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Kaley Hepburn & Lauren Wilhelm: Advocates in Your Corner
Kaley and Lauren share a passion for criminal law and have devoted their careers to the practice of criminal defence. Their advocacy is fueled by their shared belief in the presumption of innocence and their desire to provide skilled, compassionate and effective service to their clients.
Kaley Hepburn, Partner
Kaley is a partner at Hepburn Wilhelm and an experienced criminal defence lawyer who has spent her career advocating for clients facing criminal charges with compassion and determination.
Kaley began her legal career in criminal defence in Hamilton in 2009. In 2013, she founded Hepburn Law, where she practiced as a sole practitioner and represented clients throughout Hamilton and the surrounding communities.
Kaley’s experience in criminal law extends beyond defence work. She has also served as an Assistant Crown Attorney and a Justice of the Peace, experiences that have informed her approach to defending her clients.
Throughout her career, Kaley has remained actively involved in Ontario’s legal community. She has served on the Board of Directors of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association, including as Co-Chair of its Indigenous Committee and Professional Regulation Committee. She has also held several leadership positions with the Hamilton Criminal Lawyers’ Association, including serving as President.
Kaley is committed to mentorship, legal education, and giving back to her community. She has supervised law students, participated in mentorship programs, and volunteered with numerous community organizations.
Kaley is known for her direct and straightforward approach to criminal defence. She takes the time to ensure her clients understand the process and their options, while recognizing the stress and uncertainty that can come with facing a criminal charge. She is accessible to her clients, thoroughly prepared, and a strong advocate on their behalf.
Lauren M. Wilhelm, Partner
Lauren is a partner at Hepburn Wilhelm where she advises and represents clients at all stages of criminal proceedings.
Lauren graduated from Windsor Law as the gold medalist and went on to complete her articles here in Hamilton as a judicial law clerk to the judges of the Superior Court of Justice for the Central South Region. Thereafter she served as a judicial law clerk at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, where she clerked for Justice John Laskin and Justice David Watt, before beginning her career as a criminal defence lawyer.
Lauren’s commitment to criminal law is longstanding, as is her connection to the City of Hamilton. She has spent the entirety of her legal career practicing criminal defence in Hamilton with her previous firm, Paquette Wilhelm.
Lauren’s practice is focused exclusively on criminal law. From pre-charge advice to appeals, she represents clients in all manner of criminal proceedings across Ontario. Lauren takes pride in providing clients with candid advice and skilled, knowledgeable representation.
Lauren’s commitment to criminal law extends beyond the courtroom. She is a sought after-speaker on criminal law issues and frequently presents at continuing professional development sessions. Lauren is a current Vice President of the Ontario Criminal Lawyers’ Association and co-chairs the Gale Moot Cup and Fall Conference committees. She is also a regular contributor to their publication, For the Defence. On the local level, Lauren is the past president of the Hamilton Criminal Lawyers’ Association and remains an active member.
As her “work home” for many years, the City of Hamilton and its legal community hold special significance for Lauren. She sits on the board of directors for the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, as well as the Hamilton Lawyers’ Club.
Sabrin Abbas, Law Clerk
Sabrin Abbas is a legal assistant at Hepburn Wilhelm where she works closely with our lawyers to provide them the support they need for success at every stage of proceedings.
A graduate of the Paralegal Program at Mohawk College, Sabrin has over a decade of experience supporting a busy criminal defence practice. Her meticulous attention to detail, strong organization, and robust interpersonal skills make her an integral part of our team and our success.
Outside of the office, Sabrin is a dedicated Hamiltonian, actively engaging in community services initiatives in our city. In recognition of her commitment to community involvement, Sabrin was the recipient of the Lieutenant Governor’s Community Volunteer Award.
Sabrin is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and client service in every matter she assists with.
