Janis Criger attended Law School at the University of Windsor from 1980 to 1983. Following graduation, she and her husband came to live and work in Hamilton. Ms. Criger articled with Gerald A. Swaye, Q.C., then worked for Mr. Swaye until 1993.

During her work with Mr. Swaye, she gained invaluable knowledge and training with respect to all aspects of civil litigation, including trial and mediation preparation and conduct, excellent client service, and the responsible management of a business.

By 1993, Ms. Criger had two sons, with whom she wished to spend more time during their formative years. She worked part-time for Mr. Swaye, from 1993 to 1995, and then began her own litigation practice from home. In 1996, she was appointed as a Deputy Judge of the Hamilton Small Claims Court, where she hears civil cases two or three days monthly, as the Court requires.

By 2006, her sons were young adults, and her practice had grown. Ms. Criger moved to her current, more comfortable office space at 25 Main Street West, Suite 700, in Hamilton, Ontario in May of 2006. She continues to practice law and to judge cases at the Hamilton Small Claims Court.

View Some of Ms. Criger’s Reported Cases

Nancy Winlove-Smith has been Ms. Criger’s personal assistant since November 2007, and is dedicated to assisting each and every one of Ms. Criger’s clients to ensure that their personal injury claim is handled in the most professional and personal way possible.

Ms. Winlove-Smith originally graduated from the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture Program for Health Care Professionals in 2004 and the Mohawk/McMaster Health Sciences Phytotherapy Diploma program in 2006. This health care experience provides a unique understanding and insight into medical records and evaluations.

Ms. Winlove-Smith was also a keynote speaker at the McMaster Pain Management Committee Workshop in October, which gave her active involvement with health care professionals.

In addition to her extensive experience in Insurance, Ms. Winlove-Smith has completed Levels I and II of the Insurance Brokers of Ontario Certification. She was previously employed as a personal lines claims adjuster for Lloyd’s of London Insurance Company, and as a Commercial Sales Executive with Dale & Company Insurance Brokers, as well as having recently completed the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario Corporate Law Certification.