Owais Hashmi Owais Hashmi joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as a Summer Law Student at our Whitby office in 2022, where he gained experience in estate litigation, commercial litigation, corporate law, employment law, family law, and collections/mortgage recovery. Owais returned to DSF as an Articling Student in 2023. Owais completed his Juris Doctor (J.D.) at the University of Windsor. During his law school tenure, Owais was involved in the Peer Mentorship Program (PMP), Sports and Entertainment Law Club (SELS), the Legal Innovation Hub (LIH), and was a Recipient of the Windsor Law Alumni Social Justice Fellowship. Owais holds a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Business Law from Toronto Metropolitan University. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, Owais had the opportunity of working as a Legal Clinician at TMU’s Law and Business Clinic. There, he provided legal services to entrepreneurs and small businesses under the supervision of lawyers from a national law firm. Owais is a member of the Board of Directors at the Durham Community Legal Clinic. He provides integral insight and strategic planning for the Board, and frequently liaises with Legal Aid Ontario. Owais is responsible for overseeing communications between management, clinic staff, and the Board to ensure the organization is functioning at a high level. Outside of law, Owais enjoys watching basketball, paddle boarding, and hiking. He is also fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 2, 2022August 10, 2023
Renata Adas Renata Adas joined Devry Smith Frank LLP ‘DSF’ as a Paralegal in April 2022 working for our collections and mortgage recovery department. She earned her B.A. in Law from Centro Universitário Salesiano de São Paulo in Brazil and obtained her Bar License through the National Bar Association of Brazil in 2012. She graduated with honours from the Paralegal Studies program at Humber College and obtained her Paralegal License through the Law Society in 2021. Prior to joining DSF, Renata worked for a law firm in Toronto in the creditor’s rights department. She also brings over four years of experience in tax advisory and compliance. Her diverse practice and international experience have allowed her to develop an effective, efficient, and results-based approach to resolving legal issues. By Fauzan SiddiquiApril 4, 2022September 5, 2023
Graeme R. Oddy Graeme Oddy joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in 2022 in our commercial litigation and tax law department. He holds a B.A. (Hons) and a J.D. from the University of Toronto. He was called to the Bar in 2018. Prior to joining DSF, he articled for a boutique multi-national law firm in Toronto and then became a sole practitioner offering a broad range of services to both individuals and businesses in litigation, corporate/commercial law, tax planning, real estate and more. Graeme has been involved in a broad range of commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes, professional negligence claims and disciplinary proceedings, mortgage enforcement litigation, fraudulent conveyances, injunctions, claims against directors and officers, appeals, and commercial arbitrations. Graeme also has experience in tax litigation and dispute resolution, particularly related to capital gains on dispositions of real property, virtual currencies, and other commodities. His work includes preparation for CRA audits, objections to reassessments, and administrative appeals. Outside work, he is an avid sportsman with interests in basketball, tennis, skiing and hiking. He also founded the University of Toronto Rubik’s Cube club in 2013. By Fauzan SiddiquiMarch 29, 2022March 25, 2024
Jason Lane Jason Lane joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP (‘WP Law’), Lawyers and Mediators in 2018 as a summer law student and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) post the merger of our firms in Whitby. Jason obtained his Juris Doctor from The University of Western Ontario in 2019 and is now an associate in our Real Estate Group. During his time at the firm, Jason has gained extensive knowledge on all aspects of real estate including the purchase and sale of new homes, resale homes, condominiums and the assignment of agreements of purchase and sale. Jason is very understanding of the fact that completing a real estate transaction can seem overwhelming and complicated, but his attention to detail and focus on client communication will ensure that the process is made simple, straightforward and as stress-free as possible. Outside of the office, Jason thoroughly enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports including golf, basketball, squash and hockey. Jason is an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Formula One Racing. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Feel free to contact Jason at jason@durhamlawyer.ca. By Fauzan SiddiquiMarch 24, 2022January 16, 2024
