Mohadeseh Bakhtiari Mohadeseh Bakhtiari joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate, corporate law, commercial litigation, wills and estates, and employment law departments. She graduated with a J.D. from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and was called to the Bar in 2024. During her time at Lincoln, Mohadeseh was the Vice President of the First Generation Law Network. She also summered at the Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) legal clinic, assisting youth with no or precarious immigration status. While at JFCY, she published an article for the Canadian Bar Association. She also completed her integrated practice curriculum program at the Department of Justice. Before law school, Mohadeseh worked at the York Region Centre for Community Safety as a caseworker, assisting victim-survivors of domestic violence. Outside work, Mohadeseh enjoys travelling, going to the gym and hiking. By KyraJanuary 8, 2024March 26, 2024
Yonatan Kramer Yonatan Kramer joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2024 as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation department. He received his B.A. from York University before earning his J.D. from the University of Windsor in 2018. He was called to the Bar in 2019. Yonatan is a skilled litigator with experience appearing before the Divisional Court, Superior Court, Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board, and the License Appeal Tribunal. Before joining DSF, Yonatan worked for a boutique litigation firm in Toronto where he represented clients in civil and commercial matters, including contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, real estate and construction-related litigation, insurance claims, employment disputes, debt recovery, and professional negligence. Yonatan’s legal expertise and commitment to transparent communication fosters strong attorney-client relationships and empowers clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions. By AlyssaJanuary 8, 2024January 16, 2024
Michael Farace Michael Farace is a seasoned lawyer with years of experience, bringing his expertise to Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as a partner in the commercial litigation department. Having been called to the Bar in 1989, he possesses extensive knowledge and a wealth of practical experience in the field. Before joining DSF, Michael worked at a renowned national law firm in Toronto, where he specialized in commercial litigation, construction law and Occupational Health and Safety law. Throughout his lengthy career, he has successfully represented clients in a variety of legal settings, including arbitrations, the License Appeal Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Ontario, and Court of Appeal for Ontario. At DSF, Michael’s practice spans a wide range of complex litigation matters. He adopts a strategic approach to litigation that is tailored to each client’s needs, whether they are commercial entities or individuals. By prioritizing effective communication, he ensures that his clients are well-informed throughout the process. Additionally, he excels in providing clarity by meticulously explaining calculations line by line and outlining the underlying assumptions. Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael actively contributes to his community. He served as a valued member of the coaching staff for numerous minor hockey teams in both the Streetsville Amateur Minor Hockey Association and the Meadowvale Minor Hockey Association. Furthermore, he shared his legal expertise as a Business Law instructor at Sheridan College. These additional roles showcase Michael’s commitment to both his profession and making a positive impact outside the office. By KyraJuly 26, 2023September 5, 2023
Gabriella Schneider Gabriella Schneider is a DSF lawyer with over two years of experience in areas such as secured and unsecured collection, enforcement, and civil litigation. With a results-oriented approach, she provides exceptional client services and delivers innovative solutions to complex legal problems. Gabriella possesses strong knowledge of legal office procedures, court processes, and legal drafting, making her well-equipped to handle litigation files from beginning to end. Gabriella’s exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, allow her to present complex legal issues to non-lawyers and deal effectively and pleasantly with colleagues, judges, clients, and third parties. She works well independently as well as in a team environment and has a fast-learning ability, is detail-oriented, and has superior organizational skills, making her capable of finding creative solutions to complex problems. Gabriella’s extensive experience includes working as an associate lawyer at a boutique law firm in Toronto where she helped the team win over 78 judgments in the Superior Court of Ontario. Gabriella also successfully aided in obtaining a default judgment in favor of a creditor for a loan worth over $55,000 and helped settled three complex general litigation cases.In her free time, Gabriella enjoys pilates, baking, and spin class. By Fauzan SiddiquiApril 25, 2023December 13, 2023
