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    • Practice Areas: Personal Injury

    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 Siddiqui

    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 Siddiqui

    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 Siddiqui

    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 Siddiqui

    Dejan Ristic

    Dejan was called to the Ontario bar in 2020. He was previously called to the bar in Bosnia & Herzegovina where he practiced law until 1994. Dejan was licensed as a paralegal in Ontario from 2008 to 2020. Dejan was conferred a Master of Laws degree by Osgoode Hall Law School in 2019 and had his legal education and training accredited by the National Committee on Accreditation, FLSC.

    Dejan joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 1997 leaving a prominent Toronto personal injury law firm and has since successfully assisted counsel and the clients of DSF in all aspects of civil litigation at trials and appeals, as well as at various tribunals in Ontario such as the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Licence Appeal Tribunal AABS, Social Benefits Tribunal (Ontario), Social Security Tribunal (Canada) and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

    Dejan represents clients of DSF predominantly in the area of personal injury litigation and disability claims, yet is able to offer sound advice and representation on any ancillary and collateral civil and criminal matters resulting from accidents and/or ongoing disability, either alone or together with one or more of over 65 lawyers from every practice area of DSF.

    Dejan’s over 25 years of combined litigation experience and knowledge creates a solid foundation for winning cases in court or through the alternative dispute resolution process.

    Dejan is fluent in many languages of the former Yugoslavia. He takes pride in serving his clients in the language of their choice, so nothing is signed and sealed without a full understanding of its content.

    Testimonials:
    “Dejan, I would like to THANK YOU for all the hard work you have put in during the past 30 months in fighting my son’s case. You have handled the case very professionally and notified me at every stage on the progress of the case. I am glad that the case is finally settled and quite satisfied with the result. Thank you once again. – Anwar Q

    “I was so fortunate that I had Dejan Ristic as the point person and interface to the insurance company. His depth of knowledge and commitment to providing me with understanding and compassionate support was a true life saver. Dejan was always ready to listen and provide words of encouragement during my recovery and aid in navigating the complex dynamics of personal injury law.”- DC

    “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dejan for assisting with my personal injury lawsuit. Your considerable insight and professionalism was admirable. I appreciate your hard work and more importantly your dedication to my case. I would recommend Dejan and the DSF team without hesitation.”- M.M.H.

    “Your office was given this legal representation to work with [the insurance company] and come to a dispute settlement on my behalf, under the circumstance, I do believe that you have done well, and I appreciate all your efforts. I will recommend my friends to your office if they need legal representation. Thank you for a job well done.” – Michael A.

    By Fauzan Siddiqui No comments yet

    David M. Schell

    Devry Smith Frank LLP Toronto lawyer David Schell completed his Bachelor of Laws degree at the University of Windsor in 2002 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2004. David became a partner of the firm in 2014.

    David has experience in a variety of litigation areas and has appeared as counsel before both judge and jury in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. He has also appeared and argued before the Court of Appeal for Ontario. In addition, David has frequently attended as counsel at various boards and tribunals, including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Licence Appeal Tribunal and the Canada Pension Plan Review Tribunal and the Pension Appeal Board.

    His current practice focuses on criminal defence and regulatory matters.  He also handles plaintiff personal injury matters, where he represents people who have suffered serious personal injuries arising from motor vehicle collisions, slip and falls, medical malpractice and professional negligence. In addition, David handles no-fault accident benefit claims and long-term disability claims on behalf of individuals who are injured or disabled.

    In addition to being a member of the Law Society of Ontario, David was called to the New York State Bar in 2004.

    David has acted as counsel in the following reported decisions:

    Watts v. Benvenuti 2006Cohen v. Magliozzi at all 2006
    Garisto v. Wang 2008
    Masssa and Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
    Livingston v. Williamson at al
    Henry and State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
    Martin v. Gibson 2013

    For more information and assistance on areas of litigation, please contact Toronto lawyer David Schell at 416-446-5096.

    By Fauzan Siddiqui No comments yet

    Marc Spivak

    Proud Member of

    Marc is the managing partner of our personal injury group. He practices exclusively in the area of personal injury litigation, representing accident victims and disability claimants.

    Marc graduated from McGill University with Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Civil Law and LL.B. degrees. He has practiced with Devry Smith Frank LLP since 1990. Since his call to the bar in 1992, Marc has appeared before courts and tribunals in Ontario at both the trial/hearing and appellate levels. Marc also has extensive experience as counsel at mediations including mediations of accident benefits claims and navigating larger accident benefits claims through the Licencing Appeal Tribunal.

    Marc provides each of his clients with individual attention. He has extensive experience in claims arising from car accidents including no-fault accident benefits claims, as well as a slip or trip and falls, assaults, product liability, hazardous premises, occupier’s liability, sports injuries, dental malpractice, dog bites and health and disability claims.

    Marc takes pride in his proactive approach to the prosecution of his clients’ claims. Marc’s team of highly trained law clerks, paralegals and legal assistants ensures that timely personal service is always available. Marc’s extensive network of medical professionals and other experts assist him in assessing and proving his clients’ claims to ensure that his clients receive all benefits and compensation to which they are entitled.

    Marc is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto (where Marc had been counsel for many years).

    Testimonials:

    Liz S.:
    “Hi Marc, I want  to thank you for everything that you have done to achieve a successful settlement for me. Have a wonderful holiday season and all the best to you and your family in the New Year.  ”

    Jeffrey G.:
    “I have had the pleasure of working with Marc Spivak for many years and he is by far one of the most knowledgeable and experienced Personal Injury Lawyers in the country. When he takes on a file, you can be assured, that you will not only receive incredible service but the kind of service, that can only be described as sincere and genuine. Marc has always been dedicated at achieving the most for his clients and he does, with incredible settlements. I would personally recommend him to anyone looking for a great Personal Injury lawyer.”

    Tavia C.:

    “Thank you for helping me through my case and for ensuring the best possible outcome on my behalf. I am so grateful to you for representing me and for being a powerful advocate for me throughout my difficulties. Thank you so much for your dedication, thoughtfulness, and brilliant work.”

    “Marc- I want to really thank you and your team for your hard work and high level of professionalism. Thanks for your understanding and support! ”

    Julie A.:

    View more testimonials

     

    By Fauzan Siddiqui No comments yet

    George O. Frank

    George Frank was called to the Bar in 1982, after receiving a degree in Mathematics from The University of Waterloo and his LL.B. from Queen’s University Law School in Kingston, Ontario, where he won awards in Contracts Law and Mediations and Arbitrations. He has practiced primarily in the area of civil litigation throughout his career.

    Although George’s mediation practice focuses on the areas of personal injury, insurance defence, and related areas, he also has extensive experience and expertise in employment law and wrongful dismissal, injunctions and equitable relief, real estate litigation, estates litigation, and a wide variety of other commercial litigation. George also has extensive training and experience in mediation and alternative dispute resolution.

    George has been an instructor of Civil Litigation at the Bar Admission Course in Toronto and a mediator and judge at the International Competition for Mediation Advocacy. He has spoken at various continuing education and other programs on a variety of legal topics.

    By Fauzan Siddiqui No comments yet