SCARFONE HAWKINS - Key Persons
Clients working with Adam Savaglio benefit from his strategic thinking, clear communication and unrelenting pursuit of the best possible result. "Worrying is thinking with no value." Adam admits. "It is my job to service my client's concerns to alleviate any undue stress. When an issue arises, the starting point is to conduct a thorough, detailed review of the matter, consult with the needs of the client, and develop the best strategy to advocate for the client's rights."
Adam is a featured speaker at professional development courses hosted by the Human Resources Professionals Association and was certified by Osgoode Hall in Human Resources in 2013, Labour Law in 2015, and Human Rights in 2018.
Adam is counsel for several multinational corporations, offering a full spectrum of legal services with a focus on corporate guidance, legal strategy, tax reorganizations, and employment matters.
At heart, Alaa Noui is a problem solver. For every client, Alaa looks beyond the case at hand to discover solutions that serve their long-term interests. Often, these solutions take her into the courtroom. In court, this skillful litigator can use all her powers of logic and persuasion to win favourable decisions.
Despite her passion for litigation, Alaa believes that the best solution is often found out-of-court. "Litigation can be very taxing. If there is a faster path towards resolution, I always encourage my clients to explore that route, " says Noui.
Focusing on commercial law, Alaa has developed expertise in complex industry-specific topics. In preparation for cases, she has delved into aspects of engineering, technology and construction. "Knowledge is power, learning about these details makes me a better lawyer."
With an analytical mind, a methodical approach to work and a love of writing, being a lawyer was always the goal for Alexander Smith.
Alexandria planned to become a lawyer for as long as she could remember. She has made her dreams a reality through diligence, discernment, and a team-oriented approach.
Although Avery is a relatively recent call to the bar, he has already gained notable experience as a litigator. Avery articled and practiced at a notable downtown Vancouver Family Law firm, which allowed him to experience various high-networth complex family law matters. Avery's greatest career highlight thus far was being first chair for a 10-day family law trial on various complex issues, in the British Columbia Supreme Court. Furthermore, Avery was recently involved in a high networth parental alienation case that ended in a favourable result for his client, and saw the judicial decision published in CanLii (S.
Avery Tiplady places empathy for his clients at the heart of his practice. His desire to cultivate a legal career grounded in care and compassion is what initially drew him into the practice of Family Law. Avery prides himself on being able to have honest, and sometimes difficult discussions with his clients which helps advise them on the most reasonable options moving forward.
In his practice, Avery appreciates having the opportunity to help individuals through some of the biggest challenges of their personal lives. His work often helps to reunite families, or fight for people to get the resources and support they need for a fresh start.
Barry Yellin is a skilled civil litigator with a large and diverse practice. Over more than 20 years, Barry has gained substantial trial and appellate experience, and a reputation as an adept advocate, through a wide range of high-profile cases. He has been recognized in 2024 as a member of Best Lawyers in Canada, by the peer reviewed guide The Best LawyersTM.
Barry's broad litigation practice includes disputes concerning commercial contracts, shareholder and partnership matters, real property rights litigation, professional negligence claims, mortgage enforcement, fraud issues, and he acts on the defence-side in civil sexual assault proceedings. He also has niche experience representing clients in matters in which emergency relief is sought from the Court including Mareva Orders, Anton Piller Orders, and other injunctive and equitable Orders.
As an experienced, multi-faceted litigator, Barry has also represented law firms of all sizes - from a Top-5 national law firm based in Toronto, to local sole practitioners - in Assessment matters commenced under the Solicitors Act. Simply put, Barry is a lawyer other lawyers hire when they need representation.
Brianne Powell believes success in the legal sphere all comes down to making client relationships a priority. Her approachability and outgoing personality allow her to build deep rapport that creates a foundation of trust with clients. It's this strong foundation that allows Brianne and her clients to come to a deeper understanding of the case in its objectives.
Brianne also sees building rapport as being key to developing relationships throughout the legal community. It's a skill that's especially important in the world of litigation. After all, this is a sphere where most disputes are settled outside the courtroom. In out-of-court settlements, collegial relationships with opposing counsel can often facilitate favourable client outcomes without the need for a trial. Of course, Brianne is fully prepared to secure a favourable result in the courtroom when this is the best way forward for her clients.
Colleen Yamashita handles complicated litigation files with skill and efficiency. And if you need a listening ear, a question answered or some thoughtful advice, she's only a phone call away.
Colleen Yamashita wants you to know that you have her full attention.
Together with the litigation teams at Scarfone Hawkins, she provides the kind of client-focused, collaborative service that gets results. There is no matter too small (or large), no time that her door is closed and no stupid questions.
