WATEROUS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Family Law
Bio
Aliya is an Associate Lawyer at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP. Although she practices Family Law exclusively, she has experience in Civil Litigation, Business/Corporate Law, Wills and Estates, and Real Estate. Aliya understands that having a broad legal knowledge base is an invaluable asset to the practice of Family Law.
Aliya graduated from the University of Toronto in 2015, receiving an Honours Bachelor of Science, specializing in both Psychology and Biological Anthropology. Immediately after graduation, Aliya worked as a Clinical Research Analyst and Coordinator in the areas of Social Psychology and Mental Health. Aliya then went on to obtain her Juris Doctor from Western University.
At Western University, Aliya was involved with the Family Law Project and Dispute Resolution Centre, providing pro bono Family Law, mediation, and negotiation services to the public. Aliya understands the importance of attempting to deal with Family Law issues outside of court, and she is well versed in negotiating resolutions.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Real Estate / Wills & Estates / Business & Corporate Law
Allan specializes in Corporate and Commercial law including the development of various business structures, incorporations, preparing and reviewing partnership and shareholder agreements, the purchase, sale, reorganization and financing of businesses and reviewing commercial leases and franchise agreements. Allan also practices in commercial and residential real estate, wills and estate planning and estate administration.
In addition, Allan has an interest in advising clients with respect to various business related agreements, as well as contracts for all levels of employees and independent contractors and employment issues such as workplace policies, progressive discipline issues, restrictive covenants and terminations.
Allan is a graduate of the Wilfrid Laurier University School of Business and Economics with an honours degree in Business Administration. He completed his law degree at the University of Ottawa in 2007 and was called to the Bar in 2008.
Allan was born and raised in Brantford and is a graduate of North Park Collegiate. Prior to moving back home to Brantford and joining Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP as an associate in 2008, Allan articled with a firm in nearby Hamilton.
Allan has demonstrated strong competitive and leadership qualities through his active participation in the Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, the Rotary Club of Brantford, sports teams and his work as a coach with various minor sports organizations. In addition, he is an experienced entrepreneur and is familiar with the organizational planning and the managerial needs of companies. Allan works to ensure client satisfaction by providing effective and cost efficient service depending on particular needs and to ensure that the intricate legal requirements you need to operate all areas of your business are properly in place.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Bio
Andrew only practices family law. He specializes in complex property disputes and has the experience and knowledge required to help his clients protect their financial interests while going through a separation.
Following a separation, it is crucial that you receive accurate advice in order to protect your legal rights. Andrew will vigorously represent your interests in court, but understands that every client's needs are unique.
Andrew has years of experience negotiating pre-nuptial, separation and custody agreements with the goal being to keep you out of the courtroom and your legal costs in check.
Andrew's approach to the practice of law is rooted in his belief that his clients deserve to have their legal issues dealt with in a thorough, timely and cost-effective manner.
Andrew and his wife Heather have become entrenched in the community since moving to Brantford in 2009. Andrew is currently the President of the Brant Law Association and has previously served on the Board of Directors of the Lansdowne Children's Centre and the Brant Skills Centre.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Estate Planning / Real Estate / Business & Corporate Law
Bio
Brian's practice focuses on business and organization law, as well as estate planning and administration and real estate. Incorporating for profit and not-for-profit corporations and charities, dealing with business purchases and sales, establishing partnerships, and dealing with the day to day issues that affect businesses and organizations, such as employment issues, contracts, and records maintenance are all part of his practice. His estate planning and administration practice involves the preparation of Wills, Power of Attorneys, trust documents, as well as advising estate trustees on the administration of estates. Brian also deals regularly with First Nation issues, and represents First Nation members, businesses and organizations. Brian has practiced with the firm for over 30 years, and is part of its management committee.
Brian's approach to the law is that lawyers are here to help clients achieve their goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner. Whether it is providing advice to an estate trustee, preparing a shareholder agreement, or helping a client buy or sell a house, his goal is to simplify the legal process for clients, instead of complicating it. He believes the law can be a tool to help you solve and avoid problems, not a costly obstacle in your way.
Caitlin Turner has been a civil litigation lawyer since her call to the bar in 2011. While working in all areas of civil litigation, she focuses on employment, personal injury, and commercial litigation. Caitlin also works with clients to develop contracts and policies to create certainty in employment relationships to reduce the risk of future litigation.
