Devry Smith Frank LLP’s Toronto employment lawyer Marty Rabinovitch is here to inform you on the most influential decisions in Canadian employment law for 2022.
For any employment law matters, please contact Toronto employment lawyer Marty Rabinovitch by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or by calling 416-449-1400.
Devry Smith Frank LLP’s employment law team is here to inform you of updates in Ontario employment law.
This webinar features:
Marty Rabinovitch – “Infectious Disease Emergency Leave”
Graeme Oddy – “Electronic Monitoring of Employees in Ontario”
David Heppenstall – “Can Language in Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Clauses Render a Termination Clause Unenforceable?”
Timothy Gindi – “Do Unionized Employees Still Have The Right To Pursue Human Rights Complaints?”
For any employment law matters, please contact Toronto employment lawyer Marty Rabinovitch by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or by calling 416-449-1400.
When parents do not separate on good terms, they often have concerns about the other parent’s priorities – particularly when very young children or infants are involved. When a separation is going to be high conflict, Family Lawyers frequently hear from a parent who needs to start court right away, without trying any of the better ways to work things out, because the kids have been completely cut off from him or her. The reasons why this happen vary, from domestic violence, to concerns about child abuse, to disagreements over parenting strategies, to questions about the other parent’s competences, to issues over child support and the children’s wishes. But, there are only certain reason that judges believe justify cutting off a parent from the children. Any other excuse is going to get a parent in serious Family Court trouble and that parent may even be cut off from the kids by Court Order!
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.
When meeting a lawyer for the first time, whether virtually or in person, being prepared can help move your case forward efficiently. Toronto personal injury lawyer Tijana Potkonjak outlines what documents are useful to bring depending on your legal issue.
If you’ve been in a car accident, items like the police report, any photos from the scene, insurance details, and medical records are all helpful. For long-term disability claim denials, the denial letter and the policy itself can give your lawyer the details they need. In a slip and fall case, images of the scene taken shortly after the incident and any medical documentation can be critical. Don’t worry if something is missing—your legal team may be able to obtain those records directly. No matter the case, identification and a health card are required when retaining a lawyer. This video explains why these materials matter and how they assist your lawyer in assessing and pursuing your claim.
Tijana Potkonjak joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our personal injury and insurance defence departments. She earned her B.A. (Hons) from York University and her M.A. from Concordia University and finally received her J.D. from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018.
Tijana is committed to helping her clients feel heard and understood, reassuring them that their unique trauma is going to be addressed with empathy and compassion while making sure that their claims are dealt with in an efficient and expedient manner.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please contact Tijana or our personal injury department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or by calling 416-449-1400.
Litigation in Ontario can often take several years to reach a resolution, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. In this video, Toronto personal injury lawyer Charlie Fuhr explains the typical stages a personal injury lawsuit may follow, beginning with the issuing of a statement of claim. While some matters have the potential for early settlement, many progress through key procedural steps such as examinations for discovery, mediation, and pre-trial conferences before reaching the courtroom. The timing between these milestones can vary, but it’s not uncommon for a trial to be scheduled three to five years after litigation begins. This overview provides insight into the litigation timeline and what parties might expect as their case moves forward in Ontario’s civil justice system.
Charlie Fuhr joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation, insurance defence, estate litigation and personal injury departments. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) and earned a double JD from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. He was called to the Bar in 2020.
His practice with DSF encompasses a wide range of complex litigation matters. His representation of both commercial and individual clients has helped shape his tactical approach to litigation thereby maximizing a favourable outcome for his clients. Charlie values effective communication, and while drafting, strives for mathematical clarity by explaining calculations line by line along with the applicable assumptions. This client-centric approach has made him a respected and trusted advisor to many of his clients.
If you or someone you know has been injured, please reach out to Charlie Fuhr or our personal injury department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or calling 416-449-1400.
In Ontario, individuals injured in motor vehicle accidents often have two distinct avenues for compensation. The first is a tort claim, which may allow an injured person to seek damages from an at-fault driver. These damages can include compensation for income loss, medical expenses, and support services such as housekeeping. The second is an accident benefits claim, which provides access to no-fault benefits through your own insurance, regardless of who caused the collision.
This video outlines how each type of claim operates, what kind of compensation may be available, and why the distinction between the two matters for those pursuing recovery. Whether liability is in question or not, it’s important to know how Ontario’s accident compensation framework works so you can take informed steps after an injury.
Charlie Fuhr joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation, insurance defence, estate litigation and personal injury departments. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) and earned a double JD from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. He was called to the Bar in 2020.
His practice with DSF encompasses a wide range of complex litigation matters. His representation of both commercial and individual clients has helped shape his tactical approach to litigation, thereby maximizing a favourable outcome for his clients. Charlie values effective communication, and while drafting, strives for mathematical clarity by explaining calculations line by line along with the applicable assumptions. This client-centric approach has made him a respected and trusted advisor to many of his clients.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, please reach out to Charlie Fuhr or our personal injury department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or calling 416-449-1400.
Too many buyers have taken possession of their new home only to discover serious and costly issues which a home inspection could have uncovered. In this video, Ontario real estate lawyer Colleen Dermody talks about why including a home inspection condition in your offer is a smart move in Ontario’s real estate market.