Colleen's practice focuses on commercial litigation, employment law, construction law, debt litigation and all aspects of banking, insolvency, receivership and bankruptcy litigation. Colleen has experience acting for major lending institutions, corporate debtors, receivers and trustees on matters pertaining to debt collection, debt restructuring, security enforcement, receivership, CCAA and BIA reorganizations as well as for individuals, businesses and institutions on a variety of matters, including shareholder disputes, lease disputes, debt litigation and employment and wrongful dismissal matters."
Her clients come in all sizes-from multinational companies to small businesses and individuals-and each of them have unique situations and needs. "It's so interesting and fulfilling to figure out how to tackle a file," she says. "I love that our files constantly challenge and inspire us."
As the articling principal at Scarfone Hawkins, Colleen helps select the students who will work at the firm and then meets with them monthly to answer questions and provide guidance. "This is a fast-paced environment," she says. "Students have a very hands-on experience and are exposed to sophisticated and complex transactions that you probably wouldn't expect to see in Hamilton."
A proud native Hamiltonian, Colleen is happy to build her legal practice in the city she loves and believes in.
Colleen is also a Trustee of the Hamilton Law Association.
Ask Danielle Iampietro about her approach to practicing law and she'll tell you it's the same as the firm's: solution-focused, responsive, hardworking and team-oriented. They're qualities her corporate, commercial and institutional clients appreciate-particularly those with time sensitive, complicated and high stakes transactions.
Danielle has extensive experience in banking and secured transactions, as well as cross-border transactions, particularly the purchase of Canadian companies by a U.S. firm. She also assists companies with the tricky aspects of mergers, including managing personality conflicts and culture clashes. When the owner of a family business says "sell," Danielle is there to help with all the legal aspects of what is often a large, complex and emotional transaction. She's also a registered trademark agent with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office and helps clients with trademarks, copyright, licensing, and distribution.
David Rosati brings his business background and systematic thinking to every file he works on. He's learned from some of the best how to keep the focus on the client's goals. "We provide good advice and focus on getting good results," he says, "but the client calls the shots."
David Thompson's irreverent, direct style has been getting results for his class action, commercial and civil litigation clients for more than 25 years. His candid, street-smart advice and approachable manner set him apart from the lawyers he regularly faces across the negotiating table or in court.
Whether you're a developing a $30 million subdivision or purchasing your first condo for $200,000, Don Hawkins is a fair-minded, goal-oriented lawyer who will get you results as quickly as possible. "Some lawyers are all about the process," Don says. "For me, it's about the outcome."
Eric brings a practical and systematic approach to each file that he works on. This disciplined process allows Eric to effectively address his clients' complex and dynamic needs.
For some people, the art of law is in their blood. Such is the case with Jacob Sazio. Growing up in a family of lawyers, Jacob's passion for law was inspired by conversations around the dinner table and a genuine desire to help the people he feels privileged to call clients. "Any time you get a great result for your client, that's a highlight. If we can help make the rest of their life easier for them, that's why we do this. That's the goal."
Job Titles:
- Founding Partner
- Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation With the Law Society of Upper Canada
Jim Scarfone is a certified specialist in civil litigation with the Law Society of Upper Canada, an experienced mediator trained in the Harvard Method and has been named to the Best Lawyers in Canada list in personal injury since 2009. But what really makes Jim special is his big heart. He's someone you can talk to. Confide in. And trust. And he's passionate about getting results.
Jim Scarfone has a soft spot for the little guy.
A results-driven trial lawyer who has been practicing since 1975, Jim's heart goes out to clients who have experienced personal tragedies due to catastrophic accidents, medical malpractice, dangerous products and negligent advice. Their stories and struggles are strong motivators for his busy practice. "When I wake up and work on a file, money is the last thing on my mind," Jim says. "I practice law to do the right thing by my clients with honesty, fairness and integrity. If I get the results, the financial part will take care of itself."
If he's thinking about money, it's probably how he can make sure his clients don't spend too much. "We try to be reasonable in how we approach things," Jim says. "We have a passion for results, but not at all costs."
A trained mediator, Jim can minimize costs, reduce risk and get results more quickly for his clients by looking for resolution outside of the courtroom. "Mediation isn't easier than going to court for the lawyer," Jim clarifies. "but it's generally faster and less stressful for my clients. I've gained useful insights into the bargaining and negotiation process that I can apply to all my files."
Jim coaches the new lawyers at the firm, setting a strong example for doing right and giving back. "When you do business law it can be a little clinical," he admits. "Having me around brings a little heart and compassion to all we do." The end result of his positive role modelling is a firm that consistently delivers high calibre, caring, client-centred service. "Our clients don't just like us-they love us," Jim says. "They know we give them the straight goods. And they always get a little extra."
Whether your deal is closing in a week or is part of a lengthy transaction over several months, you can count on Jim Mahler's experienced oversight and diligence to protect your interests and help you achieve your goals.