Caitlin has represented clients in matters before various tribunals and courts, including the Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, Labour Relations Board, and License Appeal Tribunal. Recognizing that the most fair, expeditious, and cost-effective results for clients are often secured through alternative dispute resolution, Caitlin has built a reputation of trust in the legal community that is invaluable during informal negotiations and mediations.
Caitlin obtained an Honours Bachelors of Science degree at the University of Toronto before obtaining her JD in the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario. During law school, Caitlin interned for an international organization that focused on improving the economic and environmental condition of cities in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River region.
Prior to joining Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon in September of 2018, Caitlin worked on behalf of insurance companies as an associate at a boutique litigation firm in Hamilton and in-house with a national insurance company. She is happy to return to her Southwestern Ontario roots and to provide compassionate legal services to the Brantford community.
In her free time, Caitlin enjoys playing soccer, trying new restaurants, and chasing after her young sons.
Courtney Boyd is an associate lawyer practicing in the area of civil litigation.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Business & Corporate
David offers his clients comprehensive assistance in the areas of corporate-commercial law, wills and estates, and all facets of real estate, including condominium development and land development. David has extensive experience in profit and not-for-profit incorporations, amalgamations, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions as well as a wealth of experience with business related agreements and transactions.
David's many years of experience allow him to foresee and deal with issues or problems before they adversely affect a transaction. David's proactive approach and ability to manage all parties related to a file (Engineers, Planners, Surveyors, Banks and Accountants), ensures that even the most complex of transactions proceed as smoothly as possible. David's organized approach and his ability to relate complex, legal concepts to clients in everyday terms, allow his clients to confidently know their needs are being met at every step.
Having been born, raised and still residing in Paris, it was a natural progression for David to join Waterous as the preeminent local law firm. David articled with Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP and joined in 1992 as an associate and became a partner in 1997.
The communities of Brantford and Paris have benefited from David's dedication to the development of local organizations focused on improving the quality of life in the area. In the past David has been the treasurer of the Willett Hospital and a director of the Willett Hospital Foundation, a director of the Paris Chamber of Commerce, founding director of the Paris Parks Foundation a trainer for Paris minor hockey and primary fundraiser for the redevelopment of the Paris Tennis Courts. In Brantford, David has made a significant contribution as president/director of the United Volunteer Foundation of Brantford/Brant, and previously was a director of the Boys' & Girls' Club of Brantford and a mentor for the Business Resource Centre of Brantford/Brant, and a coach in the Brantford Girls Hockey Association.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Bio
For over thirty years, Deborah Ditchfield has worked tirelessly to give her clients back their lives, their families and, in many cases, their voice.
Deborah's unwavering belief in the power of family law to enhance lives along with her unyielding support of one's right to the very best legal representation has earned her a stellar reputation as an exceptional advocate as well as a compassionate, forward-thinking person.
Deborah's expansive knowledge of family law, along with a strategic, focused approach, instills confidence in her clients and ensures exceptional results.
Deborah excels at trial advocacy, as all who know her will agree. However, before proceeding to this step she will do everything possible to bring about a peaceful and fair resolution using her experience and skill in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
Deborah has the knowledge base and capability to handle complex family law matters which involve corporate law and tax law and where necessary she will partner with business valuators, tax experts and accountants to achieve the best possible outcome.
Deborah has extensive experience in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) including negotiation, Collaborative Family Law, mediation and arbitration. She is a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Institutes of both Canada and Ontario and is a trained Family Law Arbitrator providing mediation, med/arb and arbitration services.
Deborah has represented clients at all levels of Appellate and Trial Courts and she serves as a Small Claims Court Judge.
For over thirty years, Deborah Ditchfield has worked tirelessly to give her clients back their lives, their families and, in many cases, their voice. Deborah's unwavering belief in the power of family law to enhance lives along with her unyielding support of one's right to the very best legal representation have earned her a stellar reputation as an exceptional advocate as well as a compassionate, forward-thinking person.
Dennis, a Brantford native, was called to the Ontario Bar in 2006. Dennis' practice encompasses all areas of civil and commercial litigation, including employment law, personal injury law, estate litigation and construction law.
In the area of employment law Dennis assists employees in obtaining fair compensation when terminated and assists employers in identifying sound, practical business solutions with a results-oriented approach.
In the area of personal injury law, Dennis aggressively pursues the rights of injured persons in order to fairly compensate those people for their injuries.
