Our Pillars
Stephen Bitzer Criminal Law is one of Calgary’s foremost providers of criminal defense, with the legal practice centring around the pillars of collaboration, dependability, and expertise.
Collaboration
You will always receive the best legal representation and treatment. My network of strong lawyers are willing and able to step in with case-specific assistance and facilitation. Your best outcome is my top priority, and collaboration ensures I provide you with the ideal support system.
Dependability
I believe your lawyer should be someone you can trust implicitly to take care of your legal needs. From simple matters such as questions and processes, to the most complex legal matters, Bitzer Criminal Law is always on time and at the ready for you.
Expertise
Not only do I make use of my own years of legal experience to help you during your case, my professional connections bring a range of skills of their own, so there is very little we haven’t seen and experienced. Most importantly, our collective success rates are extremely high across all fields of criminal law.
The Founder
Stephen J. Bitzer
Barrister & Solicitor, BA, MA, LLB
“I am committed to working to the highest standards to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.”
Experience: 25+ years
Stephen Bitzer has built his Calgary law firm on the principles of human rights. Every day, Albertans are charged with criminal offenses, and Stephen’s clients trust him to be there to support, guide, and advocate for them in a court of law as well as through the administration and preparation processes.
His extensive education has taken him from his hometown in Calgary, to British Columbia, Ontario, and then back again as he furthered his knowledge. Now, decades later, Stephen has a superb reputation and is known for his collaborative approach to law as well as his high success rates in court settings. He has strong working relationships with other lawyers, prosecutors, and law enforcement, which allows him to give each of his clients a cohesive and straightforward experience.
Stephen’s avid belief in continuous learning and history as a post-secondary educator of sociology and criminology give him a unique perspective of the benefit of helping his clients truly understand the criminal justice system. He prides himself on his ability to see the full picture and create a unique, well-laid out plan to navigate the legal processes required to achieve a resolution.
Education
- Mount Royal College - Justice Administration
- Simon Fraser University – Bachelor of Arts; Criminology and Psychology
- University of Toronto – Master of Arts; Criminology
- Queen’s University - Bachelor of Laws
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Calgary Criminal Defence Lawyers Association
Legal Collaborators
Our collaborators are all expert lawyers with their own practices throughout Calgary, and each of them bring a wealth of experience to the table.
Meet Our Collaborators:
Morag Smyllie
Barrister & Solicitor, LLB, BA
Experience: 10+ years
Morag was called to the Bar in Ontario and was a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and she is also an active member of the Law Society of Alberta. She graduated from law school in 2001 and holds a law degree from the University of Dundee, Scotland, a B.A. in Policy Studies from the University of the West of Scotland, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Waterloo, Ontario Canada.
Prior to establishing her own law firm in 2017, Morag worked for the Government of Alberta, specifically in the area of regulatory law. Morag provided expert policy advice to the government and provided key knowledge in the development and implementation of government legislation. She has experience drafting submissions before the Alberta Utilities Commission and has successfully argued on behalf of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. She has written significant policy papers on distributed generation and utility asset distribution. Morag has also practised in Ontario, where she was able to work specifically in criminal law and benefited from the expertise of being part of a downtown Toronto criminal law practice. Morag assisted on a number of complex cases including appeal reviews for Innocence Canada.
Since establishing her law practice in 2017, Morag has focused on practising only criminal law. She has used her skills to advocate for her clients in their time of need, successfully arguing at all levels of court. Morag is a strong advocate for access to justice and has received a number of awards for her work in Pro Bono and access to justice initiatives. She has volunteered for Calgary Legal Guidance and Pro Bono Law Alberta, and was the recipient of the PBLA Outstanding Lawyer Award in 2018.
Gilliana Shiskin
Law Offices of G. Shiskin
Experience: 4+ years
“Criminal defence lawyers are the final frontier between the accused and the power of the state.”
– Justice Michael Moldaver
Gilliana’s passion for law grew steadily throughout her years in business management and human resources. As she navigated the complexities of employment law, human rights and performance management in her role supporting the field operations divisions of a major natural resource exploration and production company, she made the decision to shift her focus fully into studying law.
With a background in philosophy, Gilliana has honed her ability to discuss the fine points of truth, reason and persuasive oral and written argument. During her legal education, she gained a reputation for proactive advocacy in human and animal rights, and her international studies deepened her knowledge of financial and economic law, human rights, and environmental sustainability. Gilliana’s interest in the field of regulatory law, energy and natural resources led her to accept an internship investigating the liability surrounding injection-induced seismicity. A decorated student with multiple degrees, Gilliana’s energy also extended to sports as an award-winning varsity volleyball player.
With a track record for dedication and excellence in all her endeavors, Gilliana was selected to article under C. John Hooker, one of Calgary’s most respected criminal defense lawyers. She is now an in-demand and highly successful lawyer in her own practise, G.Shiskin Law, through her partnership in Craig Hooker Shiskin Criminal Defence, as well as in her work collaborating with other top legal teams.
