Where the standard is set.
Clarity · Strategy · Resolution
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Where the standard is set.
Clarity · Strategy · Resolution
The Principal
Criterion Legal & Advisory is the practice of Christine Johnson Spence — a former Director of Public Prosecutions and one of the Caribbean's foremost authorities in legal compliance, financial intelligence, and cross-border advisory.
With a career spanning the highest levels of public prosecution, financial intelligence, and private legal practice, Christine brings prosecutorial precision to every client engagement — identifying risk others overlook and structuring solutions that withstand the scrutiny of the most demanding regulatory environments.
From AML frameworks for regulated financial institutions to succession planning for high-net-worth families, Criterion operates at the intersection of legal expertise, compliance intelligence, and strategic advisory.
The measure of a compliance framework is not whether it satisfies a checklist — it is whether it would survive the scrutiny of a prosecutor who has seen precisely how things go wrong.
How We Engage
Every engagement at Criterion follows a structured, secure workflow — from initial enquiry to ongoing advisory — designed to protect your confidentiality at every stage.
Begin through the secure contact form or book a consultation directly through our encrypted calendar. All submissions are treated as confidential from the moment of receipt.
Initial consultations are conducted via Proton Meet — end-to-end encrypted video conferencing. No third-party platforms. No data leakage. Complete privilege protection from the first conversation.
Following consultation, an engagement letter is issued outlining scope, terms, and fees. All documentation is exchanged through encrypted channels. Nothing leaves our control unprotected.
Criterion remains engaged through execution — not merely at inception. We monitor, advise, and respond as regulatory landscapes shift and client circumstances evolve.
Practice Areas
Five integrated practice areas. One governing standard — the rigour demanded by those who cannot afford to get it wrong.
Anti-money laundering advisory and compliance framework design for financial institutions, regulated entities, and high-risk sectors operating across Caribbean and international markets.
Board-level governance structuring, policy development, and compliance oversight for listed companies, statutory bodies, and private enterprises seeking institutional-grade frameworks.
Strategic advice on asset protection, succession planning, and cross-border wealth structuring for high-net-worth individuals and family offices in complex multi-jurisdictional environments.
Legal and compliance advisory for real estate transactions, development projects, and property investments across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, with integrated AML compliance.
Jurisdiction-spanning legal strategy and compliance advisory for businesses, institutions, and individuals operating across Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Our Approach
Every engagement is approached with evidentiary rigour. Risk is not assessed — it is interrogated. Vulnerabilities are identified before they are exploited.
Operating across Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom — navigating the regulatory complexity that defeats generalist advisors.
Absolute confidentiality is a baseline, not a feature. Every engagement is governed by the highest standards of professional privilege and data protection.
From initial risk assessment through framework design and ongoing monitoring — Criterion remains engaged through execution, not merely inception.
Schedule Your Consultation
Select a consultation type below to book directly into Christine's calendar. All consultations are conducted via end-to-end encrypted video — no third-party platforms, complete privilege protection from the first conversation.
A preliminary conversation to understand your matter, confirm the right practice area, and determine how Criterion can assist. No obligation.
Book This SessionFor regulated entities and financial institutions requiring compliance framework assessment, gap analysis, or regulatory guidance.
Book This SessionFor boards, executives, and institutional leadership seeking governance framework design, policy review, or compliance oversight.
Book This SessionFor high-net-worth individuals and family offices seeking asset protection, succession planning, or cross-border structuring advice.
Book This SessionFor property transactions, development projects, and real estate investments requiring legal compliance and AML guidance.
Book This SessionFor businesses and individuals requiring multi-jurisdictional legal strategy across Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United States, or the United Kingdom.
Book This SessionAll bookings are confirmed via encrypted email to your provided address. You will receive a secure Proton Meet link prior to your scheduled consultation.
Get in Touch
All enquiries are handled with strict confidentiality. Whether you represent a regulated institution, a family office, or a business navigating complex compliance requirements, we welcome a conversation.
We respond to all enquiries within two business days.
Confidentiality Notice: All information submitted is treated as strictly confidential and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Jamaica Data Protection Act 2020.
Please complete all required fields.
Your enquiry has been received and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. We will respond to christine@criterionlegaladvisory.com within two business days.
Book directly into Christine's encrypted calendar. Select your preferred consultation type and a time that works for you. You will receive a confirmation and a secure Proton Meet link by encrypted email.
Open Booking CalendarAll consultations conducted via Proton Meet — end-to-end encrypted video.
Legal
Criterion Legal & Advisory Limited, trading as Criterion Advisory, is a company registered in Jamaica. We are committed to protecting personal information in accordance with the Jamaica Data Protection Act 2020 and applicable international data protection standards.
We collect information you provide directly, including your name, email address, telephone number, organisation name, and the content of enquiries submitted through our contact form or booking system. We do not collect payment information through this website.
Information submitted is used solely to respond to your enquiry, provide requested advisory services, and fulfil our legal and professional obligations. We do not use your information for marketing without your explicit consent.
All information shared with Criterion Legal & Advisory is treated as strictly confidential and subject to professional privilege where applicable. We do not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties except as required by law or with your express consent.
All email communications are handled through Proton Mail — end-to-end encrypted, zero-knowledge infrastructure headquartered in Switzerland. All video consultations are conducted via Proton Meet, providing end-to-end encrypted video conferencing. No third-party video or messaging platforms are used for client communications.
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected, or as required by applicable law and professional regulatory obligations.
Under the Jamaica Data Protection Act 2020, you have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal information held by us. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at christine@criterionlegaladvisory.com.
This website does not use tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party analytics. No personal data is transmitted to advertising networks or social media platforms from this website.
For data protection queries: christine@criterionlegaladvisory.com
Last updated: 2025. Reviewed annually.