Dennis also has significant experience in resolving disputes relating to estates and in assisting creditors recover monies owing to them by debtors.
Derek Sinko practices within the civil litigation group at Waterous Holden. Derek focuses on a range of areas including business and commercial litigation, construction liens, municipal law, and employment and human rights representing both employers and employees.
Derek has represented clients at various levels of court and before several administrative tribunals, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Divisional Court, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board), the Human Rights Tribunal, the Labour Relations Board, Small Claims Court, and the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Derek was called to the bar in 2017. Prior to his call, he completed his articles at Waterous Holden and also worked as a summer student at the firm in 2015. Derek attended law school at the University of Western Ontario where he obtained his J.D. in 2016. Derek obtained a B.Sc. in Business Administration from Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois) in 2009, where he also played collegiate baseball.
In his spare time Derek now enjoys coaching competitive youth baseball, golfing, and skiing.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Real Estate / Wills & Estates / Business & Corporate Law
Eddy specializes in many aspects of real estate, estate planning and corporate/business law. Born and raised in Brantford and having spent years in the Brantford business community prior to obtaining his law degree, Eddy understands the needs of business owners whether they operate a small family run business, or a business with national interests. Eddy will strive to meet the specific needs of each client in a cost-effective, timely manner, while ensuring that each client's legal obligations are adhered to in every instance.
Born and raised in Brantford and having spent years in the Brantford business community prior to obtaining his law degree, Eddy understands the needs of business owners whether they operate a small family run business, or a business with national interests. Eddy will strive to meet the specific needs of each client in a cost-effective, timely manner, while ensuring that each client's legal obligations are adhered to in every instance.
Eddy is a graduate of Queen's University, having received Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Physical Health Education. He completed his law degree at Bond University in Australia in 2012 and was called to the Bar of the Province of Ontario in September of 2013.
Eddy has a long history of volunteering within the local community and has donated his time to elite amateur sports. In previous years, he has volunteered for the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport and for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Para-Olympic Games.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Real Estate / Wills & Estates / Business & Corporate Law
Bio
Jay offers expertise in the organization of business structures including corporations, partnerships, amalgamations, reorganizations and shareholder agreements. He has more than 30 years of experience in diverse business transactions, including the purchase, sale, and financing of businesses, franchising, manufacturing, joint venture agreements, and other specialized agreements based upon the particular needs of our clients.
Jay's other practice emphasis is on land development and mortgage lending. He acts, on a regular basis, for various corporations, individuals in municipal matters, appearing before local committees, councils and the Ontario Land Tribunal.
Jay also advises clients with respect to wills, estate planning and estates.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Family Law
Bio
Specializing in family law, Nolan Wilson is focused on providing the advice and legal advocacy required to achieve the best outcome for his clients and their families. Every case is different and Nolan believes in the importance of understanding each client's needs in order to be an effective legal representative.
Resolution of issues such as support obligations, parenting rights, and equalization of family property requires careful consideration of the nuances of a family's specific circumstances. Nolan understands the need to listen to clients and provide pragmatic guidance as part of navigating this process.
During his legal education at Osgoode Hall Law School, Nolan represented his school in national and international moot court litigation competitions. His team in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition won the Canadian award for Top Overall Written Submissions and was a national finalist in oral advocacy rounds. In the following year, Nolan captained a North American Quarter-Finalist team in the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition while completing an internship in Ottawa working alongside the NAFTA litigation lawyers at the Trade Law Bureau.
Having grown up in Ayr and having family in Paris, Nolan is passionate about participating in the local community. Nolan serves on the Board of Directors of the Brant Skills Centre, has volunteered as a goalie coach with the Brantford Minor Hockey Association, and enjoys attending local shows and events.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Holden Amey Hitchon LLP As an Associate
- Partner / Business & Corporate
Pat has many years of experience assisting numerous business clients with various aspects of corporate commercial law including incorporations, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, construction liens, intellectual property and other business related agreements and transactions. Pat also assists clients with commercial and residential real estate and wills and estates.
Pat has many years of experience assisting numerous business clients with various aspects of corporate commercial law including incorporations, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, corporate financings and other business-related agreements and transactions. Pat also assists clients with commercial and residential real estate, wills and estate administration.
He has also been actively involved in various community activities including board and executive positions with the Boy Scouts of Canada District Council, Participation House Brantford and the Brantford General Hospital.
Pat joined Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP as an associate in 1976 and became a partner in 1982.
