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
Dale Lediard Dale Lediard joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) as a result of the merger of our firms in 2022. He has been practicing law since 2009 and understands that ultimately what clients want from their lawyer is peace of mind. Peace of mind that their legal matter will be handled professionally and efficiently. Dale works closely with his clients to develop the best solutions to their legal issues at the most competitive cost. He has practiced the areas of Family Law, Employment Law, Wills & Estates (administration & litigation), Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Construction Lien Litigation, and Personal Injury. Dale completed his undergraduate degree in Physical & Health Education at the University of Toronto, obtained a Certificate in Project Management at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. After completing his articles at a prominent downtown Toronto law firm, he returned with his family to the Midland/Penetanguishene area where he was born and raised. Since returning in 2009, Dale has been helping clients in the Simcoe County area in a variety of matters. Dale is a board member for the local charity, We Are The Villagers, and a former member of the Physician Recruitment Steering Committee. He enjoys spending his spare time with his two daughters and participating in a variety of outdoor activities including boating, motorcycling, mountain biking, and tennis. By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 27, 2022April 17, 2024
Larry W. Keown Larry has practised with the firm since 1997 as a litigator in the areas of commercial litigation, real estate law and employment law including: commercial landlord and tenant litigation, leasing disputes, real estate and mortgage litigation, banking recovery litigation, title insurance litigation, bankruptcy, receivership and insolvency, wrongful dismissal and employment law, oppression remedy and shareholder disputes, franchise disputes, construction lien litigation, injunctions, estate litigation, partnership litigation, commercial contract disputes and collections. Larry completed his honour arts degree in Psychology and Sociology at Brandon University in Manitoba and his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. After articling at the firm in 1995/1996, Larry was called to the Bar in 1997 and admitted as a partner in the firm in 2003. For more than a decade, Larry has been the Managing Partner of the firm. Larry’s clients include a broad range of individuals, corporations and institutions including: major banks, lenders, title insurers, trustees in bankruptcy, receivers, shareholders, employers, employees, commercial landlords, commercial tenants, property managers, insurers and others. He has significant courtroom experience, having appeared before the Small Claims Court of Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice, the Federal Court of Canada, the Divisional Court in Ontario and the Ontario Court of Appeal on numerous motions, applications, trials and appeals. Larry has also appeared before many tribunals including: the Financial Services Commission, the Work Place Safety and Insurance Tribunal and the Ontario Labour Relations Board. He also has participated in many alternative dispute forums including: arbitrations and mediations. To see what some of Larry’s clients have said about him please visit our Client Testimonials page. Our law firm is conveniently located at Lawrence and Don Mills and we offer free parking. For further information or assistance with a legal matter please contact Toronto lawyer and litigator Larry Keown. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020September 5, 2023 No comments yet
Christopher W. Statham Christopher joined the commercial litigation group at Devry Smith Frank LLP following his call to the bar in 2011. His practice focuses on construction litigation, including lien claims, breach of trust claims and construction deficiency matters as well as real estate litigation, commercial tenancy disputes and insurance litigation. Additionally, as a member of our commercial litigation group, Christopher has experience dealing with a range of other complex commercial disputes including shareholder disputes, employee fraud & fraud recovery, employment law matters, and defamation litigation. He frequently appears before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has also appeared before the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Federal Court of Canada, the Tax Court of Canada, the Small Claims Court, Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board and the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Christopher is a graduate of the University of Toronto (Hons. B.A. & M.A) and the University of New Brunswick (LL.B). He completed his articles with Devry Smith Frank LLP and is the self-proclaimed president of the firm’s library committee. He is also a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Canadian Defence Lawyers Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 26, 2020September 5, 2023 No comments yet
Lawrence Hansen Acting for individuals, corporations and institutions, Lawrence Hansen has a highly varied commercial litigation practice which includes dealing with commercial disputes, business and employee fraud, the enforcement of judgments, debt recovery, contract disputes as well as litigation arising from commercial leases. Lawrence also has over ten years of experience with insurance-related matters, mostly but not exclusively for insurers, focusing on complex litigation matters, particularly those involving insurance fraud, coverage, title insurance, and allegations of bad faith. He has advised clients on difficult questions surrounding suspicious and potentially fraudulent claims, their investigation, the remedies available to clients, and high-risk arson claims. In addition, Lawrence has been retained to represent defendants in personal injury and product liability claims. From Canada’s Atlantic coast, Lawrence spent a year studying Spanish and living in South America and Mexico. He is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick (History), McGill University’s Faculty of Law, and has earned a Certificate in Conflict Management from the University of Windsor (Stitt Feld Handy). Lawrence has studied Spanish at the University of Toronto, in Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Venezuela. Lawrence is a member of the board of directors of the Simcoe County Law Association as well as of the Barrie Literacy Council. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 20, 2020April 26, 2024 No comments yet
Adam V. Grossi Adam Grossi is a partner at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF). He is the head of the commercial real estate and development group at DSF. Adam represents a variety of clients within the construction and development industry, including developers, general contractors, subcontractors and suppliers. Adam’s practice is focused upon finding resolutions for the issues that affect those in the construction realm, including construction liens, breach of trust claims, bond claims, and constructions contracts. Adam is a member of the Toronto Construction Association and the Construction Law Section of the Ontario Bar Association. Adam is also actively involved with various charitable foundations within his community. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 20, 2020September 5, 2023 No comments yet
