OBA Council Member Responsibilities
Council members serve as ambassadors and liaisons for the OBA, communicating with constituents, identifying regional issues, and advising the Board. Their key responsibilities include:
- Advocacy & Representation: Raise regional and professional issues that would benefit from OBA advocacy, judicial system improvements, and professional development needs.
- Board Elections: Annually elect the Board of Directors.
- Meetings & Communication: Attend four Council meetings per year, submit agenda items, review materials, and share updates with members.
- Engagement & Outreach: Regularly communicate via email/social media, participate in regional calls, organize local meetings, and promote OBA membership.
Council members ensure the OBA remains active and engaged within their regions, fostering meaningful connections and opportunities.
Adeboyin Anthonia Adeniran
Biography
Adeboyin is an Osgoode Hall Law School LLM student and internationally trained lawyer, who excels in legal, governance, risk management, and compliance. She upholds integrity, ethical standards, and adept problem-solving abilities. Adeboyin’s passion extends beyond her legal expertise to encompass technology trends and diverse perspectives. Her strong analytical skills foster collaboration, adapt readily, and develop skills for a digital world.
Brent Arnold
Biography
Brent J. Arnold is a partner practising in Gowling WLG's Advocacy department, specializing in cyber security and commercial litigation, and has appeared at all levels of court in Canada including the Supreme Court of Canada. He acts as data breach coach and counsel for clients. Brent chairs the Cyber Security, Data Privacy and Technology Committee of the invitation-only International Association of Defense Counsel, and is vice-chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Privacy and Access Section. He is a past chair of both the Ontario Bar Association’s Privacy and Access to Information Law Committee, and the Steering Committee for the Cybersecurity and Data Privacy section of the U.S.-based Defence Research Institute (DRI). He currently serves on the Ontario Bar Association Council. He is a Director of the Canadian chapter of the Internet Society, a global organization devoted to improving the affordability, accessibility, fairness and security of the internet, and hosts its Net Positive podcast. He is also a member of The Advocates’ Society’s Artificial Intelligence & Automated Decision Making Task Force, the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and the Canadian Cybersecurity Network. Brent served as a member of the court-appointed joint E-Hearings Task Force and co-authored both editions of the Task Force’s Best Practices for Remote Hearings. In 2019, he co-authored the Canada chapter of Chambers Global Practice Guide: Data Protection & Cybersecurity, 2nd ed. In 2022, he co-authored the Canada chapter of the Chambers Fintech 2022: Trends and Developments report. In 2024 he co-authored the whitepapers Artificial Intelligence in Legal Practice: Benefits, Considerations, and Best Practices and Data Mining, Algorithms, and Deepfakes Combatting Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation in 2024 Elections and Beyond for the DRI’s Center for Law and Public Policy.
Sakina Babwani
Biography
I’m a strategic litigator with extensive courtroom experience. I have represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal as well as before the Information and Privacy Commissioner. I have also represented clients in mediations and have negotiated several complex settlements. I have a wide range of experience, having acted as sole counsel to clients in a range of commercial litigation matters as well as have been part of litigation teams, defending clients in multi-jurisdictional product liability and antitrust class actions across a range of industries. I am now litigation counsel with the Ontario Securities Commission’s Enforcement Branch. As part of the Enforcement Regulatory Action Team, my role is to support investigations, review matters regarding potential breaches of the Securities Act and Commodity Futures Act, provide litigation advice and conduct enforcement proceedings. In addition to my litigation practice, I am actively involved with the Ontario Bar Association where I represent the Toronto region on the OBA Council. Previously, I also sat on the OBA’s Policy and Public Affairs Committee. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a business journalist with India’s largest financial daily, The Economic Times. I have authored over 150 articles with a focus on law and finance. I’m called to the Bar of Ontario and to the Bar of India, and I hold an LL.M. degree with specialization in business law from UC Berkeley School of Law.
Kathryn Balter
Biography
Kathryn is currently a partner at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP practicing in the areas of wills and estates. Kathryn has extensive experience in estate planning and estate administration. She drafts wills, powers of attorney and trusts for individuals with various financial and personal circumstances. Kathryn has contributed to several professional publications and has had her work published in the Trusts and Estates Section Newsletter. Kathryn is a recurring member of the Trusts and Estates Section Executive of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), currently the Chair, and a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP). She received her Juris Doctor at the University of British Columbia and was called to the Ontario bar in 2012.