A proper inspection helps buyers avoid homes with hidden structural or mechanical concerns and can even provide leverage to have the seller address those issues before closing. Without this condition, buyers risk taking on unexpected repairs that can cost thousands and create stress at a time that should feel exciting.
Colleen explains how a home inspection adds value beyond just peace of mind. It can protect you from buying a property that turns out to be more trouble than it’s worth. Before waiving that condition, consider what it could cost you.
Colleen Dermody joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate and wills and estates groups, practicing from our Haliburton location. She holds a BPHE (Hons) and MPA from Queen’s University, along with a JD from the University of Windsor. She was called to the Bar in 2022.
At DSF, Colleen’s practice involves a variety of real estate matters with particular emphasis on residential purchase and sale transactions, including cottage properties. Colleen’s wills and estates practice encompasses all aspects of estate planning and administration. Colleen believes it is important to get to know her clients so she can provide tailored advice to help them navigate the complicated estate division process during a time of grief.
For any real estate inquiries, you can contact Colleen Dermody in our real estate department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or calling 416-449-1400.
When you’ve been injured in an accident or denied disability benefits, timing is critical. In Ontario, the general rule is that you have two years to start a lawsuit—either from the date of the incident or the date your benefits were denied. But many people are unaware that exceptions exist, and missing these can jeopardize your case.
In this video, Toronto personal injury lawyer Tijana Potkonjak outlines how limitation periods work in Ontario personal injury and insurance claims, including special considerations for minors and key deadlines following slip and fall incidents. You’ll also hear how tight notice periods can be—like the 10-day requirement for falls on city property or the 60-day notice for incidents outside a condo building. In many cases, several parties could be liable, such as condo corporations and snow removal contractors.
Because the rules vary and the deadlines can come up quickly, it’s important to speak with a lawyer right away after an accident. Early advice can help preserve your right to compensation and prevent technical issues from blocking your claim.
Tijana Potkonjak joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our personal injury and insurance defence departments. She earned her B.A. (Hons) from York University and her M.A. from Concordia University and finally received her J.D. from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018.
Tijana is committed to helping her clients feel heard and understood, reassuring them that their unique trauma is going to be addressed with empathy and compassion while making sure that their claims are dealt with in an efficient and expedient manner.
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, please contact Tijana or our personal injury department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or by calling 416-449-1400.
In Ontario’s competitive housing market, first-time buyers are often pressured to submit unconditional offers just to stay in the game. In this video, Ontario real estate lawyer Colleen Dermody addresses the risks that come with removing a financing condition, especially when mortgage approval hasn’t been secured. When buyers make offers without conditions and fail to obtain financing, they not only risk losing their deposit but could also face legal consequences if the seller relists the property at a lower price.
For anyone navigating the uncertainty of today’s real estate climate, especially first-time homebuyers, it’s important to approach each offer with caution. This video outlines why conditions, particularly financing, can protect buyers from serious financial exposure and legal complications. Before signing anything, know what you could be agreeing to.
Colleen Dermody joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate and wills and estates groups, practicing from our Haliburton location. She holds a BPHE (Hons) and MPA from Queen’s University, along with a JD from the University of Windsor. She was called to the Bar in 2022.
At DSF, Colleen’s practice involves a variety of real estate matters with particular emphasis on residential purchase and sale transactions, including cottage properties. Colleen’s wills and estates practice encompasses all aspects of estate planning and administration. Colleen believes it is important to get to know her clients so she can provide tailored advice to help them navigate the complicated estate division process during a time of grief.
For any real estate inquiries, you can contact Colleen Dermody in our real estate department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or calling 416-449-1400.
Many people assume that common-law partners in Ontario have the same inheritance rights as married spouses—but this is not the case. In this video, Ontario wills and estates lawyer Colleen Dermody addresses a key gap in Ontario estate law: the Succession Law Reform Act does not recognize common-law spouses in its definition of “spouse.” This means that if someone in a common-law relationship dies without a will, their partner has no automatic right to inherit. Instead, the estate is distributed based on a statutory order of relatives, which may not reflect the deceased’s actual intentions.
Colleen emphasizes why having a will is essential, especially for individuals in common-law relationships. Without one, loved ones may face added stress and legal hurdles during an already difficult time. We also touch on how wills serve as a way to direct your property, protect your dependents, and reduce complications for your family after death.
Although conversations about death can be uncomfortable, this video encourages a thoughtful and proactive approach to estate planning. Creating a will is not just a legal formality—it’s a way to provide clarity, minimize uncertainty, and honour your personal wishes.
Colleen Dermody joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate and wills and estates groups, practicing from our Haliburton location. She holds a BPHE (Hons) and MPA from Queen’s University, along with a JD from the University of Windsor. She was called to the Bar in 2022.
At DSF, Colleen’s practice involves a variety of real estate matters with particular emphasis on residential purchase and sale transactions, including cottage properties. Colleen’s wills and estates practice encompasses all aspects of estate planning and administration. Colleen believes it is important to get to know her clients so she can provide tailored advice to help them navigate the complicated estate division process during a time of grief.
To start the process of creating your will, you can contact Colleen Dermody in our wills and estates department by emailing info@devrylaw.ca or calling 416-449-1400.
