Mitchell received his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University with a Major in Political Science and three Minors in Commerce, Community Engagement, and Public Leadership. Following his undergraduate degree, Mitchell attained a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom. After graduating with his LLB, Mitchell completed a Master of Laws degree (LLM) in Canadian Common Law at Osgoode Hall Law School. As a Master’s student, Mitchell balanced his rigorous academic challenges with hands-on learning as a Clerk in the Ontario Court of Justice, gaining comfort speaking and appearing in court daily. The role also enabled Mitchell to glean a valuable insight into the Criminal Justice system as he attended Bail, Plea, Trial, and Weekend and Statutory Holiday courts daily. In addition to his roles as a full-time student in the LLM and working as a Clerk, Mitchell also worked as a Law Student at a law firm on Bay Street. As a Law Student, Mitchell began his role drafting court documents, preparing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and communicating his opinions and advice to lawyers overseeing his work. As time went on, Mitchell’s work at the firm developed into litigation experience, as he frequently assisted counsel in court and had independent carriage of small files.

Mitchell completed his articles at a mid-sized firm in Hamilton which dealt with a broad range of legal areas. During articling, he completed two rotations in barrister and solicitor-focused work, enabling him to effectively advocate for clients and handle the administration of high-volume legal work. Following articling, Mitchell worked at a criminal law firm, developing a thorough understanding both of the practice of criminal law as well as developing exceptional client care skills. The role enabled Mitchell to build on his comfort within the Criminal Justice system, regularly attending and assisting in a variety of legal matters.

Throughout his three degrees, Mitchell sought to continuously learn and excel in an academic setting while complementing that learning with tangible experiences that could translate into professional skills. Mitchell has worked in the private sector, non-profit, and all levels of the public service: municipal, provincial, and federal. Mitchell’s legal background is as varied and diverse as his academic and professional experiences, and this has enabled him to approach legal issues in a unique and creative manner. Mitchell’s numerous experiences as a clerk, student, and subsequently a practitioner of criminal law have resulted in a very holistic understanding of the Criminal Justice system, and enable him to successfully navigate the practice of law to achieve the best possible results for his clients.