DSF Announcements Make A Payment Careers Testimonials Blogs
Toronto Barrie Whitby Midland Collingwood Haliburton Other Locations
416-449-1400

LAWYER SEARCH

    • Archives: Team Members

    Mohadeseh Bakhtiari

    Mohadeseh Bakhtiari joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our real estate, corporate law, commercial litigation, wills and estates, and employment law departments. She graduated with a J.D. from the Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and was called to the Bar in 2024.

    During her time at Lincoln, Mohadeseh was the Vice President of the First Generation Law Network. She also summered at the Justice for Children and Youth (JFCY) legal clinic, assisting youth with no or precarious immigration status. While at JFCY, she published an article for the Canadian Bar Association. She also completed her integrated practice curriculum program at the Department of Justice.

    Before law school, Mohadeseh worked at the York Region Centre for Community Safety as a caseworker, assisting victim-survivors of domestic violence. Outside work, Mohadeseh enjoys travelling, going to the gym and hiking.

    By Kyra

    Yonatan Kramer

    Yonatan Kramer joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2024 as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation department. He received his B.A. from York University before earning his J.D. from the University of Windsor in 2018. He was called to the Bar in 2019.

    Yonatan is a skilled litigator with experience appearing before the Divisional Court, Superior Court, Small Claims Court, Landlord and Tenant Board, and the License Appeal Tribunal.

    Before joining DSF, Yonatan worked for a boutique litigation firm in Toronto where he represented clients in civil and commercial matters, including contractual disputes, shareholder disputes, real estate and construction-related litigation, insurance claims, employment disputes, debt recovery, and professional negligence.

    Yonatan’s legal expertise and commitment to transparent communication fosters strong attorney-client relationships and empowers clients with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

    By Alyssa
    Benjamin Grubner

    Benjamin Grubner

    Benjamin Grubner joined the immigration group of Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2023. He obtained his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2007. Benjamin was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008 and the New York State Bar in 2022.

    With a seamless ability to navigate the intricacies of immigration law on both sides of the border, Benjamin’s dual jurisdiction insight allows him to offer clients holistic solutions that consider the legal processes of both locations.

    Benjamin specializes in Canadian and U.S. immigration matters with a focus on family reunification, family class sponsorships, permanent residence, and citizenship. His passion for helping individuals and families navigate the complex landscape of immigration law paired with his years of knowledge and practical experience allow him to provide comprehensive solutions to his clients that look after their best interests.

    In his spare time, he volunteers for a local Emergency Medical Services group working as an EMT and first responder as a way to support his community.

    By Alyssa
    Toni Pascale

    Toni Pascale

    Toni Pascale is excited to be joining Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) as an articling student following her completion of her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Common Law. Toni also holds an Honour’s Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in English Language and Literature from Queen’s University.

    During law school, Toni gained invaluable experience summering at a boutique family law firm in British Columbia which helped her to develop her passion for family law. This past year, she was a student caseworker with the Pro Bono Students Canada’s Family Justice Centre where she helped to provide unbundled legal services to residents of Ontario who were unable to afford a lawyer.

    Toni was actively involved at the University of Ottawa. In her first year of law school, she competed in the Walker Health Law Moot where her and a partner argued a medical malpractice case and were awarded first place. She completed an internship at the National Association of Women and the Law assisting with feminist law reform in Canada and also acted as the Reproductive Justice Workshop Coordinator with the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund where she designed and executed workshops to high school students on their reproductive rights. She also was the cohort representative for the Health Law Student’s Association.

    Outside of law, Toni enjoys spending time with her cat, travelling, and going to spin classes.

    By Kyra
    Samantha Lawr

    Samantha Lawr

    Samantha recently graduated from the Dual JD program at the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Law and Detroit Mercy’s School of Law. She received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Law from Carleton University. Prior to law school, Samantha worked as a legal assistant where she gained valuable first-hand experience before deciding to pursue her dream of law school. While working as a legal assistant Samantha was a member of the firm’s United Way Committee where she helped organize and coordinate fundraising events for the United Way.

    Throughout her time at Windsor Law and Detroit Mercy Law, Samantha acted as a peer mentor for first-year law students and spent a year working as an extern with the Michigan Department of Attorney General in the Civil Rights Division. Throughout her summers she has gained legal experience working in various practice areas such as family law, wills and estates, municipal law, and employment law.

    Outside of the office you can find Samantha on the golf course, spending time with family and friends or cheering on her beloved Leafs and Buffalo Bills!

    By Kyra
    Michael Farace

    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 Kyra
    Nick Lavkulik

    Nick Lavkulik

    Nick is a mediator at Devry Smith & Frank LLP who primarily works in personal injury, insurance, and general civil litigation. Over the last six years, Nick has worked on both the interpersonal and transactional sides of legal services. He mediated cases from the Small Claims Court system through St. Stephen’s Community House while completing his year-long ADR Graduate Certificate at Humber College. Also, he served unicorns to Fortune 500 companies at a leading American law firm while completing his JD MBA at the University of San Francisco. Lastly, Nick earned a mediation intensive certificate from Harvard Law School’s Program on Negotiation.