Alex Battick
Biography
Alex Battick is a lawyer practicing in areas such as human rights, professional regulation, and education law. He provides advice on diverse issues ranging that affect schools from kindergarten to higher education. Alex uniquely focuses on improving outcomes for students, families, and administrations in Ontario through the effective and thoughtful implementation of education law. In doing so, Alex seeks to not only help resolve specific cases and situations but also act as a catalyst to improve the functioning of the systems we engage.
Jody Berkes
Biography
Jody Berkes received his B.A. from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California and his B.C.L. and LL.B. degrees from McGill University’s Faculty of Law, where he was selected valedictorian by his graduating class. After articling and practicing in Vancouver, British Columbia, he moved to Toronto in 1999. In 2012, he formed a partnership with Apple Newton-Smith. Since her appointment to the bench, Mr. Berkes founded Berkes Law. Mr. Berkes practice includes the defence of individuals, as well as corporations, charged under the Criminal Code of Canada, as well as other Federal and Provincial criminal and quasi-criminal statues, and professionals charged before discipline and competency panels. He appears in all levels of courts in Ontario. Jody Berkes is the Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association Criminal Law Executive Committee, the Legislation and Law Reform Liaison of the National Criminal Section of the Canadian Bar Association, as well as a member of the Criminal Lawyers Association. His cases have been reported in both Ontario and British Columbia. Mr. Berkes is certified as a specialist in Criminal Law by the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Rebecca Jaremko Bromwich
Biography
https://carleton.ca/law/people/bromwich-rebecca/
W. Grant Buchan-Terrell
Biography
Practicing business law only for a few decades, especially the buying and selling of businesses, $.5MM to $5MM, resolving shareholder & partnership disputes, IT startups and corporate financing; not for profit governance, from office in Oakville since 1/1/2000. Also, provide advice on securities law. Queen's, Edinburgh, Osgoode.
Jessica Chan
Biography
As an associate in the Corporate and Commercial Law Group, Jessica focuses on acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations and strategic commercial arrangements. Clients benefit from Jessica’s practical and business-oriented approach, which allows her to successfully assist her clients in their transactions from inception to completion. Jessica is involved with the creation and implementation of appropriate corporate and deal structures, the negotiation of key transaction documents, and the closing of various commercial deals. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Distinction) from the University of Victoria, a Master of Publishing from Simon Fraser University, and a Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University. During law school, Jessica served as Associate Editor for the Dalhousie Journal for Legal Studies and worked as an Outreach Speaker for the Indigenous Black & Mi’kmaw Initiative. She also received various awards for top grades in the areas of intellectual property law, labour law, legal writing and research. Jessica summered and articled with a major full-service firm in Atlantic Canada and was called to the Bars of Nova Scotia and Ontario in 2009. Prior to joining Chaitons, Jessica practiced real estate law and commercial real estate litigation. She was also Editor-in-Chief of a successful national magazine for six years.
Jonathan Clancy
Biography
My name is Jonathan Clancy. I am the Senior Director of Operations and Innovation at the OBA.
Kira Clarke
Biography
Kira completed her legal education at the University of Ottawa, in their Common Law French program. Following completion of her studies, she articled with a longstanding and well-respected full service bilingual law firm in Ottawa. Kira has assisted with matters for all levels of Court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada. Kira is dedicated to the improvement and advancement of the legal profession and has contributed to that objective through her work with the Ontario Bar Association, where she has served on a number of Executives and Committees, and currently serves as Member of Council and a Member-At-Large on the Worker's Compensation Section Executive. Kira joined the Region of Durham in 2020 and practices in the areas of labour and employment. When not hard at work advancing her clients' interests, Kira can be found hiking, biking and taking in the vast and beautiful Canadian wilderness.
Esi Codjoe
Biography
I adjudicate workplace disputes. I represent employers and in employment, labour, and human rights matters. I have significant experience litigating, deciding and mediating cases. I train human resources practitioners and adults on a variety of workplace issue. I excel at dispute resolution/mediation of human rights matters, and employment law files including severance packages. Colleagues and peers recognize me as a results oriented pragmatic leader. I am particularly adept at relationship building and understanding organizational culture and human resources departments. I excel at communicating via education/training sessions and written legal documents.
