STANCHIERI FAMILY LAW - Key Persons
Bio
I have 21 years experience in law and over 16 years experience in Family Law. My goal, every day, is to produce excellently written, detailed and persuasive materials on behalf of my clients. When appearing at a hearing and negotiating on your behalf, I do my utmost to assist the decision-maker and opposing counsel in understanding your circumstances so that outcomes can be reached which meet your needs.
I pride myself on my ability and desire to service clients from diverse backgrounds. Actively understanding your story and relating your experiences to others is the best tool I have for guiding and assisting you through this life-changing period.
You can rely on me to identify issues, risks, and exposures that have resulted from your separation and the challenges to be overcome. I will frankly assess your issues and proactively advance your case until resolution. My approach is designed to create a critical path to achieve the most favorable results possible in difficult circumstances. I remain humbled by the trust you place in me to help you move forward to a hopefully happier and better life.
Bio
I have been practicing family law almost exclusively since 2018, focused on resolving client disputes efficiently and cost-effectively. Although alternative dispute resolution, including negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, is critical, much of my experience is in high-conflict cases requiring court action. I have assisted married and common-law spouses and individuals who do not fit either definition.
Bio
After graduating from the Niagara College Law Clerk program in 2008, I started working full time for a family law lawyer (who is now a Superior Court Judge) at a prominent law firm in Niagara Falls before moving to Toronto in 2010. I soon learned that this was the area of law I was the most passionate about and the best fit for me overall. My positive attitude and empathetic nature assists clients in navigating through the emotional family law process as I take comfort in helping others and providing support during a difficult time like separation and divorce. As such, I have worked exclusively in the area of family law from the outset of my career as a law clerk. I am dedicated to my clients and always have their well-being and best interests at heart. I pride myself in fostering trusting relationships with all of my clients and co-workers and will do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Being a multi-tasker with a strong work ethic, I balance work from a diverse group of lawyers and manage whatever is given to me with assurance. At Stanchieri Family Law, I am involved in all day-to-day aspects of the client file and manage it from start to finish with care. Being a mentor to my peers is something I take great pride in and thrive at. My management role at the firm has allowed me to improve my leadership capabilities and build, motivate and lead a team of brilliant professionals. Developing and maintaining a guideline and competency model for the law clerks assists in providing seamless and streamlined services to our clients and co-workers. I enjoy the daily interactions with both clients and legal professionals, who I work closely with. I have been involved in a wide range of matters from simple uncontested divorces to complex financial and child-related litigation in all levels of Court. I also have extensive experience in the financial areas of family law and regularly assist my colleagues with complex financial disclosure and all the issues arising from it. Over the years, I have developed a strong understanding of the Family Law Rules and am always up to date on the latest Court procedures.
While working full time as a Law Clerk, I continued my education at George Brown College in the Paralegal Certificate Program to further my knowledge in law. Upon graduating with honours from that program, I obtained my P1 Paralegal License from the Law Society of Ontario in December 2016. This designation sets me apart from other Law Clerks as it has made me a more well-rounded professional.
With a few marathons under my belt, I spend my free time living an active lifestyle, partaking in the boating community and travelling the world with my husband, family and friends.
Bio
I became a lawyer for many reasons but the paramount motivation for me has always been to touch the lives of others in a meaningful way. I learned the importance of compassion and empathy very early on in my life. The circumstances of my upbringing demanded a lot of me at a young age and rising to the occasion has been a recurring theme for me ever since.
While I was in law school and during my articles, I focused on cultivating my advocacy skills and searching for the practice area that would best position me for that. I have represented Osgoode Hall in several mooting and trial advocacy competitions. This includes an international moot on media law and related human rights considerations such as freedom of expression, religion, and privacy at the University of Oxford. I was also involved in several clinical programs providing legal advice to those who otherwise could not afford to access legal services. After completing my studies at Osgoode Hall in 2019, I was fortunate enough to complete my articles at a small but busy downtown firm. This gave me the opportunity to quickly gain a lot of exposure to a number of different practice areas and I quickly understood that family law was a natural fit for me.
I have always thought that knowledge and wisdom come from understanding the way that things work and how different-sometimes disparate-concepts fit together. In line with this, I chose to complete a double major in Economics and Philosophy for my undergraduate studies. During this time, I worked extensively on econometric modelling and ultimately produced policy recommendations which informed negotiations with the Government of Cambodia regarding foreign direct investment inflows into the country. In 2016, I graduated magna cum laude from York University.