    This unique perspective rooted in tradition allows Nick to see the forest through the trees and keep mediations on track to get the job done – good deal, case settled, and file closed. Taking a straight forward approach, he works with parties to get perspectives across the table in a way that is persuasive, credible, and collaborative. And for a limited time on select prescribed roster dates, you get a seasoned Ontario-leading mediator, his father David Lavkulik, as a co-mediator – free of charge. 

    Outside of his professional career in law, Nick is an internationally awarded guitarist who has studied with some of the top jazz musicians in the world – including GRAMMY nominees, JUNO recipients, and unsung innovators. During his Music Performance degree at the University of Toronto, Nick gained a rigorous creative discipline which informs his legal and business practice as a mediator to bring a personal and efficient approach to resolving cases.

     

    Prescribed Roster Rates
    Half Day Two-Party Mediation: $600
    Scheduled for three hours for 10 AM – 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

    Full Day Two-Party Mediation: $1,200 
    Scheduled for 6 hours for 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

    Additional Charges
    Each Additional Party $75
    Each Additional Hour $250

    Cancellation Fees
    There are no cancellation fees unless less than 24 hours notice of the scheduled mediation is provided.

    Modality
    Mediations are conducted virtually via Zoom unless requested otherwise.

    In-person mediation fees remains the same when mediations are conducted at Devry Smith Frank’s Toronto offices (Lawrence and DVP). In-person mediation fees otherwise are subject to an increase accommodating room rental fees and travel outside the GTA.

    For any other requests or accommodations please contact me at nick.lavkulik@devrylaw.ca

     

    By Fauzan Siddiqui
    Laura Dyke

    Laura Dyke

    Laura Dyke joined DSF after practicing law for over 2 years. Prior to her current position, she served as an Associate Lawyer at prominent law firms in the Greater Toronto Area where she refined her skills in family law. She handled significant case loads encompassing various family law matters, including parenting, child and spousal support, child protection, property division, and complex financial matters. Whether through negotiations, alternative dispute resolution processes, or litigation, Laura guided her clients to realistic and long-term solutions for their family law matters. She also demonstrated proficiency in drafting and negotiating domestic contracts, including marriage contracts, to allow her clients to effectively plan their financial and personal futures. She has conducted extensive legal research, staying up to date with statutory amendments and jurisprudential changes in complex areas of law.

    Laura holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. Throughout her legal studies, Laura participated in a variety of research projects with respect to issues facing LGBTQ2A+ families, surrogacy and fertility law in Canada, child support for adult children, and the impact of Ontario’s All Families Are Equal Act (2016). She further demonstrated her dedication to empowering women in the legal profession as a mentor for the Osgoode Women’s Network.
    During Laura’s time as an Articling Student, she gained invaluable experience working closely with her articling principal, a seasoned specialist in family law. This opportunity allowed her to develop a comprehensive understanding of family law practice, well beyond her years of experience.

    In addition to her legal accomplishments, Laura is committed to mental health advocacy and holds certification in Mental Health First Aid from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is passionate about civil rights and social action initiatives, and has previously worked as a public policy advisor and researcher at the provincial government level.
    With her diverse skill set and genuine passion for justice, Laura continues to make a significant impact in the legal field, providing invaluable support to her clients and advocating for their rights.

    By Fauzan Siddiqui

    Gabriella Schneider

    Gabriella Schneider is a DSF lawyer with over two years of experience in areas such as secured and unsecured collection, enforcement, and civil litigation. With a results-oriented approach, she provides exceptional client services and delivers innovative solutions to complex legal problems. Gabriella possesses strong knowledge of legal office procedures, court processes, and legal drafting, making her well-equipped to handle litigation files from beginning to end.

    Gabriella’s exceptional communication skills, both oral and written, allow her to present complex legal issues to non-lawyers and deal effectively and pleasantly with colleagues, judges, clients, and third parties. She works well independently as well as in a team environment and has a fast-learning ability, is detail-oriented, and has superior organizational skills, making her capable of finding creative solutions to complex problems.

    Gabriella’s extensive experience includes working as an associate lawyer at a boutique law firm in Toronto where she helped the team win over 78 judgments in the Superior Court of Ontario. Gabriella also successfully aided in obtaining a default judgment in favor of a creditor for a loan worth over $55,000 and helped settled three complex general litigation cases.

    In her free time, Gabriella enjoys pilates, baking, and spin class.

    By Fauzan Siddiqui

    Emma Bennet

    Emma Bennet joined Devry Smith Frank LLP as a paralegal in 2023 and is a highly skilled and detail-oriented professional with a passion for the legal field.

    Before joining Devry Smith Frank LLP, Emma worked at Suite Excel Collections Canada Inc, where she honed her legal skills. In her role there, Emma worked remotely with