Antoine L Collins
Biography
Antoine L. Collins has practiced law in the United States and Canada over the past 19 years. After graduating in 2002 from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law, his career began as an Assistant State’s Attorney for the Baltimore City’s States Attorney’s Office. There, he prosecuted cases ranging from minor theft to felony child abuse and domestic violence. Subsequently, Antoine joined one of Baltimore’s top law firms, defending Workers’ Compensation cases. After moving to Canada, he was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011, thereafter, he ran a progressive and dynamic solo transactional practice focusing on Wills and Estates and Real Estate law. He is currently a Coordinating Member (Adjudicator/Manager) with the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. As an Adjudicator, he is charged with making well-reasoned decisions of applicants claiming refugee protection in Canada. Additionally, Antoine is actively involved in the Ontario legal community. He sits as a Trustee for the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Foundation acting as Chair for the Foundations Chief Justice Fellowship in Legal Ethics and Professionalism Studies. Member of OBA's Professional Development Committee, past-Co-Chair of the OBA’s Institute, as well as past-member of the Governance and Past-Chair of the Equality Committees of the OBA. As President of the Ottawa Chapter of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL) Antoine is committed to legal excellence and reinvesting in the community through a multitude of events that promote academic and professional excellence and the advancement of issues of equality and diversity among the bar and judiciary. He is a Trustee for the County of Carleton Law Association (CCLA), and a volunteer for Pro Bono Ontario. Antoine also served as Adjunct Professor at Algonquin College, where he taught Evidence Law. Outside of his legal career, Antoine has an extensive musical theatre resume along with independently releasing two full length jazz albums. His 2015 debut LP, Somewhere Along The Way, was recorded in Tel Aviv, Israel and features soulful, R&B-inspired takes on traditional standards. His 2018 follow up album “Nature Boy, The Music of Nat King Cole”, celebrates the legacy of a global cultural icon who left an indelible mark on jazz and popular song. Recreational cycling also helps Antoine ensure a healthy work-life balance. Whether on the bike path, recording studio, concert hall, or advocating in the courtroom, Antoine exudes positive energy through his personality, style, warmth, and his continuing support for a more enlightened and inclusive community.
Ranjan Das
Biography
Ranjan Das, a 1995 call to the Bar, is a partner of the Toronto litigation boutique Berkow Youd Lev-Farrell Das LLP practising commercial and civil litigation. He is a member of the Civil Rules Committee, a past director of the Forest Hill Hockey Association and a present director of the Toronto Lawyers Association where he also sits on the Roundtable of Diversity Organizations (“RODA”) (that promotes the inclusion of diverse lawyers), and sat on the Granite Club board for 6 years. Ranjan is a “virtual” firm mentor in the Ryerson University’s Law Practice Program (a LSO alternative to traditional articling), and sits on the CBA Civil Litigation Section Executive too. Ranjan holds an LL.M. from Osgoode Hall (Banking Law/Financial Services), an LL.B. from the University of Ottawa, a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Queen’s University, and a Not for Profit Governance Essentials Program Certificate from the Rotman School of Management and the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Signa A. Daum Shanks
Biography
LLB, LLM, BA (Hons), MA, PhD. Full-time faculty member at Osgoode Hall Law School specializing in Torts, Law and Economics and Indigenous Rights. Osgoode's inaugural Director of Indigenous Outreach. Previously worked at Saskatchewan Justice, Department of Justice Canada, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada and Ministry of the Attorney General- Ontario. Also worked at large Toronto law firm.
Katherine DiTomaso
Biography
Katie Di Tomaso is a knowledgeable and trusted civil litigator at Stieber Berlach LLP with over 18 years of practical experience acting for insurers, businesses, governments, public entities such as children's aid societies, and individuals in defending complex tort litigation matters including: personal injury, occupiers’ liability, motor vehicle litigation, municipal liability, professional negligence, product liability, directors’ and officers’ liability, property loss, disability claims, health matters, subrogation matters, human rights complaints, employment practices, workplace investigations, bankruptcy and insolvency, commercial litigation, defending insurance coverage claims, and providing insurance coverage opinions. Katie has appeared as lead counsel at the Ontario Court of Appeal, Superior Court of Justice, Federal Court of Canada, Small Claims Court, Human Rights Tribunal, and various Tribunals governing self-regulated health care professionals, both in person as well as virtually. Katie is known for her outstanding client service, keen problem solving abilities, sound judgment, and utilizing technology within her practice. Katie is an active listener, an articulate communicator, and a persuasive lawyer who aids her clients in making decisions and managing conflict with integrity. Clients retain Katie for her skillful application of civil litigation tools to provide solutions and resolve their issues. Graduating from University of Toronto (with High Distinction) and Western University Faculty of Law, Katie possesses a strong commitment to academic and intellectual excellence and has received numerous scholarships and awards including a Governor General’s Medal for academic excellence, Silver Medalist from University of Toronto, Cressy Leadership Award, Bereskin & Parr LLP Prize for Intellectual Property Law, and the CBIA’s Wilcox Award for national excellence in Insurance Law. Katie has demonstrated a commitment to legal writing on civil litigation issues and has recently published chapters contained within civil litigation publications including Annual Review of Civil Litigation (Carswell: 2018) and Civil Procedure and Practice in Ontario (CanLII: 2021, 2022). Katie gives back to her legal community and community at large as the OBA Insurance Law Section Vice-Chair (elected), lecturer, mentor, moot judge, published author, and Board Member for a children’s not-for-profit where she has acted as a significant fundraiser and advocate. Katie was awarded a Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Award recognizing her civic contributions.
