Firm Directory

Sal Caramanna graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1995 and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1997. Since that time, he has practiced exclusively in the area of criminal law as defence counsel and has become a leading member of the criminal defence bar in the Toronto area. He has a particular interest in defending high-stakes charges and complex cases, and has represented clients charged with First Degree Murder, Manslaughter, Participating in a Criminal Organization, Conspiracy to Traffic in Controlled Drugs, Trafficking and Importing Narcotics, Firearms offences, Corporate and Commercial Fraud, Sexual Assault, Aggravated Assault, and Criminal Negligence Causing Death.

Mr. Caramanna is a fearless and innovative advocate. He has conducted hundreds of trials in all levels of trial courts in Ontario, and in virtually every court in south-central Ontario. He has had particular success in arguing cases before juries. Many cases he has defended have been high profile and covered extensively by the media.

Mr. Caramanna is a member of the Criminal Lawyers Association, the Toronto Lawyers Association  and the Peel Lawyers Association. As well, Mr. Caramanna has reviewed and is currently involved in the review of cases for the Innocence Canada as part of their International Review Committee.

Prior to law school, Mr. Caramanna graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toronto in 1992 where he obtained a Specialist degree in Nutritional Sciences, one of the pre-medical school programmes at U of T. His background in science has proven particularly useful in defending cases involving forensic evidence and scientific testing.

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 225
• Email: scaramanna@cflaw.ca

Matthew Friedberg has been a criminal defence lawyer his entire career. He has successfully represented thousands of clients charged with every type of criminal offence at every level of court in Ontario*. Mr. Friedberg regularly represents individuals charged with extremely serious offences, and many of his cases have been the subject of media attention. He has had particular success defending persons charged with Homicide, Sexual Assault, Domestic Assault, Drug and Firearms offences. Every case is handled with the same skill and determination with the sole aim being to achieve the most positive result possible for the client. He enjoys a reputation as a leading defence lawyer in the Toronto area.

Achievements and Education

Mr. Friedberg graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1995 after being admitted into that institution at the age of 20. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1997. He worked in another criminal defence law firm in Toronto as an associate before starting Caramanna, Friedberg LLP in 2002. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Criminal Lawyers' Association, and the Toronto Lawyers' Association. He has a history of participation with the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society of Ontario mentor program and regularly mentors junior lawyers in the area of criminal law.

Awards

Prior to being called to the Bar, Mr. Friedberg graduated from York University with a degree in Philosophy, and was the recipient of numerous academic awards throughout his educational career, including graduating with Distinction (York, 1996), Dean's Honour Roll (York, 1996), Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt Prize in Labour Law (Osgoode, 1995), McGill Dean's List (McGill, 1992), McGill Faculty Scholar (McGill 1991), James McGill Scholarship (McGill, 1991).

Mr Friedberg is currently serving on the Communications Committee for the Criminal Lawyers' Association.

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 225
• Email: mfriedberg@cflaw.ca

Anthony Bugo graduated from Nipissing University in 2000 and Osgoode Hall Law School in 2003. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2004. He is a criminal defence lawyer whose practice is restricted to defending trial matters in the Greater Toronto Area before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. The majority of his work is focused on representing people charged with Indictable offences who are facing significant penitentiary sentences as a result of their charges.

He has represented persons charged with Murder, Attempt Murder, Manslaughter, Firearm Offences, Robbery, Fraud, Sexual Offences, Drug Trafficking and Importing, Domestic Violence, and offences against the administration of justice. His practice includes defending young persons facing allegations of serious criminal conduct. He regularly takes on difficult cases and provides skillful representation to those who find themselves in the most challenging of circumstances.

Anthony has a particular interest in the defence of Sexual Assault matters, firearm and drug cases, search warrant litigation, serious crimes of violence, and other criminal constitutional litigation. He is a member of the Criminal Lawyers' Association and the Toronto Lawyers' Association. Most of the individuals whom he represents are persons referred to him by other lawyers. Anthony is frequently called upon to provide advice to other counsel about their cases, and mentors many members of the criminal defence bar in Toronto.

If you are facing allegations of serious criminal conduct, feel free to contact Anthony Bugo for a consultation.

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 226
• Email: abugo@cflaw.ca

Danielle Gendron – Biography (Updated as of 2018) 

Danielle Gendron graduated from the University of Guelph in 2006 where she majored in criminal justice and public policy.  In 2010, Danielle obtained her law degree from the University of Kent in Canterbury, United Kingdom.  She completed her articles with a criminal defence firm in Toronto shortly thereafter where she also worked as an associate before joining Caramanna Friedberg LLP in 2013.   

Danielle has conducted trials in the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice throughout various courts in the province.  She also argues appeals in Superior Court and has worked on cases at the Court of Appeal.  Danielle has experience in every area of criminal defence ranging from simple assault, to various firearms offences, human trafficking and homicide.    

Danielle is dedicated to obtaining the best results for her clients.  Her extensive advocacy experience and negotiation ability has lead led to many successful acquittals and resolutions.  

