Profile
“My strongest professional quality is my ability to build trust and long-term relationships, whether with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
Decades of trial work, complex defence strategy, and principled advocacy have defined Joseph A. Neuberger’s legal career.
A Certified Specialist in Criminal Law with more than 32 years in practice, Neuberger is a published author, mentor, and advocate for the wrongfully accused. He is widely recognized for his expertise in defending sexual assault and domestic-related charges. His work is driven by a belief in the power of a strong independent defence bar as essential to a functional democracy and respect for the rule of law.
Neuberger has dedicated his practice to taking on complex, and sometimes controversial, cases with unwavering focus, yielding an impressive record. This record and rich history have earned him a place on Canadian Lawyer’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers list for 2025.
He went to university with a clear goal of pursuing a career in law, specifically in criminal law. That path briefly veered into commercial law after articling, but it didn’t hold.
“I ultimately felt I wasn’t following my true passion, so I left to open my own criminal defence practice,” he says. “From the outset, my goal has always been to work hard, provide the highest quality service to my clients, and continually develop my skills and knowledge.”
Neuberger & Partners is known across Canada for its trial expertise and strategic depth. The firm handles high-stakes cases, many of which are emotionally charged and highly scrutinized. Success depends on legal knowledge and also requires trust, composure, and tactical agility. Neuberger brings those qualities to every file, but he credits much of the firm’s impact to the people around him.
“One of my proudest achievements has been developing and mentoring exceptionally talented lawyers, some of whom still work with my firm, while others have gone on to serve as judges,” he says. “Watching their growth and knowing I contributed to their careers has been incredibly rewarding.”
The firm’s structure reflects a collaborative mindset. Cases are reviewed through a team-based approach that draws on different perspectives and keeps strategy sharp. Clients stay involved and informed. Communication is direct, and expectations are managed from the outset. That approach has strengthened the firm’s reputation with clients and colleagues alike.
Referrals, academic visibility, and a deliberate digital presence continue to grow the practice. But for Neuberger, none of it matters without integrity. He treats the criminal justice system as something to protect, not merely to operate within.
“I believe that a strong, independent defence bar is vital to a functioning democracy,” he says. “My ethos has always been to provide exceptional legal services while maintaining respect and professionalism in dealings with Crown Attorneys and the Courts.”
In the past 18 months, Neuberger has deepened his public advocacy while managing a full caseload. He has contributed commentary, resources, and case analysis on sexual offence litigation and legal reform, including through his firm’s Sexual Assault Newsletter published by Thomson Reuters.
The combination of public education and high-level courtroom work is a natural fit.
“Becoming a criminal defence lawyer has always been a calling,” he reflects. “I believe deeply in the societal value of a strong defence bar as a check on government overreach, and that belief continues to motivate me every day.”
That conviction also shapes his approach to leadership. Supporting his team means more than assigning cases. He invests in staff development, mentorship, and firm culture, knowing the demands of the work extend beyond the courtroom.
“The greatest challenge is building and maintaining an excellent support system, both within and outside the firm,” he says.
Neuberger plans to keep writing, mentoring, and litigating. The work is difficult, but that’s what makes it worth doing. His influence comes from the cases he argues, the lawyers he supports, the voices he amplifies, and the standard he insists on upholding.
1392 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 2E4
(416) 364 3111
joseph@nrlawyers.com
linkedin.com/in/joseph-neuberger-52157333
nrlawyers.com
Joseph A. Neuberger
Managing Partner
Neuberger & Partners LLP
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Bio
Milestones
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made”
Danny Ibrahim,
KeyRate Mortgage
1993
2002
2004–2010
2011
2014
Called to the bar in Ontario after completing his LL.B. (1991) and LL.M. (in Criminal Law) at Osgoode Hall Law School
1993
Appointed to the Ontario Review Board as alternate chairperson and legal member, a significant role overseeing treatment and decisions for mentally disordered accused
2002
Editor-in-Chief of the Toronto Law Journal and Editor in Criminal Law, contributing to legal scholarship and professional discourse
2004–2010
Published his book, Assessing Dangerousness: Guide to the Dangerous Offender Application Process, released by Carswell in 2011
2011
Elected president of the Toronto Lawyers Association, after serving in executive roles since 2009 and previously as trustee/executive officer since 2004
Certification (year unspecified)
Certified Specialist in Criminal Law by the Law Society of Ontario (formerly Law Society of Upper Canada), a prestigious certification awarded based on experience and peer recognition
2014
Assistant Vice President and Senior Broker at MJ Hall & Company since 2018
Present
Milestones
Aug 2022
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
As a founding member of WOW! (Women. Opportunity. Winning.), an employee resource group created for all women of Ryan Specialty, Phillips Topping has long championed for women in the industry.
“It’s very important to set an example and to not only inspire but mentor other females,” she adds.
In addition to her sharp marketing eye, the key to Phillips Topping’s success lies in her high-energy approach and positive attitude.
“As the leader of a team, it’s important to motivate and encourage your team members. People work very hard and do their best and it’s important to recognize these efforts. For my career overall, my attitude has been one of curiosity. The more you can learn, the better you’ll understand the business, and then the deeper your knowledge will become, making you a better team member.”
Chief underwriting officer of executive risk at Chubb
President of financial insurance solutions at Kemper
Chief underwriting officer at Axis Capital
CEO of global Insurance at Endurance
CEO of global Insurance at Sompo International
A significant part of his focus today is staying ahead of regulatory change while maintaining a seamless client experience. He tracks updates from regulators and lenders closely and works with his teams to adjust systems as needed.
“My approach to my role and my career has always been rooted in passion, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence,” he says. “I’ve never been driven solely by profit or business metrics. I believe in hiring great talent, trusting them, and pushing boundaries because innovation doesn’t come from playing it safe.”
His experience isn’t limited to Canada. Ibrahim has worked in the US and UAE, which shaped his global perspective and comfort with adapting to different markets. He thrives on risk, viewing setbacks as stepping stones to progress.
“I’ve always believed that if you love what you do, you’ll never settle, and that attitude has guided every decision I’ve made,” he adds.
That outlook continues to guide his work and reflects his broader goal of helping move the industry forward. Through his brokerage, lending company, and legal services, Ibrahim is focused on creating long-term value for his clients, his teams, and others working in the field.