BARRISTON LAW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
- Member of the Rotaract Club of Barrie
Alex is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of municipal law, corporate law and wills and estates. Alex joined Barriston in 2020 as a summer student prior to completing his articling term at the firm. His time at Barriston has allowed him to assist on a variety of complex municipal, corporate and estate planning matters.
Alex completed his law degree at the Schulich School of Law (Dalhousie University) before being called to the Bar in Ontario. While in law school, Alex was involved with Pro Bono Dalhousie's Wills Project where he assisted with the drafting and execution of wills and powers of attorney for low-asset residents of Halifax and area. Prior to obtaining his law degree, Alex studied business administration at Laurentian University.
Outside of practicing law, Alex is an active member of the Rotaract Club of Barrie. In his spare time, he enjoys playing and writing music, mountain biking, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.
Amanda Chapman is an experienced lawyer, mediator, and workplace investigator. She had the privilege of honing her skills at a local boutique firm as a young lawyer, and then managed her own firm for over ten years before joining Barriston LLP as Counsel in 2024. Amanda has a broad legal practice which encompasses employment law, insurance law, estate planning, estate litigation and family law. Amanda also has experience with both civil and family appeals having had a number of appearances before the Ontario Court of Appeal. Amanda's practice areas allow her to advise clients in various areas and when those areas intersect Amanda has the experience needed to advise on both. Amanda obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University in 2002, Postgraduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution in 2004, and graduated from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in 2008.
In 2018, through The Law Foundation of Ontario, Amanda had the opportunity to develop the Summary Legal Counsel Project, of which she is also a roster lawyer. At the time, the SLC Project was a first of its kind and it offered the opportunity for unrepresented parties to retain experienced family lawyers at a highly discounted rate. Addressing Access to Justice is such an important issue and the program expanded into Toronto in 2020. In 2021, Amanda Chapman was appointed by Order in Council as a part-time Mediator and Adjudicator with Tribunals Ontario. Amanda is a Mentor for the Family Justice Centre which mentors law students while providing advice to those in need of legal services, a member of Pro Bono Ontario, sits on the Board of Directors for Elizabeth Fry Society of Simcoe Muskoka, a member of the Toy Tea (Barrie), a member of Ripple of Kindness (Barrie) and is committed to contributing to the betterment of our community.
When Amanda is not hard at work on client matters, she is looking for her next design project, improving her fitness, being a supportive dance mom and hockey mom, or traveling to a new or favourite destination with her husband Tyler and their two children.
Barrie Hayes graduated from the University of Windsor law school in 1979. Since graduation Barrie has been providing legal services and representation in the Simcoe County area. Barrie practices mainly in the areas of family law and estates litigation. Barrie is a certified mediator and was a dispute resolution officer for the Superior Court Of Justice Family Court Branch.
Barrie is a member of the Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers Association, the Simcoe County Criminal Law Lawyers Association and the Ontario Bar Association. Barrie is a past president for the Simcoe County Law Association, the Simcoe County Family Law Association and was a member of the executive committee for the Ontario Bar Association - Family Section. Barrie holds the Osgoode Certificate in Elder Law.
Barrie is a past board member for the Barrie and District Chamber of Commerce, Stevenson Memorial Hospital, Stevenson Memorial Hospital Association, Mary McGill Mental Health Center, Community Living Association for south Simcoe and not-for-profit housing associations.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Counsel / Huntsville
- Member of the Muskoka Law Association
Bill practices in the areas of Real Estate, Business Law, Wills and Estates. His clients include a large number of business owners and entrepreneurs. During his past three decades of private practice in Muskoka, he has become a trusted advisor for their legal concerns. Bill was called to the Bar in 1987, after receiving a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Waterloo and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor.
Bill is a member of the Muskoka Law Association and spent many years as a minor hockey coach with the Huntsville Minor Hockey Association. He is a proficient golfer and enjoys golfing with family and friends.
Carly is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of municipal, planning and expropriation law. Carly was called to the Bar in 2022 after completing her Articling term with Barriston. Carly provides advice and representation to municipalities and private clients on a variety of municipal issues including land-use planning, development, freedom of information and privacy, elections, and general municipal matters.
Having focused on municipal law throughout her summering and articling terms, Carly has had the opportunity to appear before the Ontario Land Tribunal and has attended the Superior Court and Divisional Court in Ontario for both municipal and private clients. Before joining Barriston, Carly worked for the office of an Ontario Integrity Commissioner where she assisted on matters regarding conflicts of interest and codes of conduct.