Jake Vogl Jake Vogl joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our corporate law department. He graduated from Western University with a B.Mos (Hons) and earned his J.D. from Queen’s University. He was called to the Bar in 2020. Prior to joining DSF, Jake worked for a boutique business law firm and is experienced in a wide range of business law matters including corporate structuring, commercial agreements, corporate finance, and mergers & acquisitions. Jake works with start-up, growth stage, and mature privately held companies, and specializes in advising technology companies at any stage of their growth cycle. With a client-centred approach and the ability to anticipate issues before they arise, clients rely on him for timely, efficient, and effective legal advice. During his time at Queen’s University, Jake served as the Vice President of the Queen’s Venture Law Society and Technology Law Club. He was a Project Founder at the Conflict Analytics Lab, where he worked to develop a tool that uses data modelling to predict pecuniary damage rewards. Jake also volunteered for Queen’s Legal Aid where he provided legal services to low-income residents of Kingston, Napanee, and the surrounding areas, and to Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College students. Outside the office, Jake is an avid cyclist (200kms was his longest ride of 2021). He is a film-photographer and a self-published author of his photobook “Amateur Gardening”. Jake is a member of the Ontario Bar Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiDecember 5, 2021September 5, 2023
Ashley Almeida Ashley Almeida practices in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, lending and condo development. She gives presentations to community groups on topics such as “Buying Your First Home” and “Why You Should Make A Will.” Ashley joined the Real Estate Group at Woitzik Polsinelli Lawyer and Mediators LLP as an associate lawyer in 2020 and joined DSF in 2023. Ashley holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and an undergraduate degree from McGill University. Prior to joining WP, Ashley practiced in the areas of real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law at boutique firms in Toronto and at a firm that she founded and operated for four years. Thereafter, Ashley joined a firm in Ajax where she focused her practice on all aspects of real estate including purchasing and selling resale properties, new build transactions, assignments, and condominiums throughout Ontario. Ashley has been the recipient of exceptional client loyalty and is known for her client-focused service and outstanding legal guidance. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys cooking, travelling, hiking with her yellow labrador, and staying active in the community. For more information about any real estate-related matters, please contact Ashley Almeida at ashley.almeida@devrylaw.ca By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 27, 2021February 20, 2024
Stephen Sforza Stephen joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP in 2019 and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP post the merger of the firms in Whitby. He is a partner in our Corporate/Commercial and Real Estate Groups. He holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and an undergraduate degree with honours from Queen’s University, graduating magna cum laude. Prior to joining the firm, Stephen worked as an associate at another well-established firm in Durham Region, where he assisted clients with a variety of business, real estate, and wills & estates law matters. He also gained valuable experience working in downtown Toronto in the securities regulation industry and in the legal department of a public oil & gas company. Stephen’s practice is focused on providing practical, strategic, and tailored legal advice to a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, real estate investors, professionals, small to medium-sized businesses, commercial lenders and borrowers, credit unions, and commercial landlords and tenants. His expertise includes business formation, corporate reorganizations, purchasing and selling businesses, secured lending, commercial financing, tax rollovers, commercial leasing, and general contract review and drafting. Stephen also has extensive experience in real estate law and is a key member of the firm’s Real Estate Group. He assists clients with a wide range of residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, assignments, and mortgage transactions. His attention to detail, thoroughness, and commitment to excellence ensure that his clients’ real estate transactions are completed smoothly and successfully. Stephen has a client-focused approach and strives to always provide the most cost-effective legal solutions. He takes the time to understand his clients’ unique needs and works closely with them to achieve their desired outcomes. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in his field. When outside of the office, Stephen is an avid Toronto sports fan and enjoys playing competitive soccer. He is committed to personal fitness and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Testimonials I have had an exceptional experience with Stephen and Lesley . I cannot thank Stephen enough for his due diligence in making my new venture of entrepreneurship a positive transaction. I would not hesitate to use this firm once again as I have been a customer for over 15 years! Thank you Stephen and your wonderful team. – Barb Hardy Just completed a business transaction using Stephen Sforza as my lawyer from this firm. Would highly recommend him along with their staff. Very professional and most of all very thorough with all the work they provided Their service was efficient and exactly what I needed to conduct this transaction-Ken Noakes By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 19, 2021January 18, 2024
