JW

John W. Goldsmith, Criminal Defense Attorney in the United States

Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Government, and Litigation

Practicing criminal defense since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

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Quick answer

John W. Goldsmith is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Government, and Litigation. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keel Cottrelle LLP.

Based in
Toronto, ON
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · Government · Litigation
  • Handles Criminal Defense, Government, and Litigation matters from Toronto, ON.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About John W. Goldsmith: John W. Goldsmith is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Government, and Litigation. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keel Cottrelle LLP.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in the U.S.

John concentrates on criminal defense, government, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases nationwide

John takes criminal defense matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Government cases nationwide

John takes government matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases nationwide

John takes litigation matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.

Biography

John W. Goldsmith, criminal defense attorney serving the U.S.

John W. Goldsmith is a member based in Toronto, ON. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Government, and Litigation. John has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Keel Cottrelle LLP. John works from the U.S. and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

John W. Goldsmith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, administrative law, criminal law. John W. received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1976, and has been licensed for 43 years. John W. practices at Keel Cottrelle LLP in Toronto, ON.

John's approach to criminal defense cases

John W. Goldsmith is a lawyer practicing civil litigation, administrative law, criminal law. John W. received a B.A. degree from University of Western Ontario in 1976, and has been licensed for 43 years. John W. practices at Keel Cottrelle LLP in Toronto, ON.

Clients John works with

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, government, and litigation matters in the United States.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

  • University of New Brunswick

    LL.B. · 1981

  • University of Western Ontario

    B.A. University · 1976

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

  • Ontario

    1983 · ACTIVE

John studied at LL.B. in University of New Brunswick and B.A. University in University of Western Ontario.

Law school and academic background

John completed LL.B. in University of New Brunswick and B.A. University in University of Western Ontario. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

John W. Goldsmith's office in Toronto

John's primary office is at 36 Toronto Street, Suite 920, Toronto, ON, M5C 2C5. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Keel Cottrelle LLP

36 Toronto Street, Suite 920

Toronto, ON M5C 2C5

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John W. Goldsmith

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Hiring guide

How to hire John W. Goldsmith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in your state

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John

John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John W. Goldsmith

  • How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does John offer a free consultation?

    John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

  • How long do criminal defense cases in this state typically take?

    Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can John take my case if I'm outside the area?

    John evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside John's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with John?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.