Cynthia Fromstein received her LL.B. from the University of Victoria Law School in 1980 and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1983. Ms. Fromstein completed a B.A. at the University of Toronto.
Cynthia Fromstein practices criminal law exclusively. Ms. Fromstein has over thirty years of extensive trial experience in areas including domestic and sexual assaults, morality charges (indecent act, possession child pornography), homicide and drug charges, as well as forensic cases involving defendants with mental illness. Cynthia Fromstein has been previously retained by the Attorney General to cross-examine young persons in sexual assault cases and to represent complainants challenging a third party records application.
Cynthia Fromstein is devoted to her clients in providing compassionate, professional advice and in fighting to achieve success in each case. Ms. Fromstein brings her experience, creativity, tenacity and skill to the defence of each of her clients.
Her record of success and client satisfaction over three decades reflects her expertise and dedication.
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Law
- Domestic and Sexual Assaults
- Morality Charges (Indecent Act, Child Pornography)
- Homicide and Drug Charges
- Criminal Charge and Mental Disorder
Awards
- HALCO James Kreppner Award 2013 recognizing unparalleled advocacy on behalf of persons living with HIV
Education
- University of Victoria, Faculty of Law, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- LL.B. - 1980
- University of Toronto, Canada
- B.A. - 1976
Bar Admissions
- Ontario, 1983
Professional Associations
- Law Society of Upper Canada
- Criminal Lawyers Association
- Toronto Lawyers Association
- Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network
- Innocence Canada (formerly the Association in Defence of the Wrongfully Convicted)
Teaching / Presentations
2018 | The Advocates’ Society | Criminal Trial Advocacy |
2018 | The Advocates’ Society | Expert Witnesses – Examination and Cross Examination |
2017 | University of Toronto Law School | Judge - Canadian Law Students Moot Court Competition |
2016 | The Advocates’ Society | Summer Trial Advocacy College |
2016 | The Advocates’ Society | Pre-Trial Preparation |
2016 | Durban, South Africa | 2016 International AIDS Conference – Beyond Blame |
2015 | Ben Gurion University, Israel | Non-Disclosure of HIV - Legal and Ethical Considerations |
2015 | The Advocates’ Society | Summer Trial Advocacy College – Civil Litigation |
2015 | Manitoba Bar Association | HIV Criminalization |
2014 | Ryerson University | Law Practice Program 2014-2015 |
2013 | Criminal Lawyers Association Education | Criminal Prosecutions of HIV Non-Disclosure |
2013 | The Advocates’ Society | Criminal Cross Examination College |
2013 | Ontario Aids Network | Criminalization of HIV Non-Disclosure |
2013 | Canadian Bar Association | Sex and the Law – Disclosing HIV Status Post Mabior |
2012 | University of Toronto Law School | HIV and the Supreme Court: Criminal Nondisclosure after Mabior |
2011 | Legal Aid Ontario Education Seminar | Duty Counsel Training Seminar |
2011 | The Advocates’ Society | Summer Trial Advocacy College |
2010 | National Judicial Council | HIV Transmission and Criminal Law |
2009 | The Advocates’ Society | Intensive Criminal Trial Advocacy Workshop |
2008 | The Law Union Annual Conference | Criminalization of HIV Transmission |
2008 | The Advocates’ Society | Do a Trial – Criminal |
2007 | Legal Aid Ontario Education Seminar | Advocacy before the Ontario Review Board |
2007 | Ontario Aids Network Training Seminar | HIV and the Law |
2007 | Criminal Lawyers Association Fall Education Conference | Applications of the Canadian Charter of Rights to Part XX.1 Criminal Code Mentally Disordered Accused |
In the News
2016 | CBC / Canadian Press | Advocates Hopeful will stop criminalizing HIV Non-Disclosure |
2016 | NOW Magazine | Laws Criminalizing HIV are putting Vulnerable Women at Risk |
2014 | Global News Toronto | Indecent Act |
2010 | Gary Doyle Show | Incarceration of the Mentally III (mp3 audio file) |
A Day of Action to Stop HIV Criminalization |