Vanessa Romanino Vanessa joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP in 2016 and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP post the merger of our firms in Whitby. Prior to joining the team, Vanessa practiced in the area of electronic discovery as a contract lawyer for many large Firms in Downtown Toronto. Vanessa maintains these skills in consistently advocating for our clients and their needs. As a partner in our Wills and Estates Group, Vanessa primarily focuses on all aspects of estate planning and administration. Vanessa’s professional knowledge, sensible approach, and ability to understand difficult and emotional situations, enable her to assist our clients in all aspects of their estate matters and provide the best possible legal representation. These matters include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate applications to the Court. Vanessa additionally practices and assists in our Residential Real Estate and Corporate Law Groups. As an English major, Vanessa has shown a keen interest in contract review and drafting. In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys being outdoors, travelling, trying new restaurants, and sports. Growing up, Vanessa was a competitive swimmer for The City of Markham and continues to stay actively involved in the Community, and is happy to have found a firm whose values align with her own. By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 19, 2021January 3, 2024
Wendy Cornacchia Wendy joined Devry Smith Frank LLP as a senior paralegal with over 25 years of experience advocating for the injured whether it be through her daily interactions with insurance adjusters, defence counsel, mediators, arbitrators, or by attendances at FSCO and the Social Services Tribunal. A graduate of the Law Clerk program at Humber College and a Licensed Paralegal since 2008, Wendy has continued her education by taking various courses offered by the Institute of Law Clerks, University of Toronto, The Advocates Society, Law Society of Ontario, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) and The Medical-Legal Society. She has most recently completed the Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development Certificate Program, “Handling Provincial Offences Court, Small Claims Court & Landlord, and Tenant Board Matters”. Wendy has also been a presenter at OTLA, The Toronto Rehabilitation Institute Chronic Pain Program and she has contributed to in-house newsletters. Over the years, she has had an integral role in the training of newly graduated legal assistants, law clerks, and articling students. By Fauzan SiddiquiAugust 5, 2021October 19, 2021
David Derfel David Derfel joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in our personal injury, estates, and commercial litigation groups. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2002 after completing law school at the University of Windsor. David also possesses an honours commerce degree from York University. David became a partner of the firm involved in many important decisions regarding the firm’s litigation practice. At DSF David gained knowledge and expertise in many areas of law including criminal defence, commercial litigation, insurance defence litigation, and corporate/commercial law. This broad exposure to many areas of law early in his career has enabled David to identify and address many of the issues that can arise in a personal injury claim that other lawyers may not. An accident, injury or illness can impact every aspect of one’s life and David’s experience with multiple practice areas distinguishes him from other lawyers who may only identify some of the issues. For many years David’s practice has been focused almost exclusively on plaintiff personal injury claims. Access to justice has always been important to David. The University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law where David attended law school is focused on access to justice and it was a key consideration in where he went to law school and a large component of many of the courses he took. Facing multi-billion and multi-national insurance companies in defence of the individual is what drives David to excel in his practice. David believes that without access to justice advocates, those who are injured and disabled are left to fend for themselves before the insurmountable power of insurance companies. Following the important lessons, he learned when a law student, David focuses his efforts to even the playing field and brings to account those companies that deny and delay what is necessary to get his clients better, back on their feet, and fairly compensated. Without access to justice, there is no justice at all. David has been a presenter on legal issues related to personal injury at conferences, in hospitals, and other professionals on matters such as chronic pain, the Insurance Act, how to structure large personal injury settlements, and how to access alternative funding before a claim settles. David has represented clients in jury and non-jury trials in the Superior Court of Justice and before administrative tribunals including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the CPP Appeals Tribunal. Having acted for clients at trial, David knows every aspect of a claim from the beginning to conclusion at trial. David is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Trial Law Association, the American Association for Justice, and the Florida Justice Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiAugust 4, 2021September 5, 2023