David G. Farace David is a partner in Devry Smith Frank LLP’s (“DSF”) commercial litigation department. He maintains a general litigation practice with a focus on construction law, real estate disputes, shareholder and partnership disputes. David has successfully represented clients before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Small Claims Court, arbitration panels, and adjudications under the Construction Act. In addition to his litigation practice, David drafts and negotiates construction contracts on behalf of public and private owners, general contractors, design builders, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants in all sectors of the construction industry (infrastructure, commercial, industrial and residential). Prior to joining DSF, David held positions as legal counsel at a major Canadian general contractor, design-builder, construction manager, and litigation associate at a Bay Street law firm in Toronto. These experiences enable him to provide creative solutions and a real-world perspective to the challenges faced by his clients in the construction industry. David’s practical approach, strong analytical skills, and dedication to achieving effective solutions make him a trusted advocate for his clients, consistently guiding them through complex legal challenges with confidence. Outside of the office David enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, hockey and travelling. By AlyssaDecember 20, 2024May 6, 2025
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, 2023January 6, 2025
Martin Prost Martin Prost joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) in 2022 as a result of the merger of our firms. Martin Prost was born on a farm in what is now the east end of Hamilton, Ontario, where hard work and common sense were the key ingredients of everyday life. After finishing High School in Stoney Creek, he obtained his first university degree in an honours bachelor of arts (Classics) program, not surprisingly at McMaster University. He then proceeded to London for his law degree at the University of Western Ontario. Upon being called to the bar in 1974, he began his practice of law in the Town of Midland. Although he remained in general practice his interest gravitated to family law and other areas of law involving personal conflict. From there he developed an interest and aptitude in conflict resolution skills, beginning with a relational mediation course in California in 1981. Thereafter, he added to those skills by gaining experience along the way and by further courses in Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Windsor and a course in Divorce and Child Custody Mediation with CDR Associates in Boulder, Colorado. This led to an interest in family group conferencing and restorative justice circles both of which are based on similar principles. In 1998 he brought together the local Youth Court Judge, the Chief of Police, the school Attendance Officer, and other interested community members to establish the FACE Program, being a restorative justice project to divert young offenders from Youth Court to restorative circles designed to heal relationships between victims, offender and others affected by their behaviour. From there he has arrived at a personal belief that conflict is a valuable resource that should never be taken away from those directly involved except as a last resort, and then only as a temporary measure. Situations that involve conflict should be welcomed as opportunities for growth and renewal for partners, families and communities alike. By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 27, 2022February 10, 2025
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, 2022February 10, 2025
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, 2022March 11, 2025
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 Fauzan SiddiquiMay 28, 2020March 24, 2025 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. James has also shared his expertise in debt recovery through his book, Debt Collection: A Step-by-Step Legal Guide, published by Thomson Reuters. This guide provides a detailed, practical approach to addressing the complexities of collection matters and is a valuable resource for businesses. To learn more or to obtain a copy, please visit this link. For further information or assistance with debt recovery, bankruptcy, insolvency, or commercial litigation, please contact James M. Satin. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020October 21, 2024 No comments yet
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, 2020April 22, 2025 No comments yet
Carrie Kennedy Carrie is a graduate of Simon Fraser University (B.A. in Criminology) and Queen’s University (LL.B.). She was called to the Bar in British Columbia in 2003 and in Ontario in 2004. Since then, she has gained broad experience in litigation, primarily in the areas of commercial collections and mortgage recovery. In recovery, collections, and mortgage enforcement, Carrie represents major financial institutions, private lenders, businesses, and a securities commissions. She obtains and enforces judgments for breaches of loan agreements, security agreements, and mortgages. In bankruptcy and insolvency, Carrie appears in court for her commercial clients on various motions and hearings including lifting stays of proceedings, opposing discharge hearings, and appointing receivers. Carrie also has experience in many areas of general litigation including improvident sale actions, fraudulent conveyances actions, cheques kiting schemes, wrongful dismissals, general contract disputes, commercial leasing and tenancy issues, condominium issues, correcting land title errors, franchise disputes, injunctions, and estate disputes on behalf of lenders, mortgage insurance companies, title insurance companies, commercial landlords, commercial tenants, property managers, employers, employees, businesses, and individuals. Carrie has appeared in various courts and tribunals including the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court, the Superior Court of Justice, Commercial Court, Bankruptcy Court, the Human Rights Tribunal, Committee of Adjustment, Landlord and Tenant Board, and Small Claims Court. Carrie’s diverse practice has allowed her to develop an effective, efficient, and results-based approach to resolving legal issues. She strives to efficiently maximize the benefit to her clients while maintaining their good reputation. When Carrie is not in the office, she enjoys photography, baking, running, playing competitive sports, skiing, and learning karate. She has aspirations of earning her black belt in karate by 2022! By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020August 20, 2024 No comments yet
Shawna M. Sosnovich Shawna M. Sosnovich joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in 2007 and is a partner of the firm. Shawna currently practices in the areas of commercial litigation, bankruptcy and insolvency, debt recovery, and employment law for a variety of small and medium-sized businesses, institutional clients including banks, title insurers, commercial landlords and trustees in bankruptcy, as well as individuals, employers, employees and professional advisors. Shawna was called to the Bar in 1999 after completing her Bachelor of Laws degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in 1997. Prior to joining Devry Smith Frank LLP, Shawna practiced in the areas of civil and commercial litigation with a well-respected GTA law firm, where she gained valuable experience in contractual disputes, debt collection, civil fraud, employment, and bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Shawna has extensive courtroom experience and has appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court in Ontario, and the Ontario Human Rights Commission. In addition, Shawna has been counsel at private mediations and prides herself on negotiating practical alternatives to resolve disputes. Cases in which Shawna has appeared as counsel have been reported in the Ontario Reports and other industry reporting services. Shawna Sosnovich is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. TESTIMONIALS “Thank you Shawna for your expertise and advice with my employment matter. You improved my settlement and acted with professional skill and determination. It was a pleasure dealing with you and your on-the-ball assistant, Carmen. – L.P.” “My experience working with Shawna at DSF was unimaginably wonderful. Before retaining Shawna, I met with few lawyers to help me with what I knew is going to be a challenging and an extremely emotional ride. When I met with Shawna though, there was an instant trust that with no hesitation I knew at our first meeting I want to work with her and here we go, 4 years later, we got our successful outcome.During the four years of working with Shawna on a hotly contested litigation matter, Shawna was able to keep track of so many moving parts, so many developments and twist and turns. Throughout the process, her exceptional attention to detail, her professionalism, her expertise and her thorough research provided us with a positive outcome.Her calm yet firm style were truly amazing. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her guidance throughout. She was reassuring in the face of set backs and challenges, yet always offered realistic advice and kept my case moving forward. Going to court is never a pleasant experience, but Shawna was there with me at every step – As much as she was my lawyer, she was my sounding board. Shawna is one of a kind. Thank you so much Shawna! – Maryam Mostaedi.” I wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you. We received our funds today. I cannot express how great full we are for the funds and to put this in the past. Thank you so much for representing us, believing in our case and staying the course. We appreciate the both of you!-Thank you again.-Dave By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020September 5, 2023 No comments yet