Carly earned her LL.B. (Honours) from the University of Leeds School of Law in the United Kingdom and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree at McMaster University where she majored in Political Science. She is the co-founder of the "Georgian Bay Social" which fundraises for local charities in Collingwood and enjoys skiing and golfing in her spare time.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Legal Advisor
- Member and past - Director of the Rotary Club of Barrie
Cayley is a trusted legal advisor to business owners and their families and she values the opportunities she's had to work with multiple generations of business owners, assisting in the ongoing success of their ventures. Cayley's clients trust her legal and business insights and are confident in the quality of her legal services. They value her responsive attention to their ongoing needs.
Cayley works with all types of business owners including doctors, dentists, veterinarians, farmers, car dealerships, and manufacturers. She assists in all aspects of their businesses, including buying and selling assets or companies, commercial financing, commercial leasing and maintaining corporate records. She also helps business owners with their commercial real estate needs and their wills and estate planning, including succession planning for their businesses.
Cayley is an experienced commercial lending lawyer with expertise in commercial lending, real estate financing and construction financing. Cayley has also represented public institutions in a general advisory capacity and helps not for profit and charitable organizations with incorporations, applications for charitable status, and on-going corporate maintenance.
Since moving to Simcoe County in January 2018, Cayley has enjoyed the opportunity of working alongside several senior Barrie business lawyers with her previous firm. Prior to moving to Simcoe County, Cayley practiced with Pavey Law LLP in Cambridge and with Torys LLP in Toronto.
Cayley has presented at seminars hosted by local Real Estate Boards and Chambers of Commerce, to groups organized through Pro Bono Law Ontario and the Law Society of Ontario, as well as to smaller groups organized by local banking institutions, libraries, and stroke survivor organizations. She welcomes the opportunity to speak to other groups.
Cayley is currently a member and past-director of the Rotary Club of Barrie, having previously been the president and treasurer of the Rotary Club of Cambridge (Preston-Hespeler). Cayley is past-Chair of the Board of Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
Outside of the office, she enjoys reading all varieties of books, has very eclectic tastes in music and stays active by curling, cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing and exploring the County's highways by bicycle.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Bracebridge
Christine practices in the areas of Business Law, Real Estate Law, and Wills & Estates. She is very attentive to the needs of her clients and works diligently to achieve desired results.
Christine completed her law degree at Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom in 2015. During her time abroad, she actively volunteered her time to the Pro Bono Society and Student Bar Society. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Christine earned her Masters degree in Legal Studies from Carleton University in Ottawa.
After being called to the Bar in 2017, Christine chose Muskoka as the place to start her career. From a young age, she developed a love for the area, spending summers at her family cottage on Lake Vernon.
Christine completed her Articling in Huntsville and worked as a lawyer in Bracebridge before joining our team. Currently, Christine is a member of the Rotaract Club of Bracebridge and enjoys giving back to the community she now calls home.
When not in the office, Christine enjoys spending time with family and friends, water sports and travelling.
David Harris-Lowe advises clients in all areas of family law and estate litigation, in particular relating to property and support disputes. He has represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario and has worked as a Dispute Resolution Officer in the Superior Court of Justice. He is also an accredited mediator and provides mediation services through Resolv'd Inc.
Before his call to the bar David graduated from the Royal Military College of Canada (1993) and from Queen's University (1996) where he obtained his law degree. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Simcoe County Law Association and the Simcoe County Family Law Association. David is also a member of the community liaison committee for the Simcoe/Muskoka Supervised Access Centre.
Outside of work David is active in sports, back country camping and spending time with his family.
Dave has been, and continues to be, involved in community affairs, having served as the President of the Barrie Downtown Improvement Board and the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia, and as a director of the Barrie YMCA and United Appeal.
Dave is an avid golfer and skier and immensely enjoys spending time with his wife and sons at the family cottage.
Job Titles:
- Mediator and Arbitrator, Consultant
- Mediator and Arbitrator, Consultant / Barrie
After too many years fighting for clients in a slow, expensive and user-unfriendly court system, Doug decided there was a better way to solve their family law problems. So, since 1998 a significant part of Doug's practice has been providing representation for clients in mediation and arbitration processes and acting as a mediator or arbitrator for spouses who both wish to resolve their family issues this way instead of through litigation. This better way now takes up about 15% of Doug's practice.
Also, in 1998 Doug received the recognition of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as a "Specialist in Family Law" and he has maintained this status to the present. Doug was the first lawyer in Simcoe County to receive this recognition. Doug is also one of very few lawyers in the province who has a wealth of knowledge in the topics of Adoption Law and the Representing of Children in Custody and Access Disputes. He co-authored a legal text on Adoption Law in Canada several years ago.
Since graduating from Law School at the University of Windsor in 1982 and being called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1984, Doug has provided sound legal advice in all areas of family law including child support, spousal support, property division, corporate/business issues that impact on separation or divorce, child protection, child custody/parenting plans, etc.