Doug Ferguson
Biography
I am a Small Claims Court deputy judge, and practice mental health law and represent the Family Responsibility Office. I also serve on an Advisory Group at the Law Society of Ontario. From 2003-2020 I was the Director of Community Legal Services (CLS) and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law at Western University. Students at CLS, under the supervision of lawyers, provide legal services to low income persons in the London community. A 1981 law graduate of Western Law, I attended the University of Ottawa where I earned my Bachelor of Administration and Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degrees. I practiced with the law firm of Bitz, Szemenyei, Ferguson & MacKenzie LLP (now Szemenyei MacKenzie Group LLP) in civil litigation, wills and estates, and tax law from 1988-2003. Access to justice is a passion for me, and I am on the Steering Committee for the Action Committee on Access to Justice for Family and Civil Matters, chaired by Justice Karakatsanis of the Supreme Court of Canada. I am past director for the Southwest Region for the OBA, have served for many years on the OBA Council. At the CBA, I was the Chair of the Access to Justice Subcommittee and of the Legal Aid Committee, and served on the CBA Council. In 2010 I founded and served as inaugural president of the Association for Canadian Clinical Legal Education. In the London community, I have served with many organizations, including President of Covent Garden Market during the construction of that market in downtown London. I was President of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2008-09, and was the Liberal candidate for London West in the 2011 federal election. In 2009, I was awarded the Alumnus of Distinction Award by the Western Law Alumni Association. In 2012, I was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal. I am an amateur genealogist, and after recently retiring from hockey, still enjoy playing golf. In November 2014, I received the ultimate gift of life when I underwent two liver transplants in five days at University Hospital in London. To express my gratitude, I have dedicated myself to the cause of organ donation and transplantation and served on the board of the Trillium Gift of Life Network from 2016-19.
Derek Freeman at FreemanLaw--Barristers; www.freemanlaw.ca
Biography
Derek R. Freeman
Senior Lawyer, Principal, FreemanLaw--Barristers
Derek has been a litigation lawyer for over 40 years. He was called to the Ontario Bar with Honours in 1975, having graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School. He immediately started working at renowned Toronto law firms as a business law, and construction law, litigation lawyer.
Derek has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court of Canada and all levels of the Ontario Courts, including the Court of Appeal. His practice areas include:
Acting as Counsel for other Law Firms; Appeal Counsel; Bankruptcy Law; Business Law; Collection Law (Creditor/Debtor); Commercial Litigation; Commercial Landlord-Tenant Litigation; Competition Law (Civil Actions under Part VI Offences); Construction Law (ICI and Residential / Developer); Corporate Law; Costs Assessment Law; Employment Law; Estates Litigation; IT Litigation; Insurance Policy Review Law; Limitation Periods Law; Professional Negligence Litigation; Real Estate Litigation; and Complex Release Drafting.
He is a member of the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association and The Advocates Society having served on the Executives of the Civil Litigation (Chair, 2005-6) and Construction Law and Infrastructure Sections of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA). Derek is a registered member of four OBA Law Sections, serves on one executive, and has served on the Executives Civil Litigation, Construction and Infrastructure, IT Law and Law Practice Management. He was a member of OBA Council and has served on its Audit Committee.
As a volunteer, he assisted the Justice community by serving on the Integrated Justice Project, the world's largest attempt to unify three government departments in the Province of Ontario. He chaired many committees in IJP. He is a member of DEED, the e-Discovery Implementation Committee, serving on two subcommittees and speaking at both its Annual Institutes 2011 and 2012. Derek has spoken internationally about Courts and Technology.
As a lawyer, Derek has mentored over 30rticling students and several young lawyers, which practice he continues. In 2000 he received the inaugural OBA Linda Adlam Manning Award for Volunteerism.
