Meet Our Team
Adam R. Newman
B.A., L.L.B.
Founder, Principal Counsel
Mr. Newman is the founder of Newman Barristers and acts as head counsel. He graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the bar in 1998. Adam was then an associate at Robbins, Bernstein & Associates for five years before becoming partner. In 2005, Mr. Newman was a founding partner of Bernstein, Newman & Associates. Following Justice Bernstein's appointment to the bench in 2022, Mr. Newman formed Newman Barristers.
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Mr. Newman’s practice is restricted to criminal trial work and he has successfully defended clients on a wide array of criminal charges, ranging from minor offences to the most serious offences in the Criminal Code. He is a seasoned defence lawyer with a great deal of courtroom experience, having defended all types of charges including thefts, assaults, narcotics offences, drinking and driving offences, and high profile murder cases. He has had a great deal of success litigating Charter issues, including illegal search and seizure cases.
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Adam’s main goal is client satisfaction and achieving good results. To this end, Adam is available to his clients at all times, and ensures that he regularly updates his clients about the status of their files. He always ensures that the individuals he represents understand the criminal trial process and their defence.
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Adam is also dedicated to legal education and mentoring junior counsel. He keeps up to date with changes in the law and regularly lectures at Continuing Legal Education Programs.​
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(416) 716-2746
Allison Cormie-Bowins
B.A. (Hons.), J.D.
Associate Counsel
Allison Cormie-Bowins graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School, then articled for a busy, prominent criminal defence firm in Toronto before being called to the bar in 2015. Allison then spent time running her own practice, then working at a firm specializing in drinking-and-driving cases, then living and teaching English in South Korea. She joined the firm on her return to Canada in 2019 (at the time Bernstein, Newman & Associates).
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Allison has successfully defended clients charged with murder, drug and firearm offences, aggravated assault, sexual assault, drinking and driving, and many others. Allison is particularly adept at arguing technical, complicated and occasionally novel legal and constitutional issues requiring in-depth research, preparation, and creativity. She has successfully had charges stayed, withdrawn, and evidence thrown out of court. She prides herself on being a problem-solver and an advocate.
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Allison strives to build and maintain the confidence of her clients. She understands that the criminal justice system can feel endlessly confusing, isolating, and stressful. Allison always ensures her clients are kept up-to-date, that they understand the process, and that she guides them to the best possible outcome in their case.
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(647) 803-8569
allison@newmanbarristers.com
Omar Said
B.A. (Hons.), J.D.
Associate Counsel
Omar Said graduated from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law in 2020. While in law school, Omar was a Senior Associate Editor with the University of Toronto Law Review. He represented clients charged with summary offences at Downtown Legal Services in Toronto and worked with the Law Reform & Justice Coordination Office in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Omar was called to the bar in 2021 and worked for a prominent criminal defence firm in Toronto before joining Newman Barristers in 2023.
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Omar has defended clients charged with a diverse range of matters, including murder, drug and firearm offences, sexual assault, impaired driving, aggravated assault, and many others. He is a fearless advocate, adept at working with his clients to craft an effective and strategic defence. He has successfully litigated Charter issues and, with a strong academic background, is particularly adept at written advocacy.
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Omar is committed to client satisfaction. His approach to clients is one of understanding, compassion and collaboration. He ensures his clients are kept up-to-date, and that they know that their cases are being handled expertly and with care.
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(647) 648-4957