Doug has been a guest speaker at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, at the Ontario Provincial Police Academy and has contributed articles to local newspapers and legal publications throughout his career. Doug has also contributed to the legal and local communities through his work for, and memberships in, the Rotary Club of Barrie, Rainbows Canada, Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers Association, Ontario Bar Association and the Office of the Children's Lawyer.
Doug retired from practice in October 2019 and now acts as a consultant in our Family Law department.
As Chief Operating Officer at Barriston Law, Doug is directly responsible for planning and directing all aspects of the law firm's operational policies, objectives and initiatives. Doug also provides general manager oversight and day-to-day direction to managers and senior staff regarding finance, human resources and information technology.
Doug has over 34 years of experience in the Automotive Aftermarket - initially as General Manager for a growing Tire & Automotive Franchise Group and laterally as a Franchisee where Doug owned and operated several locations in Toronto and Barrie. Doug has participated as a Panelist for the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium and recently served on the Automotive Service Provider Council.
Prior to entering the Automotive Aftermarket, Doug spent several years with Ernst & Young in Toronto as a Staff Accountant.
Doug has an Honors Business Degree from the Richard Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario.
As a long time Rotarian, Doug is a Past Assistant District Governor in District 7010, and an active member and Past President of the Barrie Huronia Rotary Club. Doug was also instrumental in helping to organize and Charter the Rotaract Club of Barrie.
Other Community Involvement includes Past Co-Chair of the Hospice Simcoe Capital Campaign and currently Doug is Vice Chair of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Foundation Board.
Doug enjoys swimming, boating and spending time at his Family island in Georgian Bay.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Collingwood
Emerson is an Associate lawyer who practices in the areas of general civil litigation and employment law. He started at Barriston in 2022, after practicing as an associate and articling at a prominent management-side labour and employment law firm.
He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Western University in 2020, where he graduated on the Dean's List and received the Law Society of Ontario Award for academic excellence. While at law school, Emerson participated frequently in moots and oral advocacy competitions, winning multiple accolades. He represented Western at the Willms and Shier Environmental Law Moot, where he won Distinguished Oralist. Prior to attending law school, Emerson received his Bachelors of Arts, Honours (with Distinction) in Political Science from the University of Guelph.
In his spare time, Emerson helps with the family Christmas tree farm south of Collingwood, and restores classic automobiles.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant / Barrie
Eric Finn practiced civil litigation and administrative law from his call to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1972 until his retirement in 2018. He received a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) from McGill University and an LL.B. and LL.M. from York University. The Law Society of Upper Canada certified him as a Specialist in Civil Litigation from 1989 to 2018.
Mr. Finn practiced in all levels of court and before numerous administrative tribunals. His casework included commercial disputes, personal injuries, property damage, land title issues and employment matters. In the administrative area, he is generally regarded as an expert in expropriation matters.
He was a law clerk for the Chief Justice of the trial division in Ontario. In addition to working in private practice, Eric was, for several years, an Assistant General Counsel, responsible for all legal proceedings, with a major public utility.
Eric has published several articles relating to litigation and administrative law, was an associate Editor of the Land Compensation Reports and Ontario Municipal Board Reports and has authored two course manuals for the International Right of Way Association (IRWA). He was a frequent speaker at activities of the Canadian Bar Association, the International Right of Way Association and the Ontario Expropriation Association. He taught in the Bar Admission Course of the Law Society and was a certified instructor with the IRWA.
Eric has been Chairman of the Administrative Law Section and a member of council of the Ontario Bar Association and was a director and former President of the Ontario Expropriation Association. His other memberships included the Simcoe County Law Association, the Advocates' Society and the IRWA where he held several positions, including, General Counsel from 2009 to 2016 and Trustee of the International Ethics Standard Coalition from 2014 to 2018. He is a Past President of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Barrie and District.
George Craig retired from practice as of December 31st 2023.
George Craig graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in 1973 and from the University of Western Ontario with an LL.B. in 1978. Upon his call to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in 1980, George Craig began practicing and has been providing legal advice and representation primarily in the areas of real estate and estate planning since then.
George provides advice to individuals and large institutional clients on the various aspects of conveyancing of real property and the securing of adequate financing and mortgages. In addition, his knowledge in the areas of tax planning and estate planning has allowed him to serve a broad range of clients.
George is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Barrie, past Chair of the Barrie & District United Way and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Family Law
- Senior Associate / Barrie
Gillian is a senior associate lawyer practicing in the Family Law department.
