Laura Ellis is the principal of Ellis Criminal Law and practises exclusively in criminal defence. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2019 and conducted her first jury trial only four months later. Since that time, Laura has developed extensive jury-trial experience, regularly running trials in London and elsewhere.

Laura represents clients facing the full range of criminal allegations, from impaired driving and assault to firearms, drug, and serious indictable offences including murder. Her practice focuses particularly on impaired-driving and sexual-assault cases. She has substantial experience defending sexual-assault allegations before juries and is skilled in the complex evidentiary, procedural, and strategic issues that frequently arise in those trials.

Ellis Criminal Law maintains a large and active client base. Despite the size of the practice, Laura remains directly and personally involved in the strategy, preparation, and conduct of the firm’s files. She works closely with clients from the earliest stages of the proceeding through resolution or trial, ensuring that they understand the evidence, the legal issues, and the defence strategy being pursued.

Laura is known for her thorough preparation, direct advocacy, and ability to identify weaknesses and inconsistencies in the Crown’s case. She approaches each file with the understanding that criminal charges can affect every aspect of a client’s life and that effective representation requires both careful legal analysis and clear, consistent communication.

Laura also has served on the board of directors for several non-profit organizations and has also participated in coaching the Gale Cup mooting team at Western University.

Ron Ellis is the founder of Ellis Criminal Law and has practised criminal defence since 2006. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2004 and has extensive experience representing clients facing the full range of criminal allegations, including murder, serious violent offences, sexual offences, impaired driving, firearms charges, drug offences, and complex Charter litigation. Ron has experience at all levels of court in Ontario including the Court of Appeal.

Before entering criminal defence, Ron practised civil litigation at Harrison Pensa LLP in London, Ontario, where his work included both the prosecution and defence of professional-negligence claims. This background provided him with broad litigation experience and a strong foundation in case analysis, advocacy, and trial preparation.

Before returning to London in 2003, Ron worked as a professional educator in Calgary, Alberta, and served as Director of Student Legal Assistance at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. His experience as both an educator and litigator continues to inform his clear, practical approach to advising clients and developing effective defence strategies.

Ron founded Ellis Criminal Law in 2006 and remains actively involved in the firm’s serious and complex matters. He works closely with the firm’s lawyers and provides the benefit of more than two decades of litigation experience, careful strategic judgment, and seasoned courtroom advocacy.

Stephen Troyer is a criminal defence lawyer with Ellis Criminal Law and practises exclusively in criminal defence. He was called to the Ontario Bar in September 2023.

Stephen regularly represents clients at trials, guilty pleas, and bail hearings. He has appeared before both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice and has successfully conducted several jury trials.

His practice includes a broad range of criminal allegations, including impaired driving, assault, sexual assault, firearms offences, drug offences, property offences, and serious violent offences such as manslaughter. Stephen also has experience litigating complex Charter applications involving the admissibility of evidence and the protection of his clients’ constitutional rights.

Stephen completed his Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society at Wilfrid Laurier University before attending Western University’s Faculty of Law, where he focused his studies on criminal law. During law school, he received the Colin D. Leitch Award, which is awarded to the student demonstrating the greatest potential for success as a practitioner in criminal law.

Stephen approaches each case with careful preparation and close attention to the evidence. He works closely with clients to ensure that they understand the allegations, the court process, and the available defence strategies. He is committed to providing practical advice, responsive communication, and determined advocacy at every stage of the proceeding.

Kholood is the office and accounts manager at Ellis Criminal Law and has been an integral member of the firm since joining in August 2021. She helps oversee the firm’s day-to-day operations and works closely with the lawyers and clients to ensure that files are managed efficiently and that clients receive timely and responsive assistance.

Kholood completed an undergraduate degree in Political Science at Western University in 2017. She subsequently graduated from the Paralegal Program at Fanshawe College and became a licensed paralegal in March 2020.

Her legal education and knowledge of the court process allow her to provide informed administrative support to both clients and counsel. She assists clients with the practical aspects of retaining the firm, account and billing inquiries, scheduling, and communication with the office throughout their proceedings.

Kholood is fluent in both English and Arabic and is available to assist Arabic-speaking clients in communicating with the firm. She is known within the office for her professionalism, organization, and commitment to ensuring that clients feel supported during what is often a stressful and unfamiliar process.