Sarah Black received her law degree from Queen’s University in Kingston and earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with Honours from Dalhousie University and the University of Glasgow in Scotland. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018 and opened her own criminal defence practice less than a week later. Since then, she has built Black Criminal Law into a small but formidable all-female team known for delivering exceptional results in serious and complex criminal cases.

Sarah has earned an excellent reputation with clients, Crown counsel, and members of the judiciary for her meticulous preparation, persuasive advocacy, and unwavering commitment to justice. She is recognized for navigating high-stakes matters with strategic precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of the human impact of the criminal process.

Known for being both deeply compassionate and fiercely driven, Sarah takes the time to truly understand each client’s story and works tirelessly to protect their rights, their dignity, and their future. Her approach is grounded in the belief that every client deserves a non-judgemental, fearless advocate who will fight for the best possible outcome, no matter the challenges.

Beyond the courtroom, Sarah is deeply engaged in her community:

• Board Member, Martha’s Table – contributing to the governance of an organization providing hot, nutritious meals to those in need in Kingston.
• Board Member, Queen’s Prison Law Clinic – supporting student-led advocacy for incarcerated individuals and advancing the clinic’s mission to protect the rights and dignity of those in custody.
• Supervising Lawyer, Pro Bono Students Canada (Queen’s University) – mentoring law students working with the Kingston Youth Shelter to provide legal support to youth experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Volunteer Member, Youth Criminal Justice Committee – participating in a restorative justice initiative that offers young people a meaningful alternative to the formal justice system.
• Secretary, Frontenac Law Association – helping organize professional development opportunities and supporting the local legal community.
• Member, Criminal Lawyers’ Association – part of a national network of defence counsel committed to excellence in criminal law and the protection of constitutional rights.
• Member, Women in Canadian Criminal Defence – supporting and promoting women practising criminal defence across Canada through mentorship, networking, and advocacy.

Sarah is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of lawyers, with a particular focus on supporting women entering the field of criminal defence. She provides hands-on experience and structured guidance to law students, articling students, and junior associates.