Education:
- University of British Columbia – Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- University of Alberta – Master of Arts in Philosophy; Logic and Language
- University of Calgary – Doctor of Law (JD)
- University of Luzern Exchange Program – Certificate of Global Legal Studies; International Economic Law, Human Rights, and Sustainability
- University of Calgary – Energy Law Intern
- John C. Hooker Law Offices – Student at Law
Professional Affiliations:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Alberta Prison Justice Society – Board of Directors and Head of the Advocacy Committee
- Canadian Prison Law Association – Co-Chair for the 2022 National Conference
- Calgary Defence Lawyers’ Association
- Canadian Trial Lawyers’ Association
- Women In Canadian Criminal Defence
Awards and Achievements:
- Pro Bono Students of Canada – University of Calgary’s Volunteer of the Year
- Pro Bono Human Rights Project - Project Leader
- Founder of the University of Calgary’s Student Animal Legal Defence Fund, formerly SADCLawS (Society of Animal Defence – Calgary Law Students)
- Recipient of the Norton Rose International Study Grant
- Recipient of a Norton Rose Energy Law Internship
- University of Luzern - Certificate of Global Legal Studies; International Economic Law, Human Rights, and Sustainability
C. John Hooker
John Hooker Law
Experience: 40+ years
“I operate under the principle that all persons charged with a criminal offence or about to be charged with a criminal offence deserve experienced, prepared, and committed representation.”
John Hooker’s long career is a testament to his experience and ability to bring about the best possible results for his clients. He is also an active part of the legal community, taking on the best and brightest articling students to pass his extensive knowledge onto the next generation of lawyers.
Throughout his years in the industry, John has handled nearly every variation of defense case in the field of criminal law, at all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada. He’s also watched first hand as laws and precedents have shifted over time, which has given him a unique viewpoint into how society and legality affect one another and how to best help his clients.
John strongly believes that all defendants in a criminal case have a right to a fair trial, and to be represented by the lawyer of their choice. He continues to enjoy making a difference in the lives of those with whom he works.
Education:
- University of Calgary – Bachelor of Arts
- University of Alberta – Bachelor of Laws
Professional Affiliations:
- Law Society of Alberta
Have you been charged with a criminal offense?
We have some of the most experienced lawyers and the brightest minds in the legal field here to help.
Law Firm Name
Morag Smyllie
Barrister & Solicitor, LLB, BA
Experience: 10+ years
Morag was called to the Bar in Ontario and was a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, and she is also an active member of the Law Society of Alberta. She graduated from law school in 2001 and holds a law degree from the University of Dundee, Scotland, a B.A. in Policy Studies from the University of the West of Scotland, and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Waterloo, Ontario Canada.
Prior to establishing her own law firm in 2017, Morag worked for the Government of Alberta, specifically in the area of regulatory law. Morag provided expert policy advice to the government and provided key knowledge in the development and implementation of government legislation. She has experience drafting submissions before the Alberta Utilities Commission and has successfully argued on behalf of the Utilities Consumer Advocate. She has written significant policy papers on distributed generation and utility asset distribution. Morag has also practised in Ontario, where she was able to work specifically in criminal law and benefited from the expertise of being part of a downtown Toronto criminal law practice. Morag assisted on a number of complex cases including appeal reviews for Innocence Canada.
Since establishing her law practice in 2017, Morag has focused on practising only criminal law. She has used her skills to advocate for her clients in their time of need, successfully arguing at all levels of court. Morag is a strong advocate for access to justice and has received a number of awards for her work in Pro Bono and access to justice initiatives. She has volunteered for Calgary Legal Guidance and Pro Bono Law Alberta, and was the recipient of the PBLA Outstanding Lawyer Award in 2018.
Law Offices of G. Shiskin
Gilliana Shiskin
Barrister & Solicitor, JD, MA, BA
Experience: 4+ years
Gilliana earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Calgary. She articled under Mr. C. John Hooker – one of the most respected and experienced criminal defence lawyers in Calgary. Gilliana is a member in good standing with the Law Society of Alberta.
During law school, Gilliana was awarded the Pro-Bono Student’s Canada Volunteer of the Year for her leadership of the Human Rights Project. She was also the Founder and President of the University of Calgary’s animal advocacy organization, SADCLawS (Society of Animal Defence – Calgary Law Students).
Gilliana was awarded a Norton Rose International Study Grant to assist in her international studies. She spent one semester studying in Luzern, Switzerland, where she earned a Certificate in Global Legal Studies in International Economic Law, Human Rights, and Sustainability. She was also awarded the Norton Rose Energy Law Internship which allowed her to spend one of her summers investigating the liability surrounding injection-induced seismicity.
Gilliana has also earned her Master’s Degree in Philosophy (Logic and Language) from the University of Alberta, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from the University of British Columbia. While studying her undergrad degree, Gilliana played varsity volleyball for four years and earned a number of student-athlete awards.
Prior to earning her law degree and becoming a lawyer, Gilliana worked in business management and human resources for over a decade. Most recently she was a Human Resources Business Advisor for Field Operations for a major international exploration and production natural resources company. She assisted a client group of over a thousand employees and contractors who worked in conventional oil and gas operations throughout western Canada. Gilliana excelled at progressive performance management, employment law and human rights issues.
John Hooker Law
C. John Hooker
Barrister & Solicitor, LLB
Experience: 45+ years
John Hooker graduated from the University of Alberta Law School in 1974, and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1975.
He has represented clients at all levels of court including Provincial Court, The Court of Queen’s Bench, The Alberta Court of Appeal, and The Supreme Court of Canada.
All Defendants in a criminal case have a right to a fair trial, and to be represented by the lawyer of their choice.
All persons charged with a criminal offence or about to be charged with a criminal offence deserve experienced, prepared, and committed representation.
Let my experience, skill, and knowledge work for you.
— C. John Hooker, Criminal Defense Lawyer