About Jonathan Desbarats
Desbarats Law is a Vancouver criminal defence firm founded by Jonathan Desbarats, representing clients facing serious criminal charges and related legal matters.
Jonathan Desbarats represents clients facing criminal charges, drug offences, violent offences, white-collar crimes, regulatory allegations, and property-seizure matters.
With over 20 years of experience practicing criminal law, Jonathan Desbarats has a proven track record of success. He has acted in a number of large and complex criminal prosecutions including the Surrey Six and the Wall Centre shooting.
He was called to the bar in 2006 and has acted for clients across British Columbia and Canada and at all levels of court, including at the Supreme Court of Canada. He practices fluently in both English and French.
Prior to being called to the bar, Jonathan worked as a journalist and documentary filmmaker on productions with the NFB, CBC, History Channel and HBO. That background shapes how he builds a case: he researches deeply, structures a narrative, and presents it to the court with precision.
Education
J.D. in Law from the University of Toronto
B.A. in English Literature with honours from Mount Allison University
Professional Affiliations
Trial Lawyer’s Association of B.C.
Association of Legal Aid Lawyers
L’Association des juristes d’expression française de la Colombie Britannique
Law Society of British Columbia
Experienced Vancouver Criminal Defence Representation
At Desbarats Law, we combine proven experience in serious criminal defence with a personalized, client-first approach. As a boutique firm, we provide dedicated attention, strategic advocacy, and clear guidance at every stage of your case. Our focus is simple: protect your rights, build a strong defence, and achieve the best possible outcome for your future.
Personalized, Client-Focused Approach
We take the time to understand your story, your concerns, and your goals. Every defence strategy is tailored to your unique circumstances, never one-size-fits-all.
Boutique Firm, Dedicated Attention
As a boutique practice, we limit our caseload to ensure each client receives focused, responsive, and hands-on legal support throughout the entire process.
Strategic and Results-Driven Advocacy
We build strong, detail-oriented defence strategies designed to achieve the best possible outcome, whether through negotiation or litigation.
Confidential, Judgment-Free Support
We understand the stress and sensitivity of criminal charges. You can expect discretion, respect, and unwavering support from your first consultation.
I highly recommend Jonathan Desbarats for anyone who needs legal representation during a difficult and stressful time. He was incredibly professional, helpful, compassionate and punctual throughout the entire process. From the beginning, he took the time to listen, explain everything clearly, and make sure I understood what was happening. His professionalism and genuine compassion gave me confidence and peace of mind when I needed it most and made a difficult situation seem much more manageable. I truly appreciated how responsive, knowledgeable and how reassuring he was every step of the way. I’m very grateful for his assistance and would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for a professional, caring, and dependable lawyer.
I have used Jonathan as my lawyer for many reasons, he's great help and always gives the best advice and goes above and beyond expectations. I would recommend him to anyone looking for great results. He is reliable--even when my family and friends have needed his advice he has always been there.
Jonathan made me feel heard and safe during the legal challenge I was facing. He genuinely took the time to listen while providing clear and thoughtful guidance. He was always responsive, transparent, and deeply invested in my future. I feel fortunate to have had an attorney who has both an excellent knowledge of the law and a wonderful, kind heart.