DSF is happy to welcome Steven Huryn as an articling student. He recently graduated from the Juris Doctor program at the University of Western Ontario and while attending law school he received several academic honours. Prior to studying law, Steven completed his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Environmental Science at the University of Toronto. He enjoys interacting with people and problem solving, which is in large part what motivated him to become a lawyer.
Archives: News and Media
Larry Keown Interviewed for Ryerson Journalism Article on Employment Law
Senior partner, Larry W. Keown is quoted in this article from the Ryerson Review of Journalism. Check it out!
DSF Welcomes Kenna Bromley to our Barrie Family Law group
Before joining DSF, Kenna advocated on behalf of clients at a law firm in Orillia where she gained extensive litigation experience in divorce and separation, custody, access, support, property, and child protection proceedings. Kenna has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario with her practice taking her to the courtroom often for conferences, summaries, motions and trials. Kenna is also actively involved as a volunteer for various causes including community outreach, charitable events, and currently, serves as vice-chair and board member for the Barrie Women and Children’s shelter.
Is COVID19 A Good Time to Separate or Divorce?
Podcast #49 –Is COVID19 A Good Time to Separate or Divorce?
The pandemic has been extremely stressful for everyone. The fears of getting sick, combined with being isolated from friends and loved ones, the disruption of routines, the loss of favourite activities and perhaps the financial insecurity has made coping difficult for people who do not have underlying mental health problems. Add to that, many people are spending more time with their spouses than they ever have before, and they are learning lots about partners, and perhaps lots that they do not like. Life can become intolerable for people living together, particularly where they cannot get along or sympathize with what each other are feelings. For many others who already have a strained relationship, the pandemic has pushed them past the breaking point. Many people are asking, “Is COVID19 a good time to separate?”
For more information, check out www.DevryLaw.ca.
The companion book to this podcast, The Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law is available by clicking on the book to the right. The e-book is $9.99 and is available for immediate download from Amazon for Kindle, Kobo and iTunes for iPad, iPhone and Mac.If you have found this podcast useful, please feel free to share it on your social network by using the buttons to
the left or at the bottom of the page. Hundreds of people download episodes of the podcast every month because of the valuable information it provides on family law and family court issues.
This podcast was provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice with regard to any specific situation.
Opening and closing music © 2010 Little Jackie Wright
Thanks for listening.
COVID-19 HR/Employment Webinar July 22nd, 2020 by Marty Rabinovitch
At Devry Smith Frank LLP‘s Human Resource and Employment Seminar, Employment Lawyer Marty Rabinovitch discussed The Reopening of the Economy in the COVID-19 Era.
Marty Rabinovitch heads the employment law group at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF). Marty’s practice focuses on representing employees with respect to issues which arise in the workplace. He regularly advises employees with respect to employment contracts, discrimination, harassment and workplace violence issues, termination and constructive dismissal, severance package negotiations, human rights issues, workplace bullying and harassment, disability and employment insurance matters. Marty has extensive employment litigation experience. He regularly attends at the Superior Court, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Labour. He has also represented clients at the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Topics covered:
- The Re-Opening of the Economy in the COVID-19 Era – Tips and Considerations for Employers
- Reduction or Elimination of Hours and Deemed Infectious Disease Emergency Leave – O. Reg. 228/20 under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 – what it means for Employers
- Enforceability of Termination Clauses and the Latest Blow to Employers – Waksdale v. Swegon North America Inc., 2020 ONCA 391
This is a great overview for HR Professionals and employers. Devry Smith Frank LLP has produced a series of videos to assist HR professionals and HR departments. To view other Ontario employment law videos and videos for other practice areas, please visit our media page.
We have three locations to serve you: Toronto, Barrie & Whitby
For further information, kindly contact one of our lawyers directly.
What Can I Do If CAS Has Custody of My Child?
If the Children’s Aid Society (CAS) has taken custody of your child, immediate action is crucial. In this video, we explain what steps you must take right away to protect your rights and work toward reuniting with your child.