Called to Bar: 1975
Law School: Osgoode Hall Law School
Email: dfreeman@freemanlaw.ca
Charanjit Gill
Biography
With a sound understanding of the law, Charanjit assists her clients to achieve a fair, informed and timely resolution of their family law matter. Charanjit is experienced in all aspects of family law, ranging from complex financial matters to drafting agreements to completing family adoptions. Charanjit well regarded by clients and the legal community as a skilled negotiator and litigator, in addition to being a collaborative law professional and a mediator. Originally from British Columbia, Charanjit moved to London, Ontario in 2001 to commence law school at the University of Western Ontario. She has called Hamilton, Ontario her home since 2004 and is deeply committed to the community. She currently sits as a Dispute Resolution Officer at the Superior Court of Justice in Milton, is a former board member and “Big Sister” with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hamilton & Burlington and has been involved in continuing education programs as a presenter for the Halton County Law Association and Osgoode Professional Development.
Daniel G. Goldbloom
Biography
Daniel Goldbloom defends criminal, regulatory and professional liability cases in Toronto and across Ontario. He has represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, as well as before numerous tribunals, including the Law Society Tribunal at the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, the Discipline Committee of the the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, the University of Toronto’s University Tribunal, and the Ontario Review Board. He has also acted as intervenor on behalf of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario. Before founding Goldbloom Law, Mr. Goldbloom practiced criminal, civil, and regulatory litigation at a pre-eminent national law firm, and with the President of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association of Ontario. He currently serves on the Ontario Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Executive. While studying law at the University of Toronto, Mr. Goldbloom received national and international recognition for advocacy and client counselling. Before law school, he served on the editorial board of the National Post.
Clinton J Green
Biography
Clinton has almost a decade of experience working at leading immigration law firms in Toronto, Canada where he advised global companies and entrepreneurs on a broad range of complex Canadian immigration matters. He enjoys collaborating with businesses to implement Canadian immigration strategies as part of their global plan for workforce management and scaling. In addition to practicing immigration law, Clinton serves as the 2024-2025 Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Citizenship and Immigration Law Section. He graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, where he received the Joel S. Guberman Prize in Immigration Law for achieving the highest standing in the course.
Brenda Hollingsworth
Biography
Brenda is an owner of Auger Hollingsworth Professional Corporation, a firm focussed on personal injury law in Ontario.
Devin Michelle Jarcaig
Biography
Employment lawyer and litigator specializing in providing strategic and legal advice about offers of employment, employment terminations, compensation-related claims, workplace change, human rights issues, and situations involving bullying and harassment.
MAHER JEBARA
Biography
Love soccer and volunteering
Pamela Krauss
Biography
Pamela was called to the Ontario Bar in 2006 and has over 10 years of practice experience specializing in resolving and litigating employment law issues facing non-unionized workplaces for both employee and employer clients. She effectively negotiates employment and non-competition agreements, and advises and advocates regarding issues related to: severance packages, wrongful dismissals, constructive dismissals, workplace policies, employment standards, human rights compliance and claims, personal and psychological harassment and disabled employees. Though she is practical and resolution orientated, where a fair resolution is not available, Pamela is a formidable advocate with a proven track record of litigating difficult wrongful dismissal cases both at the trial level and appeal level for both employees and employers. Pamela has appeared before the Ontario Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. She also handles Ministry of Labour complaints, Canadian Labour Board unjust dismissal claims, and Canadian Human Rights Commission applications. Pamela also brings to her practice experience in corporate tax law, commercial law, intellectual property law and information technology law. She enjoys partnering with entrepreneurs to strategically manage legal issues that arise with their employees and has become a trusted legal advisor to many small to midsize local businesses.
Lisa Laredo
Biography
Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2005, received a BA in Political Science from York University and a LL.B Law from the University of Windsor. I honed my skills practicing criminal law in Toronto and structured finance, asset finance and international law at an international firm in Germany. I continue to advance my legal knowledge through additional certifications, teach accredited programs for lawyers, regularly contribute to legal journals and share my expertise through media requests.
Raymond G. Leclair
Biography
Ray Leclair joined Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company (LAWPRO) in June of 2008 in the role of Vice President, TitlePLUS, and as of May, 2012 became Vice President, Public Affairs.
Formerly General Counsel for the Kanata Research Park Corporation, a development company and major commercial landlord in Ottawa, Ray has practised in both major national law firms and as a sole practitioner, and was a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa Law School and Cité Collégiale instructing the French language portion of the real estate law course. He also served for 15 years as the Ottawa senior instructor for the French and English Real Estate Sections of the Bar Admission Course and member of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Solicitor Advisory Group, Licensing Process.