Peter grew up in Brantford and has over 37 years of experience assisting clients in the resolution of disputes. Peter's practice involves advising clients on all aspects of litigation with an emphasis on employment law and personal injury claims. He uses a client-centered approach, working to achieve a resolution that is of the greatest benefit to his clients.
Peter enjoys a reputation for winning difficult cases. His goal is to achieve the best settlement possible while keeping his clients out of court, but he is prepared to aggressively pursue remedies for his clients in court. Peter has an outstanding record before the courts of Ontario, including appellate courts.
Peter is active in cycling, sea kayaking and snowmobiling and has been very active in the local community. His community involvement includes serving as vice chair of the Brantford General Hospital Board of Directors, former chair of the board of Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers, and an officer and director of Brantford Regional Chamber of Commerce and W. Ross MacDonald Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate / Family Law
Bio
Scott practices exclusively in the area of Family Law, representing clients for all of their Family Law needs including property division, child support, spousal support, and parenting issues. Scott regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court to advocate for his clients. However, Scott also understands that many family issues are best addressed outside the walls of a courtroom, and is equally prepared and equipped to negotiate a resolution. Where possible, Scott also assists his clients in avoiding the stress and costs that can be associated with a relationship breakdown by preparing marriage contracts or cohabitation agreements.
Scott graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2011, receiving both an Honours degree in Health Sciences and an Honours degree in Psychology/Life Sciences. Following his graduation, Scott spent 18 months working as a site supervisor for a mid-size commercial construction company before returning to school to obtain his Juris Doctor from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario. During his time at Queen's, Scott was a member of the Queen's Prison Law Clinic, where he assisted inmates with disciplinary and administrative matters within Kingston's federal institutions.
Scott's diverse background has taught him that "cookie cutter" solutions do not work - every problem requires a unique solution, and the ability to find a meaningful solution often comes from the ability to appreciate the perspective of each party to an issue.
Scott articled at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP in 2016-2017. During this time, he gained exposure to many areas of law including Civil Litigation, Corporate Law, Wills and Estates, and Real Estate, where he developed invaluable knowledge and skills that he puts to use every day in his Family Law practice to obtain the best result for his clients. Following his call to the Bar in June 2017, Scott commenced his career as a Family Law Associate with the firm.
Scott practices exclusively in the area of Family Law, representing clients for all of their Family Law needs including property division, child support, spousal support, and custody and access issues. Scott regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court to advocate for his clients. However, Scott also understands that many family issues are best dealt with outside the walls of a courtroom, and is equally prepared and equipped to negotiate a resolution. Where possible, Scott also assists his clients in avoiding the stress and costs that can be associated with a relationship breakdown by preparing marriage contracts or cohabitation agreements.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
Bio
Sharon practices exclusively family law and has in depth experience in custody, access, adoption, support, divorce and property issues. Sharon is committed to resolving matters for her clients in the most cost-efficient manner. Sharon has extensive experience in negotiating separation agreements, marriage contracts and other domestic contracts. Sharon strives to resolve disputes in an amicable manner, using her skills to negotiate "win-win" agreements for her clients. Sharon is a trained collaborative lawyer and is a member of the Brant-Haldimand Norfolk Collaborative Family Law practice group.
In matters that cannot be resolved out of court, Sharon aggressively advocates on behalf of her clients. Sharon has effectively represented clients in high conflict disputes guiding them through one of the most difficult and emotional times of their life. Sharon regularly appears in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Sharon also represents children in family law matters as a legal panel member of the Office of the Children's Lawyer.
Sharon was born and raised in Birmingham, England. She obtained her LL.B (with honours) at the University of Birmingham. Sharon moved to Canada in 1996 and completed her accreditation studies at the University of Toronto. Sharon articled at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon and joined the firm as an associate in 2000 upon her call to the Bar.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Family Law
- Partner at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP
Bio
Sondra Gibbons is a partner at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP, in Brantford, Ontario.
Sondra's area of practice is family and matrimonial matters. Sondra has a broad range of experience handling pre-marital, marital, co-habitation and separation-related issues. Sondra is a passionate, thoughtful, and sympathetic lawyer who cares about people and their families.
Not all families can stay together, so when they come apart, Sondra is a strong advocate for her clients, working hard to achieve negotiated settlements whenever practicable. In situations where a negotiated settlement is not possible, Sondra is equally experienced in guiding her clients through the court process.