Gillian assists clients in all areas of family law, including parenting issues, child support, spousal support, division of property, and the negotiation domestic contracts. Gillian is a Member of the Personal Legal Rights Panel for the Office of the Children's Lawyer. Gillian represents parents and other caregivers in child protection matters. Gillian is trained in Collaborative Family Law and applies the settlement-focused elements of Collaborative Family Law to all of her files.
Gillian earned an LL.B. (Honours) from the Faculty of Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Western University where she majored in Political Science.
While pursuing her law degree, Gillian was an active member of the Kent Law Clinic and participated in forming the Canadian Law Society at the University of Kent. Gillian was also integral in creating the Canadian Law Moot competition at Kent and has attended the University to speak to students on returning to practice law in Canada.
In her spare time Gillian enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, playing ice hockey, shopping and travelling.
Gillian was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in 2012.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Counsel / Barrie
- Real Estate
Graham offers sound and timely advice on corporate acquisitions and dispositions, corporate financial services, with an emphasis on secured financing and mortgage lending, and incorporations, shareholder and partnership agreements, mergers, leasing and franchising. His real estate practice addresses both private and corporate conveyancing and financing.
Graham has practiced trade mark and copyright law since 1983. He has completed his course requirements for a Masters of Law degree in Intellectual Property and has published in the Intellectual Property Journal. Graham has taken mediation training at CDR Associates in Boulder Colorado.
Graham is a founding member of the Barrie Arts Council, and founding member of Three Links Co-operative Housing in Barrie bringing 80 units of affordable housing to Barrie, the Founding Board President of the MacLaren Art Centre, founding Board Member of Gilda's Club Simcoe/Muskoka and a founding Associate Member of the Canadian Association of Family Enterprise Georgian Bay Chapter. He is a past president of the Barrie Canoe Club and a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Simcoe County Law Association.
In 2015 Graham was awarded the MacLaren Legacy Award in honour of his sustained leadership and commitment to making Barrie a wonderful community. Graham enjoys hiking with his wife Stephanie in remote regions, spending time at his cabin in Algonquin Park and composing and playing music.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Counsel / Collingwood
- Planning
Harold practices municipal, planning and development law. He has been advising and representing municipalities, school boards, federal and provincial departments and agencies, developers, and individuals throughout Ontario, since his call to the Bar in 1988. Mr. Elston prides himself on providing practical, sound, and timely legal advice to his clients. Harold has been appointed as the Integrity Commissioner, Ombudsman, Closed Meeting Investigator, and Workplace Investigator, for several municipalities in Central and Northeastern Ontario.
An advocate, Mr. Elston appears regularly before the Ontario Land Tribunal, including hearings under the Planning Act, the Aggregate Resources Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, the Development Charges Act, the Expropriations Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Environmental Assessment Act, the Ontario Water Resources Act, and the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act. He has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, and the Court of Appeal for Ontario on municipal, land use planning and development cases.
Harold provides legal advice to municipal councils and staff on municipal and planning law matters, including opinions on the Municipal Act, 2001, the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, the Municipal Freedom of Information Act, the Building Code Act, Codes of Conduct and Council Staff Relations Policies.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
Heather is an associate lawyer practicing primarily in the areas of wills and estates, real estate and corporate law. Heather was called to the Bar in June 2023 after completing her Articling and summers with Barriston.
Heather graduated from Queen's University's Faculty of Law in 2022 after obtaining her Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2018. During her time in law school, Heather volunteered her time with Pro Bono Students Canada and one of the free Legal Clinics run by Queen's University.
Growing up in Midhurst, Heather is happy to return to the Barrie area after being away at school. In her spare time, Heather enjoys spending time with her Golden Retriever ‘Bentley', visiting her family cottage in Muskoka and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate / Collingwood
Heather is a senior associate lawyer at our Collingwood office. Heather has been practicing law in Collingwood since 2011. She has experience in a variety of practice areas including Family Law, Wills, Estates and Real Estate. Heather aims to alleviate stress and uncertainty for clients by focusing on client priorities and effectively communicating about rights, obligations, and options for resolution.
Heather obtained her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo where she majored in Rhetoric and Professional Writing. From there she earned her Juris Doctor from the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario.
During her free time Heather enjoys outside exploration and adventures with her family including cottaging, skiing, coaching soccer and travel.
Heather looks forward to continuing to provide a high level of legal services to the community.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Family Law
- Partner / Barrie
Hilary is a Partner practising in the Family department. Hilary assists clients in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, custody and access, spousal support, child support and division of property. Hilary earned an LL.B. (Honours) from the Faculty of Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, an Advanced Certificate in Dispute Resolution at York University and completed a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree at Carleton University where she majored in Law.
While pursuing her law degree, Hilary was an active member of the Kent Law Clinic and spent a summer studying at the Hague Academy of International Law.
