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 Justin DominicJune 14, 2022August 2, 2022
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 Justin DominicJune 14, 2022August 10, 2022
Graeme R. Oddy Graeme Oddy joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in 2022 in our commercial litigation 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 Justin DominicMarch 29, 2022September 21, 2022
Ryan Stubbs Ryan Stubbs joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation and collections & mortgage recovery groups. He graduated from Carleton University with a B.A. (Hons) and earned his J.D. from Bond University. He was called to the Bar in 2020. During his time at Bond University, Ryan was elected as Competitions Director of the Canadian Law Students’ Association and later as President, where he served for three consecutive semesters. He also received a number of awards for mooting and First-In-Class and was placed on the Dean’s List for Academic Excellence. Ryan further volunteered as a Student Advisor for the Bond Commercial Law Clinic, assisting with the provision of pro-bono legal advice to local small business owners. Prior to joining DSF, Ryan gained extensive experience in civil and commercial litigation, regulatory compliance and defence, and business law working for a boutique firm in Toronto. He regularly appears in the Small Claims Court, the Ontario Court of Justice, and the Superior Court of Justice. Ryan also works with new companies on business law matters with a particular focus on assisting entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry with corporate, compliance and licensing issues. Some of Ryan’s interests include camping, hiking, fishing, attending concerts, and spending time with his partner and their French bulldog, Tony. By Justin DominicNovember 12, 2021December 16, 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 Justin DominicAugust 4, 2021December 6, 2021
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.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 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. By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 29, 2020December 1, 2022
Marty Rabinovitch Français Marty is a graduate of Queen’s University (B.A.H. in Political Studies) and the University of Windsor (LL.B.). He received multiple academic awards from Queen’s University and Upper Canada College. He was the recipient of the 2008 Gavel Award from the University of Windsor for the best-written judgment of a student judge presiding over the Law 1 moots. He also participated in the Laskin Moot competition, where he presented his arguments in French. Marty spent several summers working at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and articled with the firm from 2009-2010. As an articling student, Marty was involved with many Small Claims and Superior Court matters. He has attended at examinations for discovery, settlement conferences and trials. Marty has also appeared before masters and Superior Court judges on various motions and other matters and has also attended at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Marty was called to the bar in 2010 and currently practises in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law and human rights law. While attending law school, Marty volunteered at Community Legal Aid at the University of Windsor and Pro Bono Students Canada. He is an avid tennis player, enjoys watching and umpiring baseball, and has travelled extensively in Europe. TESTIMONIALS “Marty R and Stuart C. were able to help us with a challenging personal and business crisis. We are grateful for their professionalism and kindness (and that of their support staff). I would recommend their services to anyone facing an analogous situation. Thank you, gentlemen”.— Jonathan S. “We have worked with Marty R. regarding several different employment matters over the years. His work is thorough and he has guided us through difficult business decisions. We have also worked with Justin W. and Florendo L. and are pleased with the service they provide us. Highly recommended!”. — Raj Suppiah. “I work with Marty often and he is always very quick to get back to me and is excellent at taking the time to fully detail all scenarios and suggestions. The level of professionalism is exceptional and if Marty is unavailable, there is always another team member willing to assist.” — Brandilee Maxwell REPORTED DECISIONS: Appellant v. TDSB Chatoor v. Xerox Global Services, 2011 HRTO 2232 (CanLII), which addressed an employer’s objection to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s jurisdiction to adjudicate a complaint; Ruremesha v. Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada et al, 2012 HRTO 1044 (CanLii) in which the Tribunal decided that a full hearing would be required to address all issues raised in the Application, and Koenig v. University of Toronto, 2012 HRTO 1098 (CanLII), which was a reconsideration decision of the Tribunal with respect to allegations of discrimination based on citizenship. By Justin DominicMay 28, 2020December 7, 2021 No comments yet