Family litigation encapsulates so many different aspects of a person's life and I believe that my compassion along with my comprehensive approach to problem solving has helped me to represent my clients effectively during a stressful-and often, heartbreaking-time in their lives. My background in economics has also helped me to advocate for my clients' interests in complex financial disputes. I have been practicing family law since my call to the bar in 2020 and I have argued many motions before the Superior Court of Justice as well as at the Court of Appeal. I have also represented clients at every type of conference as well as at mediations and arbitrations. I take pride in my practice and in my ability to provide sound as well as empathetic advice. I consider it a great privilege to be entrusted with counselling my clients in reorganizing their lives and their families, and I always hope to discharge that responsibility earnestly.
I am honoured to be part of a team of lawyers here at Stanchieri Family Law who share the same vision and passion for providing excellent family legal services during what may be a challenging time in our clients' lives.
Bio
As the Client Service Manager at SFL, I strive to be a compassionate, empathetic listener and to ensure that your experience at SFL is a smooth one. We work together to not only meet your expectations, but to exceed them. For the past 12 years, my solution-oriented nature and attention to detail has been my strongest asset when working with clients. I believe that the best experiences are backed by a responsive and agile team that works diligently to respond to your every need. I see this as a guiding principle and an integral aspect of how our law firm responds effectively to each client's case.
Bio
Going through a separation may be the most difficult period of one's life. Losing a spouse or long-term partner not only takes an emotional toll, but from a legal perspective, also creates financial obligations and entitlements, and can affect all aspects of parenting. I have always been attracted to family law for the ability to assist clients during this challenging time, and I pride myself on my ability to relay my clients' circumstances to adjudicators to persuade them to determine issues in my clients' favour.
I have been practicing family law since my call to the Ontario Bar in 2017. I first developed an interest in family law during my legal studies at McGill University and have since worked at some of the most prestigious law firms in downtown Toronto while assisting clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area. At Stanchieri Family Law, I assist clients in all aspects of family law from preparing marriage contracts to arguing contested motions and trials. I deal with high-conflict litigation, mediations, and arbitrations, comprising multifaceted issues ranging from complex property division and support issues to decisions relating to the health and safety of children. I have had the opportunity to represent clients at all levels of court, including at trial and appeals in the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, and at the Court of Appeal.
My clients can always expect to receive patient and attentive service that is uniquely tailored to their specific matter. In guiding clients towards the best possible outcome, I am direct and honest in what they can expect from the process, which can include negotiation and alternate dispute resolution out of court, or litigation through the courts.
Regardless of the path chosen, I am dedicated to ensuring that my clients are fully informed as to the options available to them and I work together with them to achieve quick and cost-effective solutions. With the assistance of the team at Stanchieri Family Law, I work tirelessly to advocate for my clients' interests and to achieve successful results.
Job Titles:
- College ( Paralegal ) Certificate
Bio
I have over a decade of family law experience, having practiced same since my call to the bar in 2012 (including both family and civil litigation in 2012 and exclusively in family law since 2014). I pivoted my career to focus in family law alone as I found the work to be challenging and yet rewarding and I am passionate about what I do and in helping my clients.
For the past several years, many of my clients have come to me from referrals of colleagues or former clients which, I believe, is a testament to the high degree of care, effort, and excellent quality client service that I provide.
I have a broad range of experience on all family law issues, including decision making/parenting time, child/spousal support and property claims for both married and common law spouses.
I have significant litigation experience, including trial experience, and routinely manage files from the outset of the process in the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice. I also have appeal experience in the Divisional Court. Outside of Court, I routinely assist clients with mediation and arbitration, as well as the preparation of cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and separation agreements. Although I routinely assist clients in out-of-court negotiations, I advocate for their rights and entitlements and am not afraid to advise a client to litigate where it is necessary in the circumstances.
I am passionate about family law because my work affects real families, with real needs. Understanding that each client may have different goals, I guide them to find a process that will work for them. Regardless of the process chosen, I strongly advocate for my clients and treat them like individuals, each with a unique set of circumstances and concerns that matter to them. Being a parent myself, I understand the complexities of working through parenting disputes and the stress and fears that come along with resolving these issues. I guide my clients through this process and provide reassurance and sound advice to assist them in making an informed decision.
I am the Past President of the Rotary Club of Toronto-Leaside, which is an international organization of like-minded individuals who are committed to doing good in the community and worldwide.
Bio
Being naturally curious, driven, and outspoken, I have wanted to be a lawyer for as long as I can remember. I attended law school at Queens University, in Kingston, Ontario, and was recruited during my second year of law school by a prominent Bay Street Firm, namely: Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.
Following my call to the Bar in 2005, I joined their litigation department as an associate, wherein I practised commercial litigation. The work was intense and often long, but this training was invaluable in shaping me into the lawyer that I am today, as it required patience, attention to detail, and exposed me to consistently effective advocacy, which I carefully studied.