In her spare time Hilary enjoys playing ball hockey and softball for the Barriston Badgers, skiing, cycling and travelling.
Hilary was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in 2013.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
Jacklyn practices in the area of civil/commercial litigation with a particular focus on construction law. Jacklyn has experience obtaining favourable outcomes for her clients through negotiation, litigation, mediation, arbitration and adjudication. Jacklyn summered with Barriston throughout her law degree, and completed her Articles with the firm before being called to the Bar in June of 2020.
Jacklyn graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2019, having earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto in 2016 in Environmental Studies, with minors in French and Spanish. In 2022 Jacklyn completed the Osgoode Certificate in Construction Law - National Edition.
Jacklyn has always called Barrie home, and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Barrie and the Simcoe County Law Association's Library Committee. In her spare time Jacklyn likes to read, watch biopics of artists from the ‘70s, travel, and unwind with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Partner
- Partner / Barrie
Janice Mumberson provides counsel to clients in the areas of corporate and commercial law, wills and estates, and real estate. Janice focuses on understanding her clients' business and goals to ensure they receive the best possible advice. Janice was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in June 2013 after earning her law degree from the Queen's University Faculty of Law.
Through her involvement with the law school, Janice was a part of the Queen's Business Law Clinic, providing advice and guidance to start-up corporations, and volunteered with the Family Law Project in assisting those without representation navigate the family law court system. Prior to enrolling in law school, Janice completed her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) at the Queen's School of Business.
In 2019 Janice received the Barrie Advance Readers' Choice Favourite Real Estate Lawyer Award.
In her spare time, Janice is active in a wide range of outdoor activities, including running and rowing, and also volunteers with the Barrie Uptown Theatre. Janice is a member of the Barrie Chamber of Commerce and currently volunteers with the Small Business Centre of Barrie assisting as part of a panel of mentors for start-up businesses.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Counsel / Bracebridge
Jean Polak is an experienced litigator who also enjoys assisting clients with estate planning. Her practice focuses on wills and estates, estate and commercial litigation (such as construction liens, employment law and property disputes) and municipal prosecutions. She is also a member and alternate chair of the Ontario Review Board.
Jean was called to the bar in 1989, and began her legal career in Toronto at what was then Tory Tory DesLauriers & Binnington. She took a leave of absence to spend a year in England as a Fox Scholar, working with barristers of the Middle Temple, London. Jean returned to Torys as an associate and continued her busy practice as a civil litigator. In 1993, Jean chose to relocate to Muskoka, where she initially worked for a small firm, then opened her own practice in 2000. She successfully ran that sole practice for over twenty years before joining Barriston LLP as Counsel in 2021.
Jean has always been an active volunteer in her community, going back to her roots in Ajax, Ontario, and continuing through her student years, then in her early professional career while still in Toronto.
Since moving to Muskoka, Jean's volunteer involvement within her community includes being a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, an assistant governor with Rotary International District 7010, volunteering with Community Living South Muskoka and serving on the boards of the local hospital, the Muskoka Heritage Foundation and its successor the Muskoka Conservancy. At a provincial level she has also served as a member of the Chief Justice of Ontario's Advisory Committee on Professionalism and as a director of The Advocates' Society. She is currently a provincially-appointed grant review team volunteer for the Trillium Foundation. She is a Rotary Citizen of the Year, recipient of the Town of Bracebridge Good Citizenship Award, and in 2019 she was awarded the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship by the Province of Ontario.
Jim graduated from York University in 1982 having attained an Honours Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He attended University of Ottawa Law School graduating in 1986 and was called to the Bar in 1988. During his initial years of practice, Jim obtained broad experience in several practice areas including real estate, corporate/commercial and litigation. Jim provides comprehensive advice and representation to municipal and private clients on a broad range of issues. His clients consist primarily of municipalities and utility suppliers including municipal electrical utilities and hydro distributors. With a focus on municipal and land use planning law, Jim provides advice and representation to his clients on statutory and regulatory matters including governance, land use and development, land acquisitions including easements and land sales. His past experience includes acting for a major title insurance company and serving as its Chief Agent in Canada from 2003 to 2009. Jim served as the firm's Managing Partner 2010 to 2021.
