Sona Advani

Strategic, results-driven legal executive with over 25 years of public law experience, including senior litigation, legislative policy, and high-level advisory roles within the Ministry of the Attorney General. Proven expertise in civil, criminal, and administrative law with a strong record of success leading legal teams, managing complex files, and driving modernization in government legal processes. Recognized mentor, educator, and trusted counsel to senior government leaders.

• Lecturer, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, 2024
• Instructor, Law Practice Program, 2024
• Instructor, Osgoode ITAW, 2009–2023
• Speaker/Panellist, The Advocates’ Society, OBA, Osgoode, SABA, RODA, others

• Osgoode Women’s Network Alumni Mentorship Award, 2023
• Full entrance scholarship recipient and Gold Medallist, York University

• Committee Member, Women in Law Leadership Awards, 2022–2023
• Board Member, St. Philip’s Preschool, 2018–2021
• Former President, SAPNA
• Longstanding Board Member, SABA North America
• Community legal education, High school mock trial coach, Diversity advocate

• Foundations in Judicial Competencies, OBA, 2022
• Written Advocacy, Osgoode PD
• Crown Liability, Osgoode PD
• EDI Leadership, The Advocates’ Society
• Ongoing CLE, Ontario Crown Attorneys’ Association and MAG

• Team Lead – WAGG Litigation Team, Crown Law Office-Civil, Ministry of the Attorney General, 01/01/23, Present, Lead complex litigation strategy representing the Attorney General in WAGG matters., Mentor junior counsel and law clerks; advise on legal tactics and court process optimization., Collaborate with the Criminal Law Division to improve operational protocols.
• Senior Counsel – Court Services Division, Ministry of the Attorney General, 07/01/19, 01/31/23, Advised on court operations, particularly in the criminal law context, including COVID-19 response., Managed legislative and regulatory initiatives impacting Ontario’s courts., Built consensus with Chief Justices' offices, ministries, and internal divisions to implement policy change.
• Acting Legal Director (Deputy Director), Civil Remedies for Illicit Activities Office, 10/01/14, 07/31/19, Oversaw high-profile litigation on civil forfeiture; advised senior government officials., Managed team performance, case strategy, budget planning, and stakeholder education., Directed preservation and forfeiture of assets and the administration of grants.
• Counsel – Crown Law Office – Civil, Ministry of the Attorney General, 06/01/14, 10/31/14, Drafted pleadings and facta; provided legal advice on quasi-criminal matters.
• Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General, 03/01/99, 06/30/14, Prosecuted jury and non-jury trials in Superior and Provincial Courts., Conducted appeals and bail hearings; seconded to the Summary Conviction Appeals Office.
• Provincial Night Court Prosecutor, Ministry of the Attorney General, 02/01/97, 03/31/99, Conducted full trial litigation and exercised prosecutorial discretion in provincial matters.
• Articling Student, Gowling, Strathy & Henderson, 06/01/97, 06/30/98, Handled small claims and provincial litigation; developed litigation and advocacy skills.