Danielle Gendron is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Criminal Lawyer’s Association.  

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 228
• Email: dgendron@cflaw.ca

Lilit Izakelian graduated from York University in 2007 with a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In 2011, Lilit Izakelian received her Bachelors of Law from the University of Windsor. While studying at the University of Windsor, Lilit Izakelian volunteered at the Community Legal Aid Clinic which provided legal assistance to members of the community of low income status and students at the University of Windsor.

Lilit Izakelian completed her articles at a criminal defence firm in Toronto. Lilit Izakelian was called to the Bar in 2012. Shortly thereafter, she worked as an associate lawyer at another Criminal Defence firm in Toronto before joining Caramanna Friedberg LLP in 2016. 

Lilit Izakelian has conducted trials both at the Ontario Court of Justice level as well as the Superior Court of Justice level. Lilit Izakelian has experience in exclusively practicing criminal law with a focus placed on drinking and driving offences, drug offences, firearm offences, and assaults.

Lilit Izakelian is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Criminal Lawyers' Association.

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 227
• Email: lizakelian@cflaw.ca

Melody is a lawyer practicing solely in criminal defence and regulatory offences. She has a keen interest in protecting her clients' rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Her passion for defending her clients’ rights drives her to work tirelessly on their cases. She strongly believes that no matter what charges any of her clients face, they are still entitled to the principles of justice and freedoms as guaranteed by our Constitution.  

Melody obtained her Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto where she majored in the study of Criminology. She then pursued law school at Queen Mary, University of London, in the United Kingdom, where she wrote her thesis on the adaptability and legal changes to the right to a fair trial, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom of expression. Her thesis was awarded top marks. While at law school, Melody volunteered her time to assist with free legal clinics, and researched international criminal law for Lawyers Without Borders.

Melody went on to complete her articles at a busy downtown Toronto law firm in 2014, and has been a criminal defence lawyer since her call to the bar. Melody has appeared in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, and has conducted jury trials, preliminary hearings, summary conviction appeals and pre-trial motions. Melody has experience defending clients charged with many serious offences including murder, human trafficking, robbery and sexual assault.

Melody is currently the criminal law columnist for LawNow magazine, where she continues to advocate for the rights of those charged with criminal offences. Melody is a member of the Rights Advocacy Coalition for Equality (R.A.C.E.), and enjoys her role as the editor-in-chief of R.A.C.E. Quarterly—a newsletter that advocates strongly for the eradication of all forms of discrimination in our criminal justice system. She has also been published as an author in the Advocate Daily where she wrote passionately about the privacy interests of our citizens in Canadian airports. Melody is also a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, the Toronto Lawyers’ Association, and Innocence Canada.

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 234
• Email: mizadi@cflaw.ca

Brendan Gould obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Alberta in 2014, and was called to the bar in Ontario in 2015. Prior to attending law school, Brendan completed his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Brendan always demonstrated a keen interest in criminal law during his studies. Throughout his time at law school Brendan volunteered at a low income legal clinic, Student Legal Services, where he began developing his advocacy skills and trial experience. He was able to secure acquittals at the conclusion of contested trials, and many other positive outcomes for his clients. Towards the end of law school, he supervised a group of students and assisted them with serving their clients.

Brendan completed his articles of clerkship with a prominent criminal defence firm in Toronto. After his call to the bar he opened his own practice, before ultimately joining Caramanna Friedberg LLP as an associate.

Brendan has experience conducting trials and dealing with matters in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Brendan has also assisted senior counsel with a number of extremely serious matters, including several high profile murders.

Brendan is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Criminal Lawyers Association. He will work tirelessly to ensure that you get the best possible result on your case and ensure that you are fully informed at each step of the proceedings. Please give Brendan a call to make an appointment for an initial consultation. 

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 230
• Email: bgould@cflaw.ca

Janine is a lawyer who practices exclusively in the area of criminal defence. She is a firm believer in state accountability and the fundamental principles of justice. She is a fearless advocate for her clients and is committed to achieving the best possible result in each of her cases by providing an individualized and thorough defence.

Janine graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History and English before obtaining her law degree from the University of Windsor in 2015. As a law student at the University of Windsor, Janine devoted the majority of her spare time to volunteering at the Community Legal Aid clinic, where she gained her first experiences successfully defending clients charged with criminal and provincial offences. She then worked part-time for criminal law specialist Andrew Bradie in Windsor and articled for Alan D. Gold in Toronto, where she worked on matters for various tribunals and all three levels of Court in Ontario. She joined Caramanna Friedberg LLP in 2017, where she works tirelessly on all types of criminal cases.

As a student at the University of Windsor, Janine was also a proud member of a team that developed a project to bring Gladue report resources to the courts in Windsor, in an effort to provide fairer sentencing and address systemic barriers faced by members of local indigenous communities who were charged with criminal offences.

Janine is a member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association and Innocence Canada. 

• Phone: (416) 924-5969 ext. 232
• Email: jdsouza@cflaw.ca

• Phone: 416-924-5969 ext. 240
• Email: akhanparikh@cflaw.ca