You’ll learn:
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Why timing is critical in CAS cases
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How to find a lawyer who handles CAS matters or access duty counsel at the courthouse
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What it means when CAS has custody—and why it doesn’t mean your case is over
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The importance of filing your application or response without delay
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Common mistakes parents make that can affect their ability to regain custody
Don’t let missed deadlines or inaction affect your case. Whether CAS has made an apprehension or is taking legal steps against you, this video provides essential guidance on how to respond quickly and effectively.
Family lawyer Kenna Bromley joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2020 as an associate in our Barrie Family Law group. She graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts and later received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa.
As a Barrie family lawyer, Kenna has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and although her practice is taking her to the courtroom often for conferences, summaries, motions and trials, she also uses collaborative and alternative processes to reach agreements that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved.
During her career, she has dealt extensively in cases pertaining to equalization of net family property, child and spousal support, drafting of and advice on marriage contracts (pre-nuptial), separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, financial statements, court applications and written argument for litigation matters. Particularly, Kenna has been accredited for her reasonable approach to resolving family law issues in the area of Children’s law and has been involved in many difficult and noteworthy cases involving the Children’s Aid Society.
For more information regarding family law, please contact Barrie family lawyer Kenna Bromley by calling 249-888-6641 or emailing info@devrylaw.ca.
Can Parents Get Private School Tuition Back Due to COVID-19?
Podcast #48 – Can Parents Get Private School Tuition Back Due to COVID-19?
Ontario students have been out of school since March. Parents of children in the public school system have been struggling with helping their children through lessons at home with what many of them feel is inadequate support, especially for children with special learning needs. Parents with children in private schools have been facing that, and additional concerns regarding paying tuition. Even though they are closed to students due to the pandemic, and many parents are struggling financially, some Ontario Private Schools are asking parents to pay for the 2020/2021 school year now. Others are continuing to charge for school this year or are refusing any form of refund even though students are not going to school. For parents who paid for boarding, that can be a lot of money and it seems particularly unfair since their children are not currently living at the school. Unlike public school parents, private school parents feel stung even more if the distance learning for their children is not meeting their expectations in light of what they paid.
For more information, check out www.DevryLaw.ca.
The companion book to this podcast, The Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law is available by clicking on the book to the right. The e-book is $9.99 and is available for immediate download from Amazon for Kindle, Kobo and iTunes for iPad, iPhone and Mac.If you have found this podcast useful, please feel free to share it on your social network by using the buttons to
the left or at the bottom of the page. Hundreds of people download episodes of the podcast every month because of the valuable information it provides on family law and family court issues.
This podcast was provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice with regard to any specific situation.
Opening and closing music © 2010 Little Jackie Wright
Thanks for listening.
The COVID19 Family Law Property SCAM
Podcast #47 – The The COVID19 Family Law Property SCAM
Even with the Family Courts mostly closed during the pandemic, and the economy struggling, spouses are making legal claims to try to get ALL of what their ex has left. This actually is not a concern unique to COVID19, it is also a concern whenever the economy takes a downturn. But, these times do allow a spouse to take advantage of the laws that apply to property division in divorce to get everything or almost everything that their spouse has. The episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast explains how this happens and how to avoid it as often it really is a SCAM. Married spouses must listen to this podcast to know how these troubling times have impacted what happens when separating in Ontario.
For more information, check out www.DevryLaw.ca.
The companion book to this podcast, The Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law is available by clicking on the book to the right. The e-book is $9.99 and is available for immediate download from Amazon for Kindle, Kobo and iTunes for iPad, iPhone and Mac.If you have found this podcast useful, please feel free to share it on your social network by using the buttons to
the left or at the bottom of the page. Hundreds of people download episodes of the podcast every month because of the valuable information it provides on family law and family court issues.
This podcast was provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice with regard to any specific situation.
Opening and closing music © 2010 Little Jackie Wright
Thanks for listening.
