Cindy Leung Cindy Leung joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in August 2020 as an associate lawyer in our litigation, personal injury and insurance groups. She is a graduate of Queen’s University (B.Sc in Life Sciences) and the University of Western Ontario (J.D.). Cindy was called to the Ontario bar in 2017. Prior to DSF, Cindy practiced with a reputed boutique law firm in Toronto gaining experience acting on numerous complex matters including motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, medical malpractice, (sexual) assaults, product liability, burn injuries, dog injuries, wrongful dismissals, disability benefits, and home insurance claims. She values effective communication and while drafting Cindy strives for mathematical clarity by explaining calculations line by line along with the applicable assumptions. Her client-centric approach and fluency in Mandarin and Cantonese have made her a respected and trusted advisor to her many clients. During her spare time, she enjoys reading and is an avid hiker, having travelled extensively across Canada. If you need assistance on injury-related cases, consult with our personal injury lawyer in Toronto by contacting Cindy at 416-847-3580 or emailing her at cindy.leung@devrylaw.ca By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 17, 2020December 10, 2020
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 a specialized counsel at 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 the 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 Justin DominicMay 28, 2020November 30, 2020 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 Justin DominicMay 27, 2020November 26, 2020 No comments yet
David Lavkulik David Lavkulik is an established Toronto mediator at Devry Smith Frank LLP. David was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1995. He received a B.A. (Econ.) from the University of Toronto in 1990 and a law degree from the University of Victoria (B.C.) Law School in 1993. David is a partner at Devry Smith Frank LLP and works as a lawyer and mediator. He has been with DSF since 1999. David has over 25 years of civil litigation experience, with a focus on Insurance-Personal Injury claims including Tort, Accident Benefits and Disability claims and Coverage disputes, Medical Malpractice claims, Professional Negligence, Employment Litigation, Estates Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Sexual Abuse claims. Approximately 75% of his practice has been allocated to acting as counsel for various corporate defendants/insurers, with the remaining 25% allocated to acting for injured parties/plaintiffs. He has appeared in all levels of court in Ontario including trials (jury and non-jury), the Court of Appeal, Costs hearings, as well as at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. David has extensive mediation experience, both as counsel and as a mediator. He has acted as a mediator in nearly 1500 claims. His work as a mediator has been described as “persistent”, “patient”, and a “demonstration of the real art of mediation”. His experience in acting for both plaintiffs and defendants provides him with valuable insight into the perspectives of both sides, both as a mediator and as counsel.David is distinguished as counsel by his ability to take on and turn around the most challenging cases where previous counsel was unable to achieve any results. His work as Plaintiff counsel on one such case was summarized by the Court following a 13-day jury trial as follows: “This was a long, complicated and very demanding trial. It was, at the same time, a very well thought out, planned and presented a case that Ms. M’s counsel placed before the jury… The health care issues were many and complex. Ms. M’s counsel was challenged to marshal the evidence necessary to help the jury to appreciate and assess the issues. I allow counsel fees for Mr. Lavkulik as senior trial counsel as that was the role he fulfilled in that forum. Trials demand much from counsel. They are not an arena for the timid. Trials challenge the skills, training and experience of any counsel. They present difficulties and pitfalls not easily avoided. This case is no exception; in fact, it proves the point. To the extent that billing rates are a relevant factor, I prefer to view them in this case at the highest levels of those usually thought applicable for timekeepers of each level or range of experience considered.”[1] The judge’s comments are particularly significant given the history of the claim (the action had been dismissed prior to David’s involvement [2])and the magnitude of the jury verdict [3] and trial judge’s costs award. David is also a part-time musician. He plays keyboards, guitar and saxophone in several groups, is a member of the Songwriter’s Association of Canada and can occasionally be heard performing at venues in the GTA.1. Mader v Hunter (2013) Costs Order following trial2. Mader v Hunter (2004) Ontario Court of Appeal3. The Jury Verdict and evidence at trial is summarized in the reasons at 1 above, and in the threshold decision at Mader v Hunter (2012) Threshold Motion following trial For information and assistance regarding personal injury law, please contact Toronto personal injury lawyer David G. Lavkulik (416-446-5835). His availability for mediations may be viewed by accessing his online calendar below: By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020November 26, 2020 No comments yet
Marc G. 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 been associated with Devry Smith Frank LLP since 1990. Since his call to the bar in 1992, Marc has appeared frequently before a number of courts and tribunals in Ontario. Marc also has extensive experience as counsel at mediations including mediations of accident benefits claims at the Financial Services Commission and at arbitrations. Marc takes a particular interest in providing his clients with individual attention. He has extensive experience in claims arising from car accidents including no-fault accident benefits claims, as well as 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 documenting 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: Anwar Q.: “Marc, 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.” 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.” View more testimonials By Justin DominicMay 26, 2020January 5, 2021 No comments yet
Jennifer M. Hetherington Jennifer Hetherington is a Toronto lawyer at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) practicing in the areas of real estate, personal injury, insurance defence litigation and general civil litigation. Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Windsor where she received her Honours B.A. in Criminology. She obtained her LL.B. in 2001 from the University of Ottawa. Following her articling year at Devry Smith Frank LLP, Jennifer was called to the bar in October 2002. Jennifer became a partner in 2011. For further information about legal matters in regards to real estate, personal injury, insurance defence litigation and civil litigation, please contact Toronto lawyer Jennifer M. Hetherington at (416)-446-5838. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 20, 2020December 8, 2020 No comments yet
George O. Frank George was called to the Bar in 1982 and has practiced primarily in the area of civil litigation throughout his career. He received a degree in Mathematics from the University of Waterloo and is a graduate of Queen’s University Law School in Kingston, Ontario, winning prizes in contracts law and mediations and arbitrations. George heads our insurance defence group. He has been certified by the Law Society of Ontario as a Specialist in Civil Litigation. Although the focus of George’s practice is in personal injury, insurance defence and related areas, he also has extensive experience and expertise in commercial litigation, employment law and wrongful dismissal, injunctions and equitable relief, real estate litigation, estates litigation and a wide variety of other civil litigation. George has extensive training and experience in mediations and alternative dispute resolution. In addition to his litigation and mediation practice, George works in the areas of estate planning and administration, including advising clients on wills, powers of attorney, trusts, tax planned estate freezes and other tax and estate planning. Among his professional affiliations, George is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Toronto Lawyers Association, the Advocates Society and the Canadian Defence Lawyers Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 19, 2020November 3, 2020 No comments yet