Called to the bar in 1984, Ray is Vice President of the North American Bar-related® Title Insurers, member of the Ontario Bar Association Council, member of CBA’s National Sections Council budget committee, Past-Chair of both the National Real Property Section of the Canadian Bar Association and of the Real Property Section of the Ontario Bar Association. He was Co-Chair, and remains a member, of the Working Group on Lawyers & Real Estate, is President of the Ontario Real Estate Lawyers Association (ORELA) and Past President of the Advisory Committee for the Cité Collégiale Legal Assistants Program.
Ray is fully bilingual and is a member of, and frequent speaker for, l’Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario, as well as a frequent presenter in numerous programs on various real estate and other law related topics.
Teri Liu
Biography
Teri Liu is a litigation lawyer at Dutton Brock LLP where she articled. She was called to the bar in 2011. She has developed a practice in insurance defence litigation, with a focus on occupiers' liability, motor vehicle accidents, products liability, municipal liability, and historical sexual assault matters. She is actively involved with the Canadian Defence Lawyers committees, Toronto Lawyers Association, and in mentoring articling students and younger associates within her firm. She enjoys boxing, running in the city and meeting dogs along the way.
Ryan MacIsaac
Biography
Ryan is in-house counsel to Uber. Ryan's practice includes litigation before courts and tribunals, regulatory compliance, privacy matters, and policy work.
Sara J. Mainville, OKT LLP
Biography
Sara Mainville has been called to the bar since June 2005. Sara has practiced Aboriginal law since that time and she has also found time to teach jurisprudence and Indigenous law's place in the justice system of Canada over the past 10 years. Sara has a Masters of Law from the University of Toronto. She is a partner at OKT LLP. Sara was also Chief of her community, Couchiching First Nation from 2014-2016.
Farah Malik
Biography
Farah practices law with Ontario’s Ministry of the Attorney General, serving the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Her solicitor practice includes corporate-commercial law, Crown agency law, privacy law and public sector ethics. Previously, she was Counsel to the Ministries of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Red Tape Reduction, and in that role, she served as Corporate Secretary to Venture Ontario, the venture capital investment arm of the Government of Ontario. She also advised the Ministries of Education and Colleges and Universities and practiced in the areas of Administrative Law, Education Law and Human Rights. Prior to that, she was a civil litigator in private practice and has appeared before a number of courts and tribunals. Farah has been involved in various initiatives of the Ontario Bar Association, including serving as a member-at-large of its Administrative Law Section Executive. She completed a clerkship with various judges of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, including the former Chief Justice R. Roy McMurtry. Farah is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Hon. B.Sc. in Biochemistry), the University of Windsor (LL.B.) and the University of Detroit Mercy (J.D., magna cum laude). She was called to the Ontario bar in 2005.
John Mather
Biography
John Mather is a partner at DMG Advocates practicing commercial and public litigation. John is adept on his feet in any setting. He regularly appears before the Ontario Superior Court and Court of Appeal. He has acted in numerous domestic and international arbitrations, including in New York and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. John has also appeared before various administrative and regulatory bodies. From 2019-2020, John served as Associate Commission Counsel to Associate Chief Justice Frank Marrocco at the Collingwood Judicial Inquiry, an extensive public inquiry that examined two major transactions undertaken by the Town of Collingwood. In 2021, John served as Duty Counsel to Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission, assisting individuals who appeared before the Commission. John has broad experience in matters involving: Contractual disputes Product liability Procurement (public and private) Construction disputes Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Professional regulation and academic appeals Internal investigations Commercial leasing, condominium and real estate matters Urgent proceedings and injunctions Municipal law and governance Administrative and regulatory proceedings Corporate governance Defamation law Constitutional law John’s clients have included leading automobile manufacturers, condominium boards, telecommunications providers, newspaper publishers, oil and petrochemical producers, steel manufacturers, professional service firms and restaurant franchisors, as well as government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining DMG Advocates in 2018, John spent five years as an associate lawyer at a leading national firm. John earned his law degree from Western University, where he graduated with Distinction. Prior to law, John worked as a journalist in Canada and the United Arab Emirates.
Mante Molepo
Biography
Mante Molepo is the founder and CEO of Mante Molepo Consulting where she works with lawyers, boards and senior leaders on governance approaches to diversity, equality and inclusion. She serves on the Board of Governors of the Ottawa Hospital and is an elected member of the Ontario Bar Association, representing the East Region.Mante is also the 2022-2023 Innovator in Residence for the Ontario Bar Association. She is developing a Career Accelerator program to provide Indigenous, Black and other racialized lawyers with professional knowledge and skills to advance their participation in three emerging areas of law: Artificial Intelligence, Environmental Social and Governance, and Fintech.