Sondra's objective as a lawyer is always "solutions and results." This guides her approach to maintaining your relationship with your children, protecting your assets with marriage contracts, protecting your rights in divorce and all other related family law issues. Sondra is a passionate advocate of alternative dispute resolutions, including mediation, and collaborative law to find a workable solution for your family.
Sondra grew up in London, Ontario and obtained her undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario. She received her law degree at the University of Windsor where she represented the school at the Laskin Moots, a national competition for oral advocacy.
Since her call to the Ontario bar in 1992, Sondra has been active in the delivery of public legal education seminars on family law. She has trained court interpreters on family law principles, and presented at legal conferences, including the Law Society of Ontario Continuing Legal Education conferences. Sondra is a published author in the Ontario Family Law Reporter.
Sondra is active in the community, having served on the boards of several organizations including Nellies' Shelter, the Brantford General Hospital Foundation Board, the Brant Law Association, the Brantford Community Arts Block, and the Ontario Collaborative Law Federation.
She is a co-founder and past president of the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Collaborative Family Law Group. She is currently a member of the Board of the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO). Sondra is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, the Ontario Bar Association, the Brant Law Association and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Associate in 2011 After Summering and Articling With the Firm
Stephanie joined WHAH as an associate in 2011 after summering and articling with the Firm. Stephanie obtained her law degree from Queen's University in 2010 and her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree (with distinction) from the University of Guelph in 2007. Stephanie is also a graduate of Assumption College School in Brantford.
Stephanie joined WHAH as an associate in 2011 after summering and articling with the Firm and became a partner in 2018. Stephanie obtained her law degree from Queen's University in 2010 and her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree (with distinction) from the University of Guelph in 2007. Stephanie is also a graduate of Assumption College School in Brantford.
Stephanie is an avid traveller, and she is always looking for new places to visit and explore. During her university education, Stephanie took advantage of a number of international study opportunities in order to expand her horizons and experiences. In 2006, Stephanie spent four months in India, studying development and social issues. In the summer of 2008, Stephanie attended the Queen's International Study Centre in the United Kingdom, and took courses in International Public Law. In her final year of law school, Stephanie participated in an exchange program, and spent a semester studying law at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
When she is not travelling, Stephanie enjoys swimming and running. Stephanie swam competitively for many years, and in 2007, she became the 49 th person to successfully swim across Lake Ontario, a 50 km non-stop swim between Niagara-on-the-lake and Toronto. Stephanie is hoping to bring this competitive spirit and dedication to the practice of law.
Stephanie is a valued part of the WHAH team, and provides friendly, approachable, and quality legal services to Brant County.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Partner / Real Estate / Wills & Estates / Business & Corporate Law
Steven Portelli was born and raised in Brantford. After leaving Brantford to pursue his education and early career, he was drawn back to his hometown in 2004 to practice at Waterous Holden as an associate, becoming a partner in 2008. He is deeply committed to the success of Brantford and has demonstrated this through his involvement in the community of Brantford and Brant, serving on a number of boards, providing pro bono legal services to several non profits, and participating in curling and golf leagues.
Bio
Steven Portelli was born and raised in Brantford. After leaving Brantford to pursue his education and early career, he was drawn back to his hometown to practice at Waterous Holden. He is deeply committed to the success of Brantford and has demonstrated this through his involvement in the community of Brantford and Brant, serving on a number of boards, providing pro bono legal services to several non-profits, and participating in curling and golf leagues.
Steven completed an honours degree in Physics before attending law school. Following his call to the bar, Steven articled and worked as an associate with a large Bay Street firm specializing in securities, mergers and acquisitions and financing. This experience and training has proven valuable to his current practice as Steven is able to provide the quality and responsiveness of service of a Bay Street firm, combined with the accessibility of a hometown lawyer.
Steven regularly takes on a number of difficult and time sensitive matters, and considers his quick responsiveness to his clients of the highest priority. Several lawyers in the Brantford area regularly refer difficult or complex matters to him from their own practices. If time is of the essence for your matter, then Steven will ensure that your matter is handled efficiently, effectively and within the timelines you require. No matter is too complex or refused.
Steven has a significant practice encompassing a broad spectrum of new businesses, entrepreneurs, large businesses and manufacturers, cross border enterprises, not for profit organizations, and individuals requiring assistance with their wills, estates, real estate or other personal matters.