Kristofer J. Advent, B.A., J.D.
“I understand that being accused of a criminal offence can be stressful and overwhelming. My role as your advocate is to help you navigate the criminal justice system, to protect and defend your rights, and to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.”
Kristofer J. Advent, B.A., J.D., is a senior associate with Beresh Law and has been practicing criminal law for the entirety of his career. He was born and raised in rural Northwestern Ontario and attended University in Winnipeg at the University of Manitoba. In 2009 he received his Bachelor of Arts with Distinction (with a major in Psychology and minor in Economics) and in 2012 he received his law degree (Juris Doctor).
While attending University, Mr. Advent worked with Canada Border Services Agency and gained experience with legal issues that occur at the border.
Mr. Advent was called to the Manitoba Bar in 2013 and the Alberta Bar in 2020.
Mr. Advent joined Beresh Law at the invitation of Brian A. Beresh Q.C. in June of 2019. Prior to joining Beresh Law, Mr. Advent practiced at a premier defence firm in Winnipeg with lawyers who have been recognized as Canada’s top criminal lawyers.
During his career, Mr. Advent has been fortunate to have gained experience acting for clients in a number of high profile cases, including arguing numerous appeals before the Manitoba Court of Appeal.
Notably, Mr. Advent was co-counsel in the 2017 murder retrial of Mark Grant after a new trial was ordered by the Supreme Court of Canada with respect to the 1984 death of Candace Derksen (see: R v Grant, 2017 MBQB 176). Mr. Advent also successfully argued R v Vandermeulen (M), 2015 MBCA 84 in the Manitoba Court of Appeal, which was the leading case on unreasonable delay in criminal trials in Manitoba before the Jordan decision from the Supreme Court of Canada.
Mr. Advent has defended clients charged with various offences in Northwestern Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. He is passionate in protecting and defending the Charter Rights of those accused. He has successfully defended clients charged with drug offences, driving offences (including impaired driving), violent offences, sexual offences and many other types of charges.
Mr. Advent has been an invited speaker to discuss complex legal issues for the Criminal Defence Lawyer’s Association of Manitoba in 2016 and 2018. In 2019, Mr. Advent instructed law students at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law as part of their advocacy class and served as a mock trial judge as part of that course. He has also lectured police cadets with respect to the role of defence counsel in criminal proceedings.
With his years of experience, Mr. Advent looks forward to using his skills to passionately defend your rights and your innocence. If you need assistance or advice, please contact Mr. Advent at (780) 421-4766.