Mante is an award-winning community leader. She is a founding member and former co-Chair of Parents for Diversity, an organization committed to addressing equitable and inclusive education. She is also a former Director of Amnesty International Canada, EcoEquitable, and the Parkdale Food Centre.
Sameer Nurmohamed
Biography
Sameer is a partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in the tax group in Toronto. Sameer's practice focuses on tax disputes and litigation. He has represented financial institutions, mutual funds, and international and domestic businesses from a broad array of industries, including telecommunications, real estate, finance, utilities, and entertainment/media.
Sameer has extensive experience dealing with Canada’s general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR), interest and guarantee fee deductibility, transfer pricing, tax treaties, tax avoidance rules, goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax, derivatives, rectifications, voluntary disclosures, valuations, and capital/income characterization.
Sameer is skilled at dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency and provincial tax authorities to resolve disputes. He has also appeared before the Tax Court of Canada, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Justice.
Before joining Blakes, he practised tax litigation at another national law ?rm and, prior to that, was a clerk for the Tax Court of Canada.
Angela Ogang
Biography
Angela Ogang is a bilingual Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public for the Province of Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Essex University, a Master of Laws degree from Queen Mary, University of London, and a French Legal Studies Diploma from the University of Strasbourg. As a multicultural woman of colour, Angela seeks to build meaningful, enduring and respectful relationships across different cultures. She values the communities in which she works, and holds being of service as her ultimate purpose.
Robert J. Richler
Biography
Robert is a lawyer and human resource advisor at Bernardi Human Resource Law. He has obtained a wide range of experience as an employment and labour lawyer, both as in-house counsel and in private practice. His time as in-house counsel coupled with his MBA has given Robert great insight into the needs of organizations. He is attuned to the types of considerations organizations must weigh when making decisions regarding their employees. Robert works with both unionized and non-unionized employers to find innovative ways to resolve conflicts and legal challenges in a cost-effective manner that is sensitive to the business needs of an organization. Robert advises employers and employees in contract negotiations, terminations, wrongful dismissals and collective bargaining matters. Robert also conducts workplace training and investigations. Robert has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario, as well as at the Human Rights Tribunal and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal. He has also appeared as counsel at federal inquiries, mediations, arbitrations, trials and before various regulators. Robert takes pride in his ability to help parties resolve workplace challenges in situations they believed could not be resolved. Robert is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, the executive of the Ontario Bar Association's Labour and Employment Division and the Mensa Canada Society.
Amanda Michelle Ross
Biography
Ms. Ross was called to the Bar of Ontario in June of 2013. Ms. Ross's primary areas of practice are criminal law and administrative law. She has appeared at every level of court, including at the Ontario Court of Appeal and at the Supreme Court of Canada. Ms. Ross represents clients on all charges under the Criminal Code, including drug offences, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and white collar crime. Ms. Ross also assists clients charged under provincial and regulatory statutes such as the Highway Traffic Act and under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Ms. Ross is also appellate counsel, and since 2014 has acted as appellate counsel for the Summary Conviction Appeal Court Pro Bono Program at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto. She is also listed as Special Duty Counsel to assist individuals dealing with serious mental health issues at a downtown Toronto courthouse. Ms. Ross also acts as counsel for various professional regulatory bodies as prosecuting and appellate counsel.
Nancy Sarmento Sarmento Barkhordari
Biography
Litigator. Special interest in crown liability, charter damages, and civil claims that have a nexus with criminal law.
Mirilyn R Sharp
Biography
My bio as well as my Bencher platform can be found at https://bencherelection.lawtimesnews.com/article/mirilyn-sharp-13627/
Amrita V. Singh
Biography
My practice focuses on litigation in all areas of intellectual property, including patents, trademarks, copyright, and confidential information.I am very active in the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) – I am currently an elected representative for Toronto on the OBA Council, the Public Affairs Liaison for the Information Technology and Intellectual Property section executive, and a member-at-large of the Women Lawyers Forum section executive.
I am also on the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada's (IPIC) Litigation as Vice Chair, and the Women in IP, and Young Practitioners committees. In addition, I am a member-at-large of the Canadian Bar Association's (CBA) Intellectual Property section executive, and am a member of the CBA Patent and Industrial Design Committee.
