural Chair of the Canadian Council of Criminal Defence Lawyers from 1992 to 1996. His legal prowess is recognized internationally, evidenced by his status as a Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers and Litigation Counsel of America. His skill in oral advocacy earned him the Douglas K. Laidlaw Medal in 2002, and in 2010, he was honored with the G. Arthur Martin Medal for his significant contributions to criminal justice in Canada.

In 2012, the Law Society of Upper Canada acknowledged his contributions with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The following year, Greenspan's alma mater, Osgoode Hall, awarded him the Alumni Gold Key for Achievement. His hometown of Niagara Falls bestowed upon him the "Key to the City," and the University of Toronto recognized him as an "Alumni of Influence." The Toronto Lawyers Association honored him with the Award of Distinction in 2020, a year that also saw him serve as the Milvain Chair in Advocacy at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law and receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from Chambers Canada.

Greenspan's influence extends beyond the courtroom. He is a dedicated member of the Board of Directors of Innocence Canada and is consistently recognized in The International Who's Who of Business Crime Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in Canada. His expertise in White Collar Crime is renowned, as evidenced by his Band 1 ranking in Chambers Canada. His stature in the legal community is further highlighted by being named one of the 25 Most Influential Lawyers in Canada by Canadian Lawyer Magazine on three separate occasions.

Greenspan's clientele is as diverse as it is prominent, ranging from figures in sports, entertainment, and corporate sectors to individuals facing serious criminal charges. Among his notable clients are Peter Nygard, Alan Eagleson, Naomi Campbell, Myron Gottlieb, Cathy Smith, Rob Ramage, Omar Khadr, and companies like Armour Pharmaceutical Company and Philip Morris International. His legal acumen has led to significant outcomes in cases involving insider trading, tax evasion, murder charges, and more, solidifying his reputation as a preeminent figure in Canadian law.