Your Criminal Defence Team in London, Ontario
Behind every case at Dominion Criminal Defence is a small team that knows your name, knows your file, and picks up the phone when you call. We’re a boutique criminal defence firm in downtown London, Ontario, built on a simple idea: advocacy over profit.
Whether you’re facing a DUI or impaired driving charge, an assault or domestic assault charge, a sexual offence allegation, or your child has been charged under youth criminal law, you’ll work directly with a lawyer — not a call centre. Our urgent line is answered 24/7 at (226) 984-7637, and your first consultation is always free.
Who We Are
Dominion Criminal Defence is a boutique criminal defence firm in London, Ontario, founded by lawyer Phillip P. Dinis and licensed paralegal Dallas Thompson. The firm practices criminal law exclusively and represents clients across London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, Woodstock, and Cambridge, with lawyers who have appeared at every level of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal.
Phillip P. Dinis
Barrister at Law
Phillip’s path to criminal defence started on the other side of the system. After finishing at the top of his Police Foundations class, he spent years preparing for a career in law enforcement — volunteering as an Auxiliary Constable with the Middlesex OPP, campaigning in provincial politics, working with the Canadian Auto Workers’ human rights division, and teaching International Humanitarian Law for the Canadian Red Cross.
That work brought him face to face with the struggles of marginalized people and communities — and it changed his direction entirely. Phillip earned an Honours degree in Political Science and Government Policy at Western University, a Master’s at the University of Waterloo, and Canadian and American law degrees at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy, where he spent two years in the Veterans’ Law Clinic helping struggling veterans resolve their legal problems.
He articled under distinguished criminal defence lawyer Alan Gold, one of Canada’s most respected names in the field, before moving home to London to be closer to his son. In opening Dominion Criminal Defence with his longtime paralegal Dallas Thompson, Phillip finally got to practice law on his own terms — putting advocacy over profit.
Christina Hamp
Barrister at Law
Christina has practiced criminal law exclusively since her call to the Ontario Bar, appearing at every level of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal. She holds an Honours degree in Criminology and Bioethics from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sussex in the UK, and her Canadian qualifications from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law.
Long before her Bay Street articles, Christina was volunteering with the Innocence Project on behalf of the wrongfully convicted and with a legal aid mental-health organization in Brighton, England. That thread runs through everything she does: her cases start from a place of empathy and humanity, with a focus on defending those charged with sexual and domestic offences — and on making sure every client understands each step of the court process and every part of their defence strategy.
Outside the courtroom, Christina spends her time with family, friends, and her two dogs, Paddington and Dexter. She is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Criminal Lawyers’ Association.
Dallas Thompson
Licensed Paralegal
Dallas co-founded Dominion Criminal Defence alongside Phillip and works on every phase of a client’s file — from first meetings and disclosure review through hearings and trials. Raised in a blue-collar London family, she saw early on how legal trouble can upend the lives of ordinary people, and that experience drives how she treats clients today: with genuine empathy and no strings attached.
Dallas studied Criminology at Carleton University before completing her Paralegal Studies at Westervelt College, where she graduated with Presidential Honours and became licensed in Ontario.
Madison Thompson
Legal Clerk
When you retain Dominion, Madison — along with Dallas — is your first point of contact. She reviews everything that comes in on your file, tracks every court date and the reason for it, and handles the financial side of your matter. Don’t be surprised if Madison knows more about your file than you do; that’s her job. She’s currently completing a degree in criminology and policing at Wilfrid Laurier University — and it won’t be long before she’s a barrister herself.
Why People Choose Dominion
You talk to a lawyer, not a machine.
Free consultations, and a 24/7 urgent line that's actually answered.
Criminal defence is all we do.
No real estate closings, no wills — just defending people in criminal court.
Plain language, every step.
We explain what's happening and why, from your first appearance to the final result. Start with our First Time Charged? guide and our plain-language glossary of criminal law terms.
Small firm, full attention.
Every person on this page will know your case.
FAQS
Get to Know Dominion Criminal Defence
Who are the lawyers at Dominion Criminal Defence?
Phillip P. Dinis and Christina Hamp, both barristers who practice criminal defence exclusively and have appeared at all levels of court in Ontario, supported by licensed paralegal Dallas Thompson and legal clerk Madison Thompson.
Where is Dominion Criminal Defence located?
At 458 Queens Ave, Second Floor, in downtown London, Ontario — a short walk from the London courthouse.
What areas does the firm serve?
London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, Woodstock, Cambridge, and communities throughout Southwestern Ontario.
What types of cases do you handle?
DUI and impaired driving, assault and domestic assault, sexual offences, child-related offences, youth criminal law, and criminal appeals.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes — every first consultation is free and confidential. The urgent line at (226) 984-7637 is answered 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Will I deal with a lawyer directly?
Yes. A lawyer reviews your case from the first consultation, and the whole team — lawyer, paralegal, and clerk — knows your file as it moves forward.
What does a boutique criminal defence firm mean?
A small firm focused on one area of law. Instead of being one file among thousands, your case gets the attention of a team that practices criminal defence and nothing else.
How do I contact Dominion Criminal Defence?
Call or text the 24/7 urgent line at (226) 984-7637, call the office at (226) 667-5767 during business hours, or use the contact form on the website.
Speak With a Criminal Defence Lawyer Today — It’s Free
If you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal offence in London, Kitchener, Brantford, Guelph, or anywhere in Southwestern Ontario, don’t wait. The sooner you have legal advice, the better.
Call or text our 24/7 urgent line at 226-984-7637, or fill in the contact form below. Your first consultation is free and confidential.