Practice Emphasis
Amanda Carling practices in Family Law supporting her clients as they navigate the challenges that arise on family breakdown, including property division, divorce, child and spousal support, and parenting arrangements. She strongly believes in preventing problems where possible and supports clients in making agreements before they move in with or marry a partner.
Amanda became a lawyer in Ontario in 2013 and in 2022 received her license to practice law in British Columbia. She knows that navigating the justice system can be frustrating – particularly while addressing one of the most important transitions people will face in their lives. She is skilled at communicating clearly, in plain language, and explaining all steps in the complex process. She is dedicated to resolving matters outside of court wherever possible and in the most cost-effective manner.
Amanda’s advocacy and scholarship in the areas of law reform, Indigenous and human rights influenced statutory amendments, and she has been cited by the Supreme Court of Canada. Amanda spent several years building and leading a province-wide legal service delivery organization. Together with her passion for justice and building strong communities, Amanda brings her years of experience in leadership, conflict resolution, and crisis management to provide pragmatic and tailored supports to her clients.
Amanda has lived in Vernon since 2020. She and her family are grateful to make their home on the unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan peoples.
Practice Areas
Education and Interests
Education
- Call to the British Columbia Bar, 2022
- Call to the Ontario Bar, 2013
- JD, University of Toronto, 2012
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Manitoba, 2007
Select Media and Publications
- Introducing Brian Anderson and the wild world of wrongful convictions, CBC Unreserved (September 5, 2025) – Rosanna Deerchild
- Clearing their names, Winnipeg Free Press (January 23, 2025) – Katrina Clarke and Dan Lett
- Canadian registry of wrongful convictions shines light on cases the headlines miss, Toronto Star (February 20, 2023) – Jim Rankin
- Communicating Effectively with Indigenous Clients, Aboriginal Legal Services Publication (April 2018) – editor
- Pleading guilty when innocent: A truth for too many Indigenous people, the Globe and Mail Opinion (May 23, 2018) – author
- A Way to Reduce Indigenous Overrepresentation: Prevent False Guilty Plea Wrongful Convictions, The Criminal Law Quarterly, Volume 64 nos. 3 & 4 (August 2017) 415-461 – Author
Professional and Civic Interests
- Vernon Jazz Society, Secretary & Board Member
- Canadian Registry of Wrongful Convictions, Co-Founder & President of the Board
- Human Rights Watch, Canada Committee Member
- Aboriginal Legal Services in Toronto, Past President
- University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Adjunct Faculty (2017-2021)
