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 Fauzan SiddiquiFebruary 16, 2023September 5, 2023
Dayna Devonish-Montique Dayna joined the firm in 2022 as an articling student in the Midland office, after the merger of Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and Prost & Lediard Law. She completed her LL.B (Hons) from the University of the West Indies, Barbados, and has received her Certificate of Competence from the National Committee on Accreditation as an internationally trained lawyer. Prior to joining DSF Dayna articled at Prost & Lediard Law where she gained extensive experience in an array of wills and estates, civil and small claims matters. Before Prost and Lediard Dayna worked with several government Ministries including the Ministry of the Attorney General as a Family Court Registrar at the Superior Court of Justice in Barrie. Dayna’s practice areas span from wills, estate planning and estate administration to immigration, corporate law, and civil litigation. Dayna enjoys both a solicitor-based practice and being in the courtroom intermittently. She is energetic and enthusiastic and enjoys meeting clients on a one-on-one basis, she welcomes the opportunity to meet new clients and assist them in navigating their estate planning needs. Dayna is a new member of the Young Women in Law Association and Uplift Black in Simcoe County (and the Law Society of Ontario). In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending time with family. Book a Consultation with Dayna Today! Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *FirstLastPhoneEmail *Your Query *Terms & Conditions *I acknowledge that my meeting today does not mean that Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) is acting as my lawyers. I direct DSF to take no steps with respect to my matter until I have provided a monetary and written retainer, as acceptable to DSF. I may sign a retainer agreement and provide a monetary retainer (other than the consult fee) today. If I do not, I know that I can contact Devry Smith Frank LLP in the future to inquire about retaining the firm.Sign-up to our newsletter?Submit By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 27, 2022April 24, 2024
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, 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, 2022January 16, 2024
Ashley Almeida Ashley Almeida practices in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, lending and condo development. She gives presentations to community groups on topics such as “Buying Your First Home” and “Why You Should Make A Will.” Ashley joined the Real Estate Group at Woitzik Polsinelli Lawyer and Mediators LLP as an associate lawyer in 2020 and joined DSF in 2023. 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, travelling, 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.almeida@devrylaw.ca By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 27, 2021February 20, 2024
Michael E. Reed After a successful career of over 50 years, Michael Reed has retired from the practice of law. DSF remains committed to delivering quality legal services to Michael’s clients, and we are pleased to announce that Jillian Bowman, Tracey Rynard, and Laura Rosati, will be representing Michael’s clients going forward. 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, 2020January 23, 2024 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, 2020September 5, 2023 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, 2020September 6, 2023 No comments yet
Kelli Preston Kelli graduated from Osgoode Hall with an L.L.B. in 2002. Kelli was called to the bar in 2003 and became a partner of a litigation boutique firm in 2004 which provided her with a large breath of knowledge in a number of areas of law. She joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2013. Kelli manages the Whitby, Bowmanville and Haliburton offices for DSF. Kelli’s litigation practice areas encompass, real estate and mortgage litigation cases including mortgage recovery, estate litigation, bankruptcy, securities litigation, professional negligence, and general corporate/commercial litigation. Working on cases at all levels of court in Canada, Kelli has counselled and co-counselled several significant cases at the trial and appellate level. In addition to litigation, Kelli also practices real estate including residential and commercial, mortgage refinancing, wills and estate planning, franchising, corporate including share purchase and asset purchase agreements. Prior to her call to the bar in January 2003, Kelli was a law clerk for 13 years. In this capacity, she gained significant experience working with prominent senior lawyers in the commercial litigation field, with a special emphasis on solicitor negligence claims. Kelli credits this background to her pragmatic approach to her files. Kelli lives in Brooklin Ontario with her husband and has three children. Kelli’s favorite pastime without a doubt is travelling. Having her next trip booked is mandatory! She also loves cooking, waterskiing, downhill skiing, practicing yoga and spending time with her family at their cottage in Haliburton. By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 27, 2020March 25, 2024 No comments yet