About Barrison & Manitius
Our History
The firm now known as Barrison & Manitius was founded by partners Paul Farquharson and the now Honourable John Adamson in December 1992. Mr. Farquharson and Mr. Adamson sought to establish a criminal defence practice focused on providing client-oriented representation. The firm – then known as Farquharson and Adamson – practiced with great success until Mr. Farquharson’s untimely death from cancer in 2006.
That same year, Paul Affleck joined the firm as an associate after working for several years in private practice for a large Toronto criminal defence firm. He was made a full partner in 2012 and the firm changed its name to Farquharson, Adamson & Affleck, LLP. It was also in 2012 that David Barrison joined the firm, after working as both a private criminal defence lawyer and a standing agent for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada.
In April 2014, Mr. Adamson was appointed as a judge for the Ontario Court of Justice. Subsequently, Mr. Barrison was made a full partner and the firm became Affleck & Barrison.
In early 2022, Mr. Affleck left private practice, and Mr. Barrison continued to lead the firm on his own, providing top-tier client-centered criminal defence services and forming Barrison Law.
In 2022, the firm grew as Krystal Manitius joined Barrison Law, bringing her extensive experience in trial litigation, appeals, and quasi-criminal law. Krystal Manitius’s exceptional legal acumen, and over 15 years of experience in criminal law, led to her being made Partner at Barrison Law in 2023.
Barrison Law evolved into Barrison & Manitius in 2025, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the firm as a premier criminal defence practice committed to client-focused representation and legal excellence.
Our Oshawa Lawyers
Through all of these transformations, our goal has remained the same: to provide skilled criminal defence to clients throughout the Durham Region and Greater Toronto Area. Our growth and success can be attributed to the combined efforts of our legal team. Our lawyers have gained respect throughout the legal and civil communities for their diligent representation in all areas of criminal law.
Our Personnel
Our team includes Valarie LaForge, who has been our office manager since 2000. Having worked in the industry since 1986, Ms. LaForge brings a wealth of experience in criminal law and the court system to keeping “her” lawyers and their clients organized. Her knowledge and support are fundamental to our firm’s success.
Contact Us
For more information about our law firm, contact Barrison & Manitius. We are located at 201 Bond Street East in Oshawa, within easy walking distance of the Durham Consolidated Courthouse. We accept cases on private retainers as well as Legal Aid. We offer a confidential consultation to all perspective clients.