Jim is an active member and Past President of the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia. He has worked with a number of other community organizations including Kempenfest (Barrie) Inc. and The Barrie Parenting Fair Steering committee. Jim was a member of the Board of Directors for Hospice Simcoe for 8 years starting in 2003 and assumed the role of President and Board Chair in 2006 during a time when key decisions were being made to fundraise for and construct a residential hospice facility in Barrie. Jim served as Chair of the Hospice Simcoe Capital Campaign beginning in 2007 which raised over $6,000,000.00 for the construction and opening of the 10 bed residential hospice in December of 2009. Jim was honoured and recognized for his efforts receiving the June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award for Volunteerism from the Province of Ontario in 2013. Jim continues to volunteer and serve through his active participation in Rotary and by supporting other worthwhile organizations and causes. In his spare time, Jim plays some golf, skis and enjoys time entertaining with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Real Estate
Joanne is a business and real estate lawyer with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience behind her, providing her with a unique and practical perspective. Her common sense approach and her understanding of the business side of matters helps her work well as part of a team with her clients, to get the deal done. Joanne graduated from the University of Toronto (Hons B.A. in 1990 and LLB in 1993) and has lived and worked in Barrie since 1997 when her husband acquired a dental practice in the area. She is certified by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as a Specialist in Corporate & Commercial Law.
Joanne has always been active in her community, sitting on various boards and committees including the Barrie Food Bank (Vice-President), Business Networking International (President), United Way of Greater Simcoe County (VP, Chair of Board), Barrie Royals Basketball Club, Minesing School Council (Chair), Barrie North School Council, The Sandbox Centre (founding Board member and current Board Chair) and Women Presidents Organization (Georgian Bay Chapter). Joanne`s involvement in the management of the firm (Managing Partner, Chief Innovation Officer, Chair of Finance) as well as her real estate investment and development experience make her uniquely positioned to provide business and real estate advice from the perspective of both a lawyer and a business client. Joanne is a member of the Simcoe County Lawyers Association, the Barrie Real Estate Lawyers Association and MENSA Canada.
Joanne was a recipient of the 2018 Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards (Business and Commercial - Lawyer of the Year - Canada)
Jodi practices in the area of family law and advises clients in matters relating to custody & access, child support, spousal support, and the division of family property. She also practices in the area of alternative dispute resolution and, as a mediator, works with clients to resolve their disputes cooperatively and outside of court. Jodi obtained a Bachelor of Arts from McMaster University in 1998 having majored in Psychology and minored in English. She went on to attend the University of Western Ontario Faculty of Law and graduated in 2002.
After completing her year of articles in Vancouver, Jodi was called to the Bar of the Law Society of British Columbia in 2003. She practiced Family Law on the west coast but made the decision to return to her roots and transferred to Ontario. She was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in May 2004 and joined the firm shortly thereafter. Outside of work, Jodi enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors (preferably near water), and losing herself in a good book.
Since 1962, John Cockburn devoted the majority of his practice time to corporate and commercial matters. He acted for over 300 corporations (including provincial and federal corporations, charitable organizations and foundations) involving incorporations, joint ventures and partnership arrangements, reorganizations, amalgamations, estate/corporate tax planning, negotiation and documentation of complex commercial contracts, business sales and acquisitions by way of asset sales (inevitably involving commercial realty conveyancing) and by way of share sales, and for commercial lenders in structuring financing arrangements for these types of transactions. John also practiced in the area of Real Estate (commercial and residential) and in Estate Planning and Estate Administration.
John was certified by the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) as a Specialist in Corporate and Commercial Law in 2007. John also maintains an extensive Residential and Commercial Real Estate practice. He practiced law in Barrie from 1962 until 2021. He is active in the community having served as Chairman of the Royal Victoria Hospital Board, board member for the Ontario Safety League, past President, and active member of the Rotary Club of Barrie-Huronia, and co-chair of the Leadership Gifts - Capital Fundraising for Hospice Simcoe.
John retired from practicing law on December 10th 2021.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Senior Associate / Huntsville
John is an associate lawyer practicing real estate law, wills and estates, and commercial/corporate law in our Huntsville office. John applies his knowledge of Muskoka to assist clients in their cottage and residential transactions, land severances and original shore road allowance closures. He also advises clients on their estate planning, with an eye to minimizing potential taxes.
John has articled and practiced law in Muskoka and the Town of Huntsville since graduating from Queen's University, Faculty of Law in 2004 and being called to the bar in 2005.
When not in the office, John can be found at the soccer fields and hockey rinks volunteering with community sporting programs. He also enjoys running marathons and triathlons or canoeing and hiking in Algonquin Park with his young family.
In 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 Josh received the Barrie Advance Readers' Choice award for Favourite Employment Lawyer. In 2022 Josh also received the Barrie Advance Readers' Choice award for favourite lawyer.
In his spare time, Joshua enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Tonka. Josh also has taken on leadership roles with various different community organizations across Barrie.
