Fraser Rogers Fraser Rogers joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) in 2022 as a result of the merger of our firms in Haliburton. Fraser holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Toronto, and an honours undergraduate degree in Economics from Trent University. After being called to the Ontario Bar in 1978, Fraser went on to join a fellow Haliburton lawyer’s practice, which would eventually become Bishop & Rogers. For over 40 years, Bishop & Rogers served Haliburton, Minden and the surrounding area with exceptional client service and dedication to the community. Fraser’s practice involves a variety of real estate matters with a particular emphasis on residential purchase and sale transactions, including cottage properties. Fraser’s wills and estates practice encompasses all aspects of estate planning and administration. In his spare time, Fraser is a member of the Minden Legion. He also enjoys playing hockey, gardening, canoeing, and cruising down the mighty Gull River with his wife, Kathy. By Lancelot BucknorFebruary 16, 2023February 21, 2023
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 Lancelot BucknorSeptember 27, 2022December 5, 2022
Colleen Dermody Colleen Dermody joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate and wills and estates groups practicing from our Haliburton location. She holds a BPHE (Hons) and MPA from Queen’s University along with a JD from the University of Windsor. She was called to the Bar in 2022. Prior to DSF, Colleen summered and articled for a global law firm in Toronto where she gained extensive experience in litigation. She also assisted with drafting contracts, legal memoranda and submissions along with conducting extensive research on her case files. At DSF, Colleen’s practice involves a variety of real estate matters with particular emphasis on residential purchase and sale transactions, including cottage properties. Colleen’s wills and estates practice encompasses all aspects of estate planning and administration. Colleen believes it is important to get to know her clients so she can provide tailored advice in order to help them navigate the complicated estate division process during a time of grief. Colleen was also involved with many charitable and pro-bono organizations over the years including wills clinics, migrant farmworker clinics, Indigenous Initiatives and the Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund. She believes that the law can be used as a tool to gain equitable access to justice. Outside her work, Colleen is a certified fitness trainer with an interest in mountaineering and various other outdoor sports. She loves exploring all the natural beauty Haliburton has to offer. Colleen is a member of the Ontario Bar Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 20, 2022March 1, 2023
Jason Lane Jason Lane joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP (‘WP Law’), Lawyers and Mediators in 2018 as a summer law student and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) post the merger of our firms in Whitby. Jason obtained his Juris Doctor from The University of Western Ontario in 2019 and is now an associate in our Real Estate Group. During his time at the firm, Jason has gained extensive knowledge on all aspects of real estate including the purchase and sale of new homes, resale homes, condominiums and the assignment of agreements of purchase and sale. Jason is very understanding of the fact that completing a real estate transaction can seem overwhelming and complicated, but his attention to detail and focus on client communication will ensure that the process is made simple, straightforward and as stress-free as possible. Outside of the office, Jason thoroughly enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports including golf, basketball, squash and hockey. Jason is an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Formula One Racing. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. Feel free to contact Jason at jason@durhamlawyer.ca. By Fauzan SiddiquiMarch 24, 2022June 28, 2022
Moyo Adekusibe Moyo Adekusibe joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our real estate department in Barrie. He completed his B.A. from York University and obtained his LL.B (Hons) from the University of Birmingham in the UK. Moyo was called to the Bar in 2017. Prior to joining DSF, Moyo worked for boutique law firms in Toronto with experience in an array of real estate matters ranging from residential purchases, sales, pre-construction transactions, private mortgage transactions (including private construction loans), title transfers, and survivorship applications. Moyo particularly enjoys meeting and dealing with clients on a one-on-one basis and always welcomes the opportunity to get to know new clients and help them with their challenges. During his time at DSF, Moyo has gained extensive knowledge regarding a variety of real property matters. He is very understanding of the fact that completing a real estate transaction can seem overwhelming and complicated, but his attention to detail and focus on client communication will ensure that the closing process is made simple and straightforward. For leisure, Moyo likes to play and watch sports (especially soccer and basketball), spending time with his wife, watching movies, and travelling. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and Canadian Association of Nigerian Lawyers By Fauzan SiddiquiMarch 7, 2022December 20, 2022