Human Resources and Employment Law Seminar April 1, 2020 – Marty Rabinovitch
The New Reality of COVID-19 – Advice and Best Practices for Employers
Marty Rabinovitch heads the employment law group at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF). Marty’s practice focuses on representing employees with respect to issues which arise in the workplace. He regularly advises employees with respect to employment contracts, discrimination, harassment and workplace violence issues, termination and constructive dismissal, severance package negotiations, human rights issues, workplace bullying and harassment, disability and employment insurance matters. Marty has extensive employment litigation experience. He regularly attends at the Superior Court, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Labour. He has also represented clients at the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
- Topics covered during the seminar include:
- What is the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- How to prevent infection and transmission of COVID-19
- Occupational health and safety concerns
- What employers should do to ensure that they are acting in accordance
with OHSA? - How to manage meetings and events
- How to manage employees and travelling
- What to do if an employee returns from an area with reported COVID-19?
- Can I force my employees to wear protective devices?
- How to approach sick days?
- Leaves available to employees if employee or member of family diagnosed
with COVID-19 - What if employees refuse to work during the COVID-19 epidemic, despite the
employer taking reasonable steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the
workplace? - How can employers reduce personnel costs?
- Can an employer implement a fever detection screening system?
- What if the workplace must be closed because of COVID-19?
- Can employers require employees to use sick or vacation days if an employee is self-isolating?
- Can employers require employees to report their COVID-19 diagnosis?
- Can employers require employees to report their potential or actual COVID-19
exposure? - Are employers required to pay an employee if an employee is off work because of
COVID-19 illness or self-isolation? - What if an employee contracts COVID-19 at the workplace or develops
anxiety/stress from fears of contracting COVID-19 at the workplace? - Tips to draft an effective COVID-19 workplace policy
This is a great overview for HR Professionals and employers. Devry Smith Frank LLP has produced a series of videos to assist HR professionals and HR departments. To view other Ontario employment law videos and videos for other practice areas, please visit our media page.
We have three locations to serve you: Toronto, Barrie & Whitby
For further information, kindly contact one of our lawyers directly.
How COVID-19 Affects Child Support and Spousal Support?
Podcast #46 –How COVID-19 Affects Child Support and Spousal Support
The Corona Virus has had a previously unimaginable impact on our economy and the incomes of many Canadians. Many people paying or receiving child support or spousal support find that their income is either uncertain, has been dramatically reduced or is gone altogether. What happens to the child and spousal support when the support payor has these financial concerns during COVID19 is the subject of this edition of the Family Law Podcast.
Previous episodes of the Ontario Family Law Podcast have explained how child support works and how spousal support works. Since then, it seems like everything may have changed COVID19 has put many people out of work, reduced the incomes of many other, completely shut down some businesses, leaving the owners with no money at all. What does that mean for child support and spousal support obligations? In the short run, probably very little. In the long run, perhaps a lot.
The government has not enacted any new laws to change support obligations as a result of the Corona Virus. Unless the support payer and the support recipient agree to something different, support continues as set out in the last court order or separation agreement. The children or spouses who are dependent on that support remain dependent on that support.
However, many support payers feel that the children or their ex cannot have the financial security that they do not have – especially when there is no money left.
It may not be possible for support payers to pay full child support or spousal support right now. That does not mean that they can just ignore court orders. They may have to make up the missed payments later, or it may be necessary to adjust support going forward, although, with the current restricted access to the Ontario Courts, that can be tricky and may be difficult going forward if the support payer does not do things correctly.
This edition of the Ontario Family Law Podcast explains the basics of what both support payers and support recipients have to know during the Corona Virus Crisis. It has tips for moving forward to ensure that support remains fair in the short and long term.
For more information, check out www.DevryLaw.ca.
The companion book to this podcast, The Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law is available by clicking on the book to the right. The e-book is $9.99 and is available for immediate download from Amazon for Kindle, Kobo and iTunes for iPad, iPhone and Mac.If you have found this podcast useful, please feel free to share it on your social network by using the buttons to
the left or at the bottom of the page. Hundreds of people download episodes of the podcast every month because of the valuable information it provides on family law and family court issues.
This podcast was provided for general information only. It does not constitute legal advice with regard to any specific situation.
Opening and closing music © 2010 Little Jackie Wright
Thanks for listening.