Colleen Elden was born and raised in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Colleen was born into an athletic family and continued the family tradition by competing at an elite level in volleyball, softball and tennis.

For her undergraduate studies, Colleen attended the University of British Columbia and majored in Sociology. Colleen quickly distinguished herself as a standout student and was awarded approximately seven academic prizes during the first two years of her studies. In her third year, Colleen was awarded the prestigious Undergraduate Scholar Program prize for her outstanding academic achievement.

Upon the completion of her third year of studies, Colleen was accepted into law school at the University of British Columbia. Colleen was the youngest member of her class and was one of only two students to be accepted into the law school prior to the completion of her undergraduate degree. Colleen’s academic excellence continued at law school and she received a variety of awards, including prizes in Legal Research and Writing and Advanced Criminal Law.

Colleen developed a keen interest in criminal law during her time at law school and, in her third year, she was selected to participate in the Criminal Clinic Program, where she was mentored by Elizabeth Lewis and the Honourable Judge David St. Pierre. During her summer breaks, Colleen had the unique opportunity to put her passion for criminal law into practice and she worked as a Border Agent for the Canadian Border Services Agency.

Colleen articled with Cobb St. Pierre Lewis and joined the practice as an associate in 2008. Colleen has confined her practice to criminal defence work and has defended people charged with a variety of offences under the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Colleen has also taken a particular interest in offences under the Customs Act and the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, in light of her former employment as a CBSA Agent.