ABOUT
Your
Trusted Legal Advocates
Led by Michael Coristine, a former Crown Attorney with extensive experience in complex litigation, our team offers a wealth of legal knowledge paired with a deeply client-focused approach.
We ensure every client is treated with respect, compassion, and an unrelenting commitment to justice.​ Whether facing criminal charges or family law matters, our clients receive skilled advocacy, strategic insight, and steadfast support.
We understand the emotional and financial strain that legal issues impose and strive to alleviate these burdens with clear guidance and trusted representation.
At Michael Coristine Law, we work tirelessly to protect our clients' rights and pursue the best possible outcomes.
Michael Coristine
Founding Partner
For ten years, Michael was a senior Crown Attorney in Toronto where he successfully prosecuted hundreds of matters at all trial court levels in Ontario. Now in private practice, Michael routinely defends clients in complex cases, such as homicide, guns and gangs, large-scale fraud, and sexual assault. Michael also specializes in bail matters.
Under his growing family law practice, Michael draws from his wealth of courtroom and litigation experience, negotiation skills and compassion, to represent clients in high-conflict separation and divorce matters.
Michael received his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2013. He was called to the bar in 2014.
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Prior to attending law school, Michael honed his business skills as an account manager for an international market research firm, where he worked closely with studio and television executives in the entertainment industry.
SAMARRA D'SOUZA
ASSOCIATE
Samarra joined Michael Coristine Law after her call to the Bar in 2024 and has already proven to be a formidable advocate. Samarra previously completed her articles at a different criminal defence firm where she had the opportunity to work directly on a variety of cases, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and first degree murder.
Samarra received her Juris Doctor from University of Ottawa Law School in 2023. Prior to law school, Samarra completed her undergraduate degree at Western University, where she regularly made the Dean's Honour Roll.
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Aside from being a talented lawyer with a bright future, Samarra is a personable, patient, and tireless advocate for our clients.
MIA STEENBRUGGEN
LICENSED PARALEGAL
Mia began her career with Michael Coristine Law in 2023 while completing her paralegal studies at Mohawk College.
Mia brings a level of diligence, patience, and professionalism to her client-facing role that is beyond reproach. Behind the scenes, Mia works extremely hard to ensure that our firm stays organized and ready for all the various litigation challenges we are faced with on a daily basis.
RACHEL NADLER
BOOKKEEPER - IN MEMORIAM
Rachel's work ethic and attention to detail served her well throughout her esteemed career as bookkeeper for many well-established law firms.
Her experience, guidance and support were particularly instrumental in the formation of Michael Coristine Law. Tragically, Rachel passed away in June 2024, but her proud legacy lives on among those who had the honour of knowing her.
