Elena Ryland

Elena Ryland is a criminal defence lawyer at KJR Law. She was called to the Bar of Alberta in 2018 and is a member in good standing of the Law Society of Alberta. Her practice covers the full range of criminal and quasi-criminal allegations, with significant experience in sexual offences and domestic violence files.

Elena studied at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, where she focused her coursework on criminal law and gained practical advocacy experience through Student Legal Services. She competed in the Deans’ Cup Moot and represented the University of Alberta in the national Gale Cup Moot.

Elena articled at a criminal defence firm in Edmonton, working on files that included murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, and drug trafficking matters. She subsequently worked with Alberta Crown Prosecution Service before moving into private criminal defence. The experience of working on both sides of the Crown–defence relationship informs how she analyzes the prosecution’s case and prepares the defence.

Elena also serves as an advising lawyer with Student Legal Assistance, where she mentors law students and supports the provision of legal services to people who may not otherwise be able to access representation.