Juakatha Karunakaran
Associate
Ms. Karunakaran is an associate lawyer at Goodman & Berman, Barristers, committed to providing diligent, effective, and client-focused criminal defence representation. She brings experience in criminal litigation, legal research, and written advocacy, and is dedicated to protecting her clients’ rights and ensuring they are informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process.
Contact info
Practice Areas
- Impaired driving offences
- Sexual assault offences
- Assault and other violent offences
- Drug offences
- Mental health-related offences
- Charter applications and constitutional issues
Experience
Ms. Karunakaran began her legal career in criminal defence at a prominent criminal defence firm in Kitchener-Waterloo, where she represented clients facing a broad range of criminal charges. During her articling term, she gained experience appearing before the Ontario Court of Justice, participating in Crown and Judicial pre-trials, assisting with bail hearings, and preparing matters for resolution and trial. Her work included reviewing disclosure, developing release plans, and drafting Charter applications, factums, affidavits, and other litigation materials.
Following her call to the Bar, Ms. Karunakaran practiced employment law, where she further developed her research, analytical, and written advocacy skills through complex litigation, tribunal proceedings, mediations, and legal drafting. She is now returning to criminal defence, bringing a broader litigation perspective and a renewed commitment to criminal law. She continues to develop her criminal practice through the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s research precedents project and by working alongside experienced criminal defence counsel.
Professional Approach
Ms. Karunakaran is passionate about access to justice, procedural fairness, and protecting the rights and dignity of individuals navigating the criminal justice system. She understands that facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming experience and believes that clear communication and careful preparation are essential to effective representation. She approaches each matter with diligence, attention to detail, and an appreciation for the individual circumstances of every client.
Education
- Juris Doctor (J.D.), Queen’s University
- Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Wilfrid Laurier University (Dean’s List)
Languages
- English
- Tamil (Fluent)
Notable Experience
- Appeared regularly before the Ontario Court of Justice during her articling term.
- Drafted Charter applications on complex legal issues.
- Contributes to the Criminal Lawyers’ Association’s research precedents project, supporting the development and standardization of criminal law litigation resources.
Bar Admission
- Called to the Bar of Ontario
To contact Ms. Karunakaran directly, call her at 416-654-7070 or email her at .