Kim Hardstaff Criminal Lawyer Canada
I’m Kim Hardstaff, an Edmonton criminal attorney and partner at Liberty Law. My career in law began in 1998 when I worked as a legal assistant at Liberty Law. After completing my undergraduate degree in 2004 and earning my Bachelor of Laws with Distinction in 2007 from the University of Alberta, I articled with the firm and was admitted to the Bar in July 2008 by the Honourable Justice M. Moreau.
While in law school, I volunteered with the Alberta Law Review and Student Legal Services (SLS), where I provided legal assistance to low-income individuals in need of advocacy. These experiences solidified my dedication to defending the rights of the accused.
Originally from a small town in northeastern Alberta, I’ve built my career exclusively in criminal law, a goal I set for myself as early as grade seven. Since 2008, I’ve represented clients across Alberta, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. I’ve conducted trials involving a range of charges, from murder to theft, with a particular focus on defending individuals accused of sexual offences. Over the past 15+ years, I’ve successfully convinced juries to return not-guilty verdicts in many cases.
I firmly believe in the value of hard work, thorough preparation, and clear communication when defending someone’s liberty. As a defence lawyer, I understand the critical role of advocating for the accused and strive to explain legal rights, obligations, and options in straightforward terms to achieve the best outcomes.
Education
B.A. – University of Alberta, 2004
LL.B. – University of Alberta, 2007
Bar Admission
Alberta, 2008
Professional Memberships
Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association
Beyond my practice, I’ve served as a criminal law panelist for the Legal Education Society of Alberta and frequently appeared on CTV Alberta Primetime to discuss current criminal law issues.