Criminal Defence Lawyer (History & Philosophy, BA)

Jeffery Couse, Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh

By: Leia Felice, Career Centre Peer

Jeffery Couse is a seasoned criminal defence lawyer with a great deal of experience navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system. He has seen the highs and lows of criminal litigation, giving him a unique perspective on the potential and difficulties of this field.

A solid academic background preceded Jeffery's entry into the legal profession. Jeffery graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy.  He then pursued a master's degree in history at the University of Toronto, where he would later pursue and complete law school. Jeffery’s enthusiasm for criminal law began in law school and continued upon his call to the bar. His career as a criminal defence lawyer has benefited from the guidance of many strong mentors.  His devotion to upholding moral principles and his passion for defending his clients signal that he found satisfaction in his chosen field. Whether motivated by a commitment to justice or encouraged by mentors, Jeffery's professional journey emphasizes the significance of pursuing a job that is consistent with one's goals and ideals.

As a criminal defence lawyer, Jeffery’s work encompasses an extensive range of duties and obligations to defend clients in court. His everyday duties include gathering legal information, reviewing case law, preparing written arguments, negotiating with prosecutors, and defending clients in court. Jeffery is closely involved in every aspect of his clients’ cases, from the arrest call until the end of the case. Throughout the process, Jeffery guides his clients through the intricacies of the legal system by offering them advice and assistance. Jeffery's career affirms the value of legal knowledge, advocacy abilities and a commitment to guaranteeing due process and equitable treatment for all parties involved in the criminal justice system.

Jeffery offers some insightful advice for students who seek to pursue a career in the demanding field of criminal law:

Take Time Off: Before committing to the hard nature of legal practice, he advises devoting at least a year to other pursuits. Once completing your undergraduate degree and before delving into the demands of law school, it is important to take time for yourself, whether that be gaining work experience, entertaining personal hobbies, travelling, exploring interests, anything! Before starting a potentially all-consuming job path, this time off allows for personal growth, discovery, and a chance to recover between educational pursuits.

Understand the Demands: Jeffery emphasizes how demanding this career path can be. He draws attention to how challenging the work is, how clients depend on their lawyers even while they are on vacation, and how unforeseen events in cases may arise at any time. Aspiring lawyers should be aware of these expectations upfront.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance: While Jeffery respects the dedication that drives numerous criminal defense attorneys to continue practicing well into their senior years, he advises aspiring attorneys to prioritize maintaining a healthy work-life balance. To avoid burnout and safeguard overall well-being, he suggests actively seeking ways to separate oneself from work, particularly amidst demanding professional obligations.

Seek Mentorship: Jeffery is cognizant of the importance of mentorship in helping future attorneys navigate the complexities of the legal field. He stresses the significance of looking for mentors who can offer insightful commentary, guidance, and encouragement as one navigates their professional path. Aspiring lawyers can benefit greatly from a mentor's insightful advice and perspective as they grow personally and professionally.

Stay Committed to Ethics: Jeffery concludes by highlighting how crucial it is to maintain moral principles when practicing law. He recounts personal experiences and tales that serve to demonstrate the significance of honesty and integrity in the face of hardship. Maintaining ethical standards protects the validity of the legal system and enhances one's reputation as a lawyer.

A career in criminal defence law can be the best choice for you if you are strongly committed to protecting people's rights, appreciate the challenge of addressing legal problems and perform well under pressure. Aspiring legal professionals can support the ideals of the legal system and advance the cause of justice by adhering to thoroughness, compassion, and persistence.