Calgary Pavilion Member Spotlight: Telmo dos Santos, Criminal Defence Lawyer, Dos Santos Law Office
Telmo grew up in Toronto and spent every summer in Portugal where his grandparents lived. Growing up with two languages, two cultures, and two generations instilled in him that change is constant, but character matters more. Before earning his law degree at the University of British Columbia, Telmo studied philosophy at Queen’s University where he gained an appreciation for ethics, logic, and careful argument. Before being called to the bar, he spent several years in the Northwest Territories working in Indigenous advocacy. Telmo’s work in places like Fort Good Hope, Inuvik, Colville Lake, Fort Simpson, and Yellowknife exposed him to communities and perspectives that he might never otherwise have encountered. After his time in the Northwest Territories, criminal defence felt like a natural place for Telmo. It brought together advocacy, analytical thinking, and working directly with people. After nearly two decades representing clients across Alberta, Telmo still enjoys the challenge that every new file presents.
How did you decide to start your own firm?
Starting my own firm was a natural progression.Criminal defence has long been a profession of independent practitioners, and after articling with a respected defence lawyer in Calgary, it felt like the right next step. I've also been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors throughout my career. Even now, when a particularly difficult legal question arises, I'm happy to seek another perspective. That's one of the things I admire most about the criminal defence bar: despite being adversarial by nature, it's remarkably generous with knowledge.
What do you find most exciting and most challenging about criminal law?
Criminal law demands analytical thinking, advocacy, judgment, and, above all, perspective. Every case is different. The most rewarding part is helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. People sometimes ask how criminal defence lawyers represent those who are guilty, but that misses the point. Our justice system depends on competent representation, whether someone is maintaining their innocence or accepting responsibility. Protecting that principle is one of the most meaningful parts of the job.
What does your day-to-day work look like right now?
No two days are alike. One day might involve a bail hearing or trial, another a sentencing, client meetings, reviewing disclosure, or preparing written submissions. I also regularly appear before the Criminal Code Review Board, representing individuals found not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder. I've been doing that work for more than fifteen years, and it remains one of the most intellectually interesting areas of my practice.
What do you enjoy most about the work you're doing today?
I'm still learning. Outside the courtroom, I enjoy writing about legal issues that affect the public. Over the years I've written on topics ranging from prison conditions and prosecutorial independence to constitutional law and Arctic sovereignty. I think lawyers have a responsibility not only to advocate for clients but also to help explain the law to the broader public.
What drew you to Pavilion, and how has your experience been so far?
I was looking for a place that balanced independence with community. Pavilion has been exactly that. It's a welcoming environment, and after a demanding day in court, there's something to be said for returning to a workspace that feels calm, thoughtful, and unhurried.