In 2008, after thoughtful consideration, I decided to transition into family law, realizing that my true passion was helping individuals, rather than representing corporations. I joined a full-service law firm in my hometown of Kingston, Ontario, and began honing my skills as a family law lawyer. It was then that I began to appreciate the complexity of family law, witnessing firsthand how taxing it was on clients, and the resulting impact this often had on children. Throughout that year, I represented clients in many acrimonious matters, including litigating one of the most horrific parental child abuse cases, in Ontario, to date.
Bio
I have been working with companies of all sizes within a wide range of industries for many years. The first part of my career was mainly focused in online marketing, while my most recent experience has evolved and expanded to general business management. I have had the privilege of being part of this firm and working with amazing people since we opened our doors back in 2008. Today, I continue to manage the business and maintain efficiency within our operations.
Whether it's at work or at home, my experience has taught me that people are stronger when they work together, so finding the right fit with people is the key to success - both professionally and personally. Nobody is perfect, but I believe a perfect balance of strengths and weaknesses within a team brings out the best in people, which is at the core of how we hire people and work with clients this firm.
Bio
I am honoured to lead the Collaborative arm of the SFL firm. I have been a fully certified collaborative practitioner since 2011 and a practicing lawyer since 2006. I aim to save clients money, primarily recommending dispute resolution processes, such as collaboration, mediation and negotiation, as alternatives to court, whenever prudent. Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I no longer litigate, but I am enthusiastic to support my SFL colleagues through mentorship and strategic direction. Apart from serving on the Board of Directors for FDRIO (Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario) and the Board of Directors for York Collaborative Practice, I am pleased to offer a Collaborative Study Group for like-minded professionals where we can learn from one another, brainstorm, network and enhance our skills.
I elected to double major in Sociology and Law & Society for my undergraduate studies at York University. In 2002, I graduated cum laude, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours and earning a grade point average that ranked me within the top 5% of my peers. That Fall, I commenced Law School at Osgoode Hall.
During my first year of Law School, a close family member of mine went through an acrimonious divorce involving custody, parenting, support, and property issues. This experience taught me that family law and issues arising from separation or divorce may impact individuals and their families on many levels. This, coupled with my childhood experience of having a foster sister, made Family Law a natural choice as to the focus of my career. I was determined to practice family law with a view to improving dispute resolution options for my clients and empowering them with knowledge to make good decisions to foster, insofar as possible, financial stability, long-term peace, and happiness.
Bio
I completed both my American and Canadian law degrees in 2006 and have practised in family law, almost exclusively, since my call to the bar in 2007. I feel humbled and fortunate every day to be trusted by individuals to assist them in the most personal transitions shaping their family's futures. In the case of separation, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing a client, who comes to me in crisis, transform through the process, and become whole on the other side.
I spent a large part of my life on the East Coast of Canada and that is where I learned the importance of treating people as people, not files. Specifically, I learned to treat people with honesty, integrity, and fairness. I also pride myself on being approachable. Given the personal nature of topics that family law deals with, it is important to me that my clients feel that they can be completely honest with me so that they can decide, fully informed, how they wish to proceed. I pride myself on being a tireless advocate for my client's interests.
Bio
I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity throughout my career to work alongside many excellent lawyers and brilliant minds. Drawing from their examples and teachings, I have developed my own personal brand centered around excellent customer service, efficiency, respect for a client's hard-earned resources, and a deep pride in one's own work. I am also grateful to have had the opportunity to have met and served the needs of hundreds of clients who have given me the inspiration and drive to give my absolute best for them.
In 2009, I graduated from Humber's law clerk diploma program. After some ongoing volunteer work, I was offered a position in the firm where I completed my student placement. I worked as a law clerk for senior counsel in a full-service firm with an emphasis on family law and child protection matters. In 2011, I decided to return to school and obtain a bachelor's degree with a view to eventually attending law school. Over the course of the next three years, I maintained a full course load and balanced my full-time position. On the completion of my program, I obtained my paralegal P1 licence and practiced briefly in a dual role of law clerk and a licensed paralegal; however, I found that family law was my calling. In 2015, I moved to a large family law firm where I expanded my skillset working on complex and technical matters under pressing deadlines. In the fall of 2018, I joined Stanchieri Family Law to continue to grow and learn from a team who shares my values and work ethic.
Over the years I have continued to develop my skills with the overarching aim of delivering high quality work with maximum efficiency. I am adept at handling at financial statements in all degrees of financial complexity, and I have years of litigation experience to supplement our team of lawyers in navigating clients through the legal system.
Outside of my work, I am a proud husband and father. My time is primarily spent raising my son and sharing in his interests at the time.
Bio
It has been very rewarding to have focused my practice in the family law area since being called to the bar. I always strive to help clients understand the options and considerations relevant to their family law matter. I am sensitive to the personalized nature of family law issues and that each matter requires a unique approach.