Tijana Potkonjak Tijana Potkonjak joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our personal injury, insurance defence and estate litigation 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. Prior to joining DSF, Tijana worked for multiple boutique firms across Ottawa and Toronto gaining valuable experience in various litigation matters like personal injury, motor vehicle accident (tort and accident benefits), medical malpractice, commercial disputes, long-term disability and more. She has appeared as counsel in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, and various Provincial Tribunals, including the: Licence Appeal Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal, and Landlord and Tenant Board. 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. Tijana is experienced in providing representation in the following areas of practice: insurance denials for travel medical expenses, long-term disability, critical illness, fire loss, property damage, commercial policies estate litigation (Will challenges, dependent support claims, unjust enrichment, Family Law Act elections, objection to appointment of an estate trustee or motion to remove a trustee) probate applications (with or without a Will) capacity (capacity assessments, guardianship applications to appoint or remove a guardian, court-ordered assessments) commercial litigation (contract disputes, home defects, construction defects) negligence of real estate agents and brokers She speaks fluent French and Serbian/Croatian. She enjoys spending time with her partner and furry friends, exercising, and the outdoors. Tijana is a member of the Law Society Of Ontario. By Fauzan SiddiquiJuly 6, 2022September 27, 2023
Hyland Muirhead Hyland Muirhead joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation, collections and mortgage recovery, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency departments. She graduated with an LLB from the University of Leicester and received her LLM from the University of Miami. She was called to the Bar in 2022. Prior to DSF, Hyland acquired a work placement for a boutique law firm in Toronto practicing in the areas of commercial and civil litigation. She also gained international experience interning in law firms in the USA and Uk conducting legal research and proceedings for all areas of litigation. Outside the courtroom, Hyland is a pianist and a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music finishing second at the Grand Prize Virtuoso, Salzburg, Austria as well as the Golden Classical Music Competition, New York. She is a member of the Advocates’ Society, the Law Society of Ontario and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. By Fauzan SiddiquiJune 14, 2022September 21, 2023
Charlie Fuhr 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. Prior to DSF, Charlie worked for a boutique firm in Toronto practicing in the areas of personal injury, civil and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in matters before various courts and tribunals, including the License Appeal Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Ontario, and Court of Appeal for Ontario. 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. Outside of work, Charlie has a particular interest in boxing and was the 3x Provincial Champion and competed at the National level. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. By Fauzan SiddiquiJune 14, 2022September 13, 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
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
David Heppenstall David is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School (Juris Doctor, 2021) and the University of Guelph (Bachelor of Computing, 2008). David joined the commercial litigation and insurance defence groups at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) following his call to the bar in 2022. David previously worked at DSF as both a summer student and as a student-at-law. As a litigation specialist, David has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court, Ontario Court, as well as various federal, provincial, and municipal agencies, boards, and commissions. Law is David’s second career, his previous being in computer science. For most of his technical career, David developed solutions for complex customer issues at Dell EMC. On multiple occasions, he received excellence awards for his focus on customer satisfaction, dedication, passion, and initiative. David’s broad experience with enterprise computing informs his legal practice. David is a national mooting champion. At the 2021 Adam F. Fanaki Competition Law Moot, David and his team won overall Best Faculty. Additionally, he also won Best Factum and Best Oralist awards—demonstrating command over both written and verbal advocacy. David was deeply involved with his law school and became highly decorated during his studies. Osgoode awarded David with multiple graduation prizes and other awards for excellence beyond academic achievement; including the Honourable Paul Bentley ’77 Prize for Professionalism, the Osgoode Hall Law Journal Prize, and a Student Honour Award. David also served as the Director of Production at the Osgoode Hall Law Journal, worked for three pro bono community legal clinics, and he volunteered with the Osgoode Mooting Society and the Osgoode Disability Collective. In his first year, his section awarded him the “MVP” Award. David is a high school law teacher, instructing extension program students who are interested in deepening their understanding of the law. David is a keen public speaker. He is a member and past president of both the Tuesday Literary Club and the Ruskin Literary and Debating Society. At the Tuesday Literary Club, he is a recipient of the Harry Fairhead Award of Merit. At Ruskin, he is a recipient of the George Sunderland Prize and the Ian Galt Award. David is an athlete, team leader, and adventurer. He participates in triathlons, captained two-floor hockey teams, portaged the backcountry in northern Ontario, bicycled solo 600 kilometres across southern Ontario, hiked Mount Kilimanjaro, and is a hang glider pilot. David is a notary public for the Province of Ontario. By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 29, 2020September 5, 2023