Vanora Simpson is a member of SGM’s criminal law group. She articled with SGM and joined the firm on her call to the Bar in 2000.

Vanora’s practice focuses on criminal litigation at the trial and appellate levels. She has a particular interest in the trial-level defence of young people charged with criminal offences and workers facing charges in the context of labour disputes. At the appellate level, her practice includes cases with "freedom of expression" issues. Vanora also acts for defendants in quasi-criminal matters with international elements, such as extradition cases. 

Vanora regularly speaks at seminars for teachers regarding their professional responsibilities, coping with criminal allegations, and the consequences of these cases.  She leads workshop sessions for trade union members on similar subjects.  Vanora speaks on criminal law subjects at continuing legal education conferences for colleagues in the profession.

Vanora  is a member of the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted Review Committee. Applications are made to AIDWYC by persons who have been convicted of serious crimes but who continue to proclaim their innocence. Vanora is part of the Committee that coordinates and assists the volunteer review lawyers who assess applications, and also personally conducts many case reviews. She is also a member of the Ontario Bar Association and Criminal Lawyers' Association.