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Have you ever wondered what is like to come face to face with a murderer; if DNA testing really is like they show it on CSI, how do lawyers pick juries in criminal cases; how does plea bargaining really work?
As a Crown Prosecutor Hilary McCormack has over 30 years of experience prosecuting some of the highest profile criminal cases in Canada. As a trial lawyer and supervising Crown Attorney she has prosecuted hundreds of homicide cases ranging from the first DNA case in Canada, shaken baby cases, gangland killings and serial killers.
In addition to prosecuting complex homicides she has developed her expertise in a number of criminal justice issues: child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence; best practices in case management and trial processes and mental health. Over the course of her career, she travelled to Thailand and Kosovo to provide legislative and policy advice in these areas and frequently hosted foreign delegations, including delegations from Russia, China, Afghanistan and the Palestinian Authority, on systemic issues and best practices. She has also travelled to Russia to monitor the prosecution of a Russian diplomat charged with killing a Canadian pedestrian.
In her career she has brought about transformative change – she was the first woman appointed Chief Crown Attorney in Ottawa, the nation’s capital; she drafted Canada’s first anti-stalking laws as well as providing advice on drafting enabling legislation for DNA Warrants and the national DNA Data Bank.
An engaging speaker, with a passion for all aspects of criminal law, she has frequently lectured to the judiciary, members of the bar, police services and academic conferences in Canada and abroad. She has authored many publications on a wide range of criminal law topics, including DNA issues, Child Witnesses and Dangerous Offenders.
She is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario Bar Association.
Hillary resides in Ottawa, Canada.