Biography
John De Vellis Partner
John's multi-faceted practice includes commercial litigation, condominium law, labour and employment law, and professional negligence. His experience includes everything from counseling investors in major fraud cases to serving clients in wrongful-dismissal suits.
John has acted for both employers and employees in labour and employment matters and was cocounsel on a class action lawsuit-successfully resolved-brought by employees of a public sector employer in relation to employees' entitlement bonuses.
John joined Shibley Righton LLP in 2006 after spending three years with another firm practicing civil litigation and corporate/commercial law, and one year as legal counsel to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, which is a consumer rights organization based in Ottawa.
John is a lawyer with a strong attachment to the community. When in law school, he spent eight months working at a legal aid clinic in Toronto's Parkdale community, has volunteered his time to a Long-Term Disability and Employment Law Clinic run by Wellspring, a not-for-profit organization that helps cancer patients. He has also volunteered with Pro Bono Law Ontario, which provides legal counsel to those who cannot afford representation. In addition, he is the Vice Chair (and Chair ofthe Personnel Committee) of the board of a community-run daycare centre, and he coaches young baseball players.
John has also spoken on such topics as Social Media in the Workplace and has been a guest judge for students at Osgoode Hall Law School and Sheridan College and a guest instructor at Humber College.
John graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2002, Prior to law school, he earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts (Economics) from York University, and a Master ofIndustrial Relations from the University of Toronto. He has worked as an Economist with the Ontario Ministry of Finance.
John is a member of the Ontario Bar Association.