Geet Bhullar

First Year of Call

Areas of Practice
Criminal Law

Description
I’m an articling student at Strategic Criminal Defence, a full-service criminal defence law office, with central offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Victoria, Saskatchewan, and Toronto.

My practice is based in Calgary.

Educational Background
My interest in criminal law began early. My father was a criminal lawyer in India, and hearing his stories growing up and seeing his dedication to helping others left a lasting impression on me. During high school and university, I spent time at the courthouse sitting in on proceedings, speaking with people in the field, and volunteering at a law office to better understand the day-to-day work and the people it impacts.

One of the most meaningful parts of law school was my involvement in a Pro Bono Students Canada project. I had the opportunity to help develop and host a radio show that explored the complex intersection between mental health and the criminal justice system. This experience allowed me to engage with community members, legal professionals, and individuals with lived experience. Through these conversations, I gained a deeper understanding of how systemic barriers affect access to justice and how mental health is often misunderstood or overlooked in legal processes. It also showed me the power of legal education and storytelling in raising public awareness, challenging stigma, and sparking meaningful dialogue. This project strengthened my belief in using the law not just as a tool for representation, but as a means of advocacy and community engagement.

Courses like Mental Health Law and Policy, Ethical Lawyering, Evidence, and Dispute Resolution pushed me to think more critically about the law. These courses deepened my understanding of the lawyer’s role in building trust, listening actively, and addressing systemic barriers. That understanding was reinforced by my undergraduate studies at Mount Royal University, where I completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Indigenous Studies. My coursework there helped me examine how social and institutional factors shape people’s experiences with the justice system; a perspective that I plan to carry with me as I begin working in criminal defence.