I am also an active member of the Advocates' Society and Toronto Intellectual Property Group (TIPG), and am an elected member of Queen’s University Council.I have appeared as an expert in intellectual property law before the Canadian House of Commons’ Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (INDU).
While attending law school, I received the 1st place Oralist prize in the First Year International Law Moot 2010 (formerly the Fasken Martineau First Year International Law Moot), and was part of the team that received the 2nd place Factum prize in the Wilson Moot 2011. Prior to being admitted to the Bar, I was an articling student with Bereskin & Parr LLP and summered in-house with a multinational pharmaceutical company.
Jillian Siskind
Biography
Jillian has extensive legal experience in industry and professional regulation conducting litigation at all levels of court in Ontario as well as prosecutions, discipline hearings and administrative tribunals. Jillian’s approach to legal problems is comprehensive, collaborative and strategic with a view to creative and cost-effective resolution. With extensive experience as a senior advisor in corporate, legal and political settings, Jillian focuses on open communication with clients to ensure that each issue is thoroughly and properly addressed and resolved. As the Chief Privacy Officer in a private corporation, Jillian established best practices, policies and procedures for handling all issues relating to privacy and data protection. Jillian Siskind graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1996 with a B.A., the University of Ottawa in 2000 with an LL.B / J.D (cum laude). She then received her LL.M from the University of Toronto in 2005. Jillian was called to the bar in Ontario in 2002.
Charlene D. Theodore
Biography
A graduate of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, Charlene Theodore is a lawyer with a background in public policy and government relations. As Counsel for the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association, she advises the management and staff on the impact of legislative and regulatory changes in the education sector. Ms. Theodore also serves as legal advisor on issues related to labour, benefits and pensions.
Ms. Theodore is a Past President of the OBA.
Sapphira Thompson-Bled
Biography
I am articling at the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. A 2024 JD from uOttawa & 2021 Master of Global Affairs from UofT's Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.
Hilary F.E. Warder
Biography
Hilary Warder is the Founding Counsel at Warder Law Professional Corporation and has practiced family law for over 32 years, primarily in Kingston. She is a graduate of Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws. Hilary has also been an agent for the Children’s Lawyer on the personal rights panel for 25 years. Outside of her private practice, Hilary has been an Adjunct Professor at Queen’s Law School and a coach for the Queen’s teams at family law negotiation competitions. Hilary was recently appointed as a Dispute Resolution Officer in the Superior Court of Justice, Family Court. Hilary is an active member of the Family Law Section of the Frontenac Law Association, the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts – Ontario (Kingston branch), and sits on the Executive Committees of the Family Law Section and the Child and Youth Section of the Ontario Bar Association.
Rui Zhang
Biography
Rui (Ray) Zhang is a third-year law student at the University of Ottawa, deeply committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and equity within the legal community. As a first-generation law student and immigrant, Rui intimately understands the challenges faced by minority students and is dedicated to contributing to their advancement. This summer, Rui worked as an articling student at the Ministry of Attorney General, Crown Law Office Civil (“CLOC”). He will be returning to the CLOC to continue his legal career and serve the public interest, a value he holds dear. Throughout his time at law school, Rui has been actively involved in various student organizations. He has served as a peer mentor, guiding future students through the intricacies of the legal field and helping them navigate their academic journey with ease. Additionally, Rui was instrumental in establishing the Chinese Law Student Association (CLSA) at uOttawa. CLSA is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered. By breaking down barriers and transcending geographical boundaries, CLSA aims to unite students from diverse backgrounds, fostering meaningful connections, mentorship opportunities, and lasting friendships. Rui's passion for advocacy, coupled with his commitment to diversity and inclusion, drives him to make a positive impact within the legal community and beyond.
Melanie J. Webb
Biography
Melanie practices criminal law at the trial and appellate levels. She also represents clients on regulatory and disciplinary issues, as well as extradition matters. While primarily a criminal litigator, Melanie has also appeared before various tribunals and commissions including: the Ontario Securities Commission, the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Toronto Police Service Tribunal, the Ontario Civilian Police Commission, and the Licence Appeal Tribunal, as well as the Ontario Review Board. Melanie is Past Chair of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), Criminal Justice Section. She presently sits on the OBA Board of Directors & OBA Council as the Toronto Regional Director, and is also the incoming Vice-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Criminal Justice Section. She has chaired several continuing professional development programs for the OBA & CBA, and has been an invited speaker at numerous professional and educational events. She is also a long-standing member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association and Toronto Lawyers Association.
