Criminal defence was not a career move for Sean Fagan — it was the environment he was raised in. If there’s a blueprint for raising a top criminal defence lawyer, it would look like Sean Fagan’s life.

The son of one of Calgary’s most respected criminal lawyers — and part of a lineage of Alberta’s top defence counsel — he spent his childhood years in the office, absorbing the mindset, strategy, and discipline the work demands.

At law school, he focused solely on criminal defence and quickly rose to prominence — winning the Faculty of Law Trial Advocacy Championship, taking first place at the MacIntyre Cup, and medalling at the Sopinka Cup, Canada’s national trial advocacy finals.

He has built a reputation for defending serious charges and delivering results. As lead counsel in one of Canada’s most significant criminal law cases, he secured a full acquittal at the Supreme Court of Canada, striking down a 30-year-old law and re-establishing the defence of extreme intoxication.

Sean has never practised in any area but criminal law. In a profession where many divide their time, he chose to go narrow and deep. Criminal law is complex and unforgiving. Results requires full commitment.

His practice remains low-volume and highly selective — he does not accept legal aid, and he only takes cases on a case-by-case basis.

Sean Fagan is not inexpensive. But the time, attention, and strategy of a highly skilled lawyer never are. This is not an area to cut corners. Lost years, lost freedom, damaged relationships, and lost income can be far more costly.

Sean Fagan’s results speak for themselves. Explore examples of his past criminal defence victories.

Devlin Gavigan is an associate criminal defence lawyer with The Fagans — a firm that does not hire often. Devlin earned his place through demonstrated skill, courtroom presence, and a shared commitment to winning.

Like the rest of the firm, Devlin maintains a deliberately limited caseload. He does not take every file that comes through the door. He accepts cases on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each one receives the time, focus, and strategic effort it demands.

Devlin is called to the bar in both Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Explore examples of Devlin Gavigan’s past criminal defence results.