Colin Lyon Colin Lyon joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our real estate department. He completed his B.A. from the University of Toronto and holds a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to joining our firm, Colin worked for the City of Vaughan gaining years of experience in complex real estate matters. He has handled transactional real estate acquisition and disposition for the City as well as resolved historical title issues such as conflict of ownership and Land Title conversion issues. He also regularly drafted and reviewed leases, licenses and permissions to enter to support the objectives of client departments. As a real estate lawyer, Colin’s practice with DSF encompasses a variety of real estate and land development matters with particular emphasis on condominium development and residential purchase and sale transactions. In his free time, Colin likes to work outdoors and on his own renovation projects. He also enjoys giving educational presentations on real estate legal issues to colleagues and industry associations. By Fauzan SiddiquiFebruary 24, 2022June 28, 2022
Ashley Almeida Ashley Almeida joined the Real Estate Group at Woitzik Polsinelli Lawyer and Mediators LLP as an associate lawyer in December 2020. Ashley holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and an undergraduate degree from McGill University. Prior to joining WP, Ashley practiced in the areas of real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law at boutique firms in Toronto and at a firm that she founded and operated for four years. Thereafter, Ashley joined a firm in Ajax where she focused her practice on all aspects of real estate including purchasing and selling resale properties, new build transactions, assignments, and condominiums throughout Ontario. Ashley has been the recipient of exceptional client loyalty and is known for her client-focused service and outstanding legal guidance. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking with her yellow labrador, and staying active in the community. For more information about any real estate-related matters please contact Ashley Almeida at ashley@durhamlawyer.ca By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 27, 2021March 17, 2023
Michael E. Reed Michael Reed has practiced in Barrie since 1972, building a large clientele base consisting of second and third-generation individuals. An extensive portion of his practice involves residential real estate covering new homes, condominiums, re-sales and refinancing, as well as commercial real estate and leasing. Michael also practices in the area of wills, powers of attorney, estate planning for disabled individuals (Henson Trusts), and the utilization of trusts, estate planning, and administration of estates. The corporate portion of Michael’s practice consists of some 400 companies, including some of Simcoe County’s largest private corporations and farming enterprises. Included in this area of law are acquisitions, mergers, re-organizations, amalgamations of businesses, purchase and sale of businesses by way of asset transactions and/or sale share transactions, and partnership agreements. Other projects include subdivision development and severances for corporate and individual clients. Having obtained his Master of Laws in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School, Michael has conducted several mediation sessions to resolve commercial disputes. Michael has been a highly active member of the community through his involvement with Simcoe Community Services, Junior Achievement, masons, Shriners, Minor Baseball Association, and Barrie Integrated Baseball Association. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 28, 2020November 2, 2022 No comments yet
Laura Rosati Laura Rosati joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2019 as an associate in our Barrie real estate group. Laura graduated with merit from York University, majoring in Psychology and earned her Law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. Laura’s practice focuses on all aspects of real estate law, including residential and commercial transactions, mortgages, refinances and transfers. Laura is a board member of both the Barrie Real Estate Lawyers Association (BRELA) and the Child Advocacy Centre Simcoe/Muskoka. She is also a member of the Business & Professional Women (BPW) of Barrie and Women’s Art Council, McMichael Canadian Art Collection and is a passionate supporter of The Olive Branch for Children, which is a charity based in Tanzania, Africa, supporting children living with HIV/Aids. In her spare time, Laura spends time with her two daughters, Sophia and Elise, and their dog Bella. TESTIMONIALS “Worked with my solicitor Laura Rosati to close a real estate transaction. My closing was organized and seamless. She took care of all the details and all I had to do was sign, sign, sign and DONE. I definitely would recommend her when buying or selling any real estate transaction!”. – Sat Singh “Our experience with Laura Rosati was very positive, her attention to detail and explaining the real estate process was very helpful for us to understand. We would most definitely use her again. Thanks, Laura!”. – Valerie Bitten By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 28, 2020November 2, 2022 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 Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020December 7, 2021 No comments yet