Jamie Mountford keeps a cool head in the high-stakes practice of family law. A personal quality that bodes well for his clients and cases. He applies a methodical yet flexible approach to each case to help clients achieve their goals to move forward to the next phase of their lives.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Thompson - Moloci - Stanton Litigation Team
To Jordan Moss, the pursuit of truth and justice takes more than intellectual rigour-it takes a commitment to understanding a different perspective. Working primarily in commercial and civil litigation, Jordan appreciates both the novelty and the challenge of working on different cases with diverse clients and problems. "I really enjoy the phase of getting to know a client and learning the specifics of their business and their case," he says. "These details help me develop a strategy that will get the best result for my clients."
Kayla Carr is an experienced litigator. Her practice focuses on estate litigation, guardianship applications, real property disputes, civil litigation, appeals and assessments of accounts under the Solicitors Act. As a litigator she has appeared before the Superior Court of Ontario, the Divisional Court and the Ontario Court of Appeal.
Her work is rooted in a deeply analytical perspective. With every case, Kayla works tirelessly to understand her clients' needs and goals, and provide them with honest, to-the-point advice.
An appreciation for the complex and dynamic nature of legal proceedings is key to Kayla's success as a litigator. What may appear to be the best strategy when the case begins may evolve over time as more evidence comes to light. Through continued dialogue with her clients, Kayla leverages this perspective to adapt her strategies. This ensures she is always working towards the most favourable possible outcome.
As part of the litigation team at Scarfone Hawkins, Lauren Grimaldi provides the kind of friendly, caring service that makes a real difference in people's lives.
Lawin's approach to practising corporate and commercial law is collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented. Her positive attitude and kind nature set her up for success when it comes to dealing with clients and their cases.
As part of the Teal-Savaglio team, Marc Ronca's day might be spent drafting a shareholder agreement, contributing to a workplace investigation, assisting on a real estate transaction or helping a family with estate planning. The work fulfills both sides of Marc's personality: the perfectionist who pays attention to the details and the relationship builder who enjoys helping clients achieve their goals.
Matthew Cino may have taken an unconventional career path to become a lawyer, but he is right where he wants to be. Born and raised in Hamilton, Matt started out as a high-performance trainer for OHL hockey players before moving to the UK to earn his law degree. "Not everyone follows the same path, and I think there's value in that - there's more than one way to achieve a goal, in life and in practice. I'm not afraid to be a little uncomfortable, I see it as an opportunity to grow."
Civil and commercial litigator Mike Stanton uses his reasonable approach and positive attitude to get the best results for his clients, whether that's an out-of-court settlement or a judge's decision.
Monique Slade immediately connected with family law, and it shows. She excels in situations where she must actively practice empathy, and family law demands a lot of heart and sensitivity.
Monique didn't think she could handle family law at the beginning of her career; it seemed too emotionally charged. But once she was exposed to family law more practically, observing how you can help people piece by piece helped to change her tune. Having a child also helped bolster her reverberant empathy and sensitivity to client cases and parenting issues.
Nicole Pellizzari's approach to legal practice combines creative, big-picture thinking with a rigorous attention to detail. Always chatty and outgoing, Nicole places great value on building strong connections with her clients, asking deep questions and leaving no stone unturned when exploring possible solutions.
Sam Patel received an immersive education in building businesses from an early age. His family immigrated to Canada from India in the early 1980s. Upon arrival, Sam's parents wasted no time in pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams. They taught Sam the value of hard work, building many successful businesses along the way.
It's Sam's family roots in business that attracted him to corporate and commercial law. After being called to the bar, Sam forged his own path in the legal profession. Inspired by his entrepreneurial parents, he chose to start his own legal practice. This allowed him to gain diverse experience as a consultant for several law firms in the GTA. These early years gave Sam an education par excellence in running his own business. Not to mention helping other business owners with a variety of complex legal needs.
No two days are alike on the Thompson, Moloci and Stanton team at Scarfone Hawkins, and that's just the way Trent Howard likes it. One minute you'll find him working on a class action lawsuit and the next an employment matter, always with his trademark humility and sense of humour. "I'm on a team of really bright people working incredibly hard to get the best results for clients."
Tyler McLaughlin has always had an interest in solving complex technical problems. Before he found his calling in the legal profession, Tyler studied biochemistry at McMaster University. " I realized that the problem-solving aspect of science is what I love most about it. So I decided to make the transition to a career in law, which allowed me to truly engage this passion for solving problems."
As a person who thrives on complexity, Tyler was naturally drawn to practice Business Law. In this role, he welcomes the opportunity to dive deep into his clients' needs to deliver exceptional results even when working on the tightest deadlines.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Artist
Victoria Delle Donne originally trained to be a visual artist. But after signing a contract with an art gallery, she was stung by a clause she had unknowingly agreed to. Determined to protect herself in the future, she enrolled in an introductory law class, and the rest is history.