Leonard has been practicing criminal law for over fifty years. In 1974, he was one of the founding members of the Defence Counsel Association of Ottawa and served as its first President.

Michael pursued his lifelong dream of becoming a Barrister-at-Law at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law, where he graduated with Great Distinction in 2009. He was awarded the Gabe Burkhart Memorial Award in Criminal Law as the graduating student with the highest cumulative average in criminal law courses.

Among lawyers, Jeylan’s story is unique. Jeylan lived in Ankara, Turkey for the early portion of her childhood, before immigrating to Canada mid-way through elementary school.