J. Matthew Sack Matthew is a graduate of the University of Toronto where he obtained his Honours B.A. in Political Science and English Literature. While at the University of Toronto, he was a Dean’s List scholar and graduated with Distinction. Matthew received his LL.B from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, and was the recipient of the Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP Millenium Scholarship in Constitutional Law. While at the University of Windsor he worked at the university’s Community Legal Aid program for three years and participated in the Zuber Moot competition. Matthew articled with Devry Smith Frank LLP where he received a broad exposure to a variety of areas of litigation with an emphasis on mortgage enforcement and insurance defence. He was called to the Bar in 2003 following the successful completion of the Bar Admission Course in Toronto. Matthew’s practice focuses primarily in the areas of secured and unsecured debt recovery, with an emphasis on mortgage remedies, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency. He has acted as counsel for many Canadian chartered banks and other financial institutions on hundreds of recovery matters. Matthew is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association. He is also a Notary Public. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020December 7, 2021 No comments yet
James M. Satin James is the co-managing partner of the firm and also heads our creditors rights group which includes debt recovery and bankruptcy and insolvency. Effective, efficient, results-oriented, cost-conscious and professional are adjectives used by James’ clients to describe him. Among his clients, James acts as counsel for Canadian chartered banks and other financial institutions on hundreds of recovery matters. James has expertise in the most effective, and cost-efficient methods for recovering debts, both prior to and following judgment. James works with trustees, receivers, property managers and other professionals to secure the timely realization of secured assets, and to maximize recovery on collection matters. James has had considerable success in resolving collection proceedings on an expedited basis, thereby reducing the expense to his clients and speeding up the recovery process. James also has expertise in commercial litigation. He has acted for clients in matters including contract disputes, real estate litigation, product liability, employment litigation and wrongful dismissal, estate litigation, defamation and fraud actions. He has acted for clients ranging from multinational corporations and global professional services organizations to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as for individuals. He has experience with all facets of the litigation process, including interim and permanent injunctions including Mareva injunctions and other motions for the preservation of property, interlocutory motions, Court ordered and private receiverships, motions for summary judgment, examinations in aid of execution, seizure and sale of assets, Sheriff’s sales of both real and personal property, contempt proceedings and mandatory and private mediations. James’ practical, no-nonsense approach to litigation has resulted in excellent results at trial and on appeal. He frequently appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has appeared before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Ontario Divisional Court. James has spoken at numerous seminars on topics relating to debt collection. James is a graduate of McGill University (B.A. in Psychology, 1996) and the University of Western Ontario (LL.B, 1999). He holds a Certificate in Mediation from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre at the University of Western Ontario. James was called to the Bar in 2001. For further information or assistance with debt recovery and bankruptcy, insolvency or commercial litigation please contact James M. Satin. By Justin DominicMay 27, 2020January 13, 2022 No comments yet
Kelli Preston Kelli graduated from Osgoode Hall with an L.L.B. in 2002. Kelli was called to the bar in 2003 and became a partner of a litigation boutique firm in 2004 which provided her with a large breath of knowledge in a number of areas of law. She joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2013. Kelli manages the Whitby, Bowmanville and Haliburton offices for DSF. Kelli’s litigation practice areas encompass, real estate and mortgage litigation cases including mortgage recovery, estate litigation, bankruptcy, securities litigation, professional negligence, and general corporate/commercial litigation. Working on cases at all levels of court in Canada, Kelli has counselled and co-counselled several significant cases at the trial and appellate level. In addition to litigation, Kelli also practices real estate including residential and commercial, mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, franchising, corporate including share purchase and asset purchase agreements. Prior to her call to the bar in January 2003, Kelli was a law clerk for 13 years. In this capacity, she gained significant experience working with prominent senior lawyers in the commercial litigation field, with a special emphasis on solicitor negligence claims. Kelli credits this background to her pragmatic approach to her files. Kelli lives in Brooklin Ontario with her husband and has three children. Kelli’s favorite pastime without a doubt is travelling. Having her next trip booked is mandatory! She also loves cooking, waterskiing, downhill skiing, practicing yoga and spending time with her family at their cottage in Haliburton. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020February 24, 2022 No comments yet
