SUDINE RILEY

I am a people’s lawyer that never backs down from a good fight. I consider myself to be aggressive in my pursuit of protecting the rights of individuals at their most vulnerable moment.

I was born and raised in Jamaica where I learned the value of hard work. My mother worked several jobs to support the family while my father worked as a golfer’s caddy. The values I learned at home led me to a early start in service to my community and I joined the local chapter of her police youth club at the age of 10 years old.

Growing up in an underserved community in Jamaica, I watched as many young people were arrested for crimes that many of them did not commit. I have seen firsthand how this affected their lives, prospects for jobs and opportunities and the ability to travel overseas.  I often wondered if there was anyone who would be strong enough to hold the police accountable and provide these individuals with the justice they deserved.  This sparked my interest in law and my desire to one day help those in similar circumstances.

In high school I became even more committed to advocating for others and was a member of the students’ council body for five years and sharpened my advocacy skills representing my school in the national debating competition.

After high school I earned my honours degree in history and philosophy from the University of the West Indies, a LL.B from the University of London and then obtained my certificate of legal education from the Norman Manley Law School.

While in law school I spent countless hours studying the best and most talented litigators in the various courts in Jamaica, learning the most important skills in advocacy and the winning formula, while also volunteering at various legal clinics and working with women and girls from underserved communities.

After law school I quickly joined a multi practice law firm where I spent over three years advocating for my clients at all levels of court. I assisted my clients in cases ranging from sexual offences, narcotics to murder and manslaughter.  A win was never enough– I strived for the best outcome for all my clients, and it earned me a solid reputation amongst my peers, judges, and colleagues.

Seeking new adventures, I decided to relocate to Canada in 2018. I took some time to settle down and volunteered with various LGBTQIA organizations including the 519 where I acted as a newcomer orientation officer.  Through this experience I gained invaluable experiences working with a diverse set of individuals helping them to navigate through the various challenges as an immigrant to Canada.

After settling down in Toronto, I enrolled at the Osgoode Law School, earned a master’s degree in Canadian common law and later passed the Ontario bar.

Prior to Joining Aitken Robertson, I practiced criminal law at two medium sized firms with a focus on criminal law. I have effectively represented my clients both in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice.

I joined Aitken Robertson in 2023 and will continue to build my practice in criminal law. While I do all aspects of criminal work, I have an avid interest and passion to help those charged with sexually related offences.

Why should you work with me?

I am a woman of the people. I will fight unwaveringly for your rights.  I am passionate, determined and not a stranger to difficult situations. I will consider all the facts of your case, including your background, upbringing and any collateral consequences that may affect you before making any decision on your case.

I want to be remembered as someone who made a difference in people’s lives.  My mantra: “Hard work is its own reward.”

Outside of work I spend time volunteering in my community. I also like to watch the scariest horror movies, hiking and working out at my local gym.

If you would like to contact me and the firm, please call us toll-free at 1-800-668-1657, or fill in a form on our website for a free 30-minute consultation.