Shane Martinez B.A, LL.B, L.E.C.

Attorney

Growing up in rural eastern Canada, Shane personally saw how those from the working class or poor families were impacted by criminal law. It was these experiences that created in him a desire for social justice and respect for human rights.

This passion was further emboldened during his work experience at one of Toronto’s top criminal defence firms. During his time there, Shane was able to help on cases that covered a variety of criminal law including first degree murder, prohibited firearms, fraud, narcotics, theft, assault and prostitution. Because of this experience, Shane has become committed to ensuring everyone gets treated fairly by the law, no matter what the charges are.

The firm works on cases around Toronto, Oshawa, North York, Scarborough and the GTA. Shane’s distinctive approach combines his perseverance for social justice with a solid legal understanding and dedicated effort. Martinez Law is able to provide clients from any background with a strong defence. In addition to his work as an attorney, Shane has also gained valuable experience as a counsel in Coroner’s inquests with regards to individuals that have died from police violence or in jail.

Between 2013 and 2014, Shane took academic leave and moved to Kingston, Jamaica where he earned his qualifications to practice law in the Commonwealth Caribbean. It was during his time in that country that Shane assisted lawyer Michael Lorne on a case involving dancehall artist Shawn Storm. Storm was one of the co-accused in the Vybz Kartel murder case.

In addition to his legal practice, Shane often writes and speaks on police brutality, racial profiling, the prison industrial complex and transnational labour.

He holds membership in the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Law Union of Ontario, Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada and the Prison Lawyers Association.

Shane is also on the Board of Directors for the Prisoners’ HIV/AIDS Support Action Network (PASAN).

He provides voluntary legal advice and education for farm workers in southern Ontario who immigrated from the Caribbean or Mexico.