Lisa joined Barriston LLP in May, 2016. She advises clients in the areas of real estate, business law, and wills and estate planning. Lisa approaches her practice with enthusiasm and a strong attention to detail. She strives to provide excellent client service. Lisa is an active member of the Simcoe County Law Association and the Barrie Real Estate Lawyers Association. She is the Chair of the Simcoe Trust and Estates Lawyers Association and currently sits on the Board of the Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA).
Lisa completed her law degree at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law. While attending Law School she volunteered with Downtown Legal Services in the family law division. As a member of the MLST Advocacy Project, Lisa represented a claimant before the Health Professionals Appeal and Review Board. She also sat on the Executive of the International Law Society. Prior to attending law school, Lisa obtained her Honours degree in Arts and Science from McMaster University.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys skiing, paddleboarding, and spending time with family.
Job Titles:
- Member of the YMCA Simcoe Muskoka Philanthropy Committee
- Gallery - Chair
Job Titles:
- Member of the YMCA Simcoe Muskoka Philanthropy Committee
- Professor, Georgian College
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
- Family Law
Marni is an associate lawyer practicing in the Family Law department advising on issues of parenting, child and spousal support and property division. Marni enjoys the opportunity to guide people through what can otherwise be a very emotional and trying time.
Marni Goodman earned an LL.B. from the Faculty of Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom in 2015 and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at University of Western Ontario in 2011 where she majored in Political Science and History. Marni completed her articles at a criminal defence law firm in Toronto where she developed excellent advocacy skills and a passion for litigation.
In her spare time Marni enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf, and wood working at her family farm. She is a member of The Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian and Ontario Bar Associations, and the Advocates' Society and is a member of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Committee.
Marni was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Upper Canada in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Collingwood
Matt's practice is focused on municipal law and public sector litigation. He represents and advises local governments, First Nations, public entities, and private clients in a broad range of civil and regulatory matters and, in particular, on applications for judicial review. He also appears regularly before the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Matt was called to the Bar in 2019 and has appeared as counsel before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, and various adjudicative tribunals. Prior to joining Barriston, Matt had his own practice in Collingwood, serving clients in municipal and land planning matters, as well as public sector litigation.
Before being called to the Bar, Matt summered and articled with the Crown Law Office - Civil of the Ministry of the Attorney General, the central litigation and advisory office for the Government of Ontario. During his articles, he supported counsel in all phases of complex litigation files, with a particular focus in administrative law, indigenous law, and regulatory negligence.
Matt obtained his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, where he served as Senior Editor and Article Review Committee Chair of the Osgoode Hall Law Journal. Matt has also published in reputable, peer-reviewed law journals on subjects at the intersection of law, science, and risk regulation.
Matt recently moved to Collingwood with his wife and two young daughters. In what spare time he has, he enjoys weightlifting, skiing and being outdoors. He's convinced there is no better community in Ontario to live and raise a family than Collingwood.
Morris has been a civil and commercial litigator since his call to the bar in 1976, with a wide-ranging practice as lead counsel in every court, including The Supreme Court of Canada.
He has applied that experience to business and shareholder disputes, professional negligence, title insurance claims, class actions, and much more.
His early career experiences in family law have given Morris a unique perspective in resolving complex inter-generational business and estate disputes, recognizing the human factors that drive litigation and block settlement.
Morris has been a commercial arbitrator since the late 1980s and an Adjudicator for the federal government under The Canada Labour Code since the 1990s. He is a strong advocate in favour of arbitration as an alternative dispute resolution tool, particularly in construction disputes and boundary and property access conflicts, where having the parties and the arbitrator collectively view the site represents a great advantage over our court system.
Morris is a consensus-building mediator, providing the parties and their counsel with insights into the strengths and weaknesses of their issues and offering creative solutions to seemingly irreconcilable positions. He is not a "carrier pigeon" conveying unrealistic offers and counter-offers, and is a tenacious mediator, keeping the parties talking and staying at the table until a deal can be hammered out.
Morris and his family have owned a 400-acre hobby farm and woodlot in southeast Muskoka since 1986, where he now spends most of his time in classic rural fashion: i.e. repairing broken equipment.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Senior Associate
- Family Law
- Senior Associate / Collingwood
Nadine is a family law associate in our Collingwood office. Nadine seeks to provide efficient and effective counsel to clients in matters relating to separation, custody and access, child support, spousal support and division of family property. One of Nadine's most enjoyable areas to practice within family law is adoption law. Nadine was raised in Collingwood and is pleased to return to her home community. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a double major in geography and history before attending law school at the University of Western Ontario. Nadine was involved with Pro Bono Students Canada while at Western Law and participated in the Family Law Project, a program devised to assist low income, self-represented litigants in drafting their family law court materials. Nadine practiced at a mid-size law firm in Guelph before joining Barriston in October of 2017.
Nadine has represented clients at the Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal and Children and Family Services Review Board. She is currently the Treasurer of the Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers Association, a Board Member of the Georgian Triangle Humane Society and a member of the Rotary Club of Collingwood-South Georgian Bay.
In her spare time, Nadine stays active by skiing and snowboarding, golfing and hiking with her dog, Ethel. She also enjoys watching the Toronto Maple Leafs, going to concerts and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
Nicolas is an associate who practices in the areas of employment law and general civil litigation. Nicolas was called to the bar in 2023 after completing his articles with Barriston. He advises parties as to their rights and legal remedies and guides them through the negotiation and litigation process. Nicolas has successfully represented clients in negotiations and small claims matters on a wide variety of different files.
Nicolas obtained his honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto where he majored in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies. He went on to study law at Queen's University Faculty of Law and graduated in 2022. While in law school, Nicolas was a member of the Queen's Law Litigation Society and he volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada. Nicolas developed strong analytical and research skills as a research assistant, reviewing jurisprudence regarding evidentiary matters in sentencing racialized criminal offenders. Before joining Barriston, Nicolas spent a summer working with the Queen's Business Law Clinic where he provided pro bono legal services to individuals and businesses that wouldn't otherwise be able to afford legal advice.
In his spare time, Nicolas enjoys engaging his competitive side through sports like soccer, squash, and volleyball, as well as unwinding with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
Nicole is an associate practicing in the areas of civil litigation and employment law. Before joining the firm in February of 2022, Nicole began working for the Ministry of the Attorney General as an Assistant Crown Attorney upon her call to the bar in July 2020. Prior to this, Nicole was also a summer student and articling student with the Ministry. Nicole has conducted many trials, pre-trial motions and other criminal and provincial law proceedings as a Crown Attorney in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice and looks forward to utilizing her litigation skills in her new area of practice.
Nicole earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Ryerson University in 2016 and further went on to attend Osgoode Hall Law School for her legal education, graduating in 2019. Throughout her time at Osgoode, Nicole was a Division Leader and a Board member at the Community Legal Aid Clinic, was an executive member of the Osgoode Peer Support Network, a member of the Osgoode Women's Network and participated as an adjudicator in the Osgoode Cup Mooting Competition for undergraduate students. Nicole was also a competitor in the province wide Arnup Cup Trial Moot competition.
Nicole is a recurring volunteer with Christmas Cheer Barrie and is looking forward to having the opportunity to become more involved in her local community in her new role at Barriston.
In her spare time, Nicole enjoys reading, spending time outdoors and relaxing with her family, partner, and her bulldog ‘Hank.'
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Barrie
- Family Law
Olivia Duguay is an associate lawyer practicing in all areas of family law including divorce, custody and access, child support, division of property, spousal support, and separation. Olivia graduated from Queen's University Faculty of Law in 2022. During her time at Queen's, she provided pro bono assistance to clients of the Queen's Family Law Clinic and the Queen's Prison Law Clinic that would otherwise be unable to access legal services. Olivia was called to the bar in June 2023 after articling with a prominent insurance defence firm in Toronto, where she had the opportunity to further hone her litigation, advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution skills.
Outside of work, Olivia enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and pets.
Job Titles:
- Culture and Operations Manager
- Member and Former Board Member of Both the Simcoe County Young Professionals Association
As the Culture & Operations Manager, Rebecca is involved with the management of day-to-day operations of the firm with a focus on employee engagement, training, onboarding and firm culture.
Prior to joining Barriston, Rebecca worked at the Fairmont in Banff Alberta, where she developed a high standard of service and experienced the importance of multiple departments working together with a common goal.
Rebecca received her Bachelor of Arts from Carleton University in 2016 with a major in Psychology. Her passion has always been people and working to engage and connect them both in the workplace and in the community.
Rebecca is a current member and former board member of both the Simcoe County Young Professionals Association and the Rotaract Club of Barrie.
In her spare time, Rebecca enjoys hiking with her dog, travelling, going to concerts and cooking for her friends and family.
As Finance manager, Tom is responsible for managing all of the firm's accounting and finance functions.
Prior to joining Barriston, Tom worked as an external auditor at BDO for 5 years before becoming a controller with a growing manufacturing company in Barrie.
Tom received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Laurentian University in 2012 with a major in accounting. He became a Chartered Professional Accountant in September 2016 and has been a part time Accounting professor at Georgian College for 2 years.
Tom is also the Treasurer on the board of directors for the Simcoe County Young Professionals Association.
In his spare time Tom turns to friendly competition, playing a range of sports, mainly hockey, and has made a fantastic addition to the Barriston Badgers. He is proud to call Barrie his home and enjoys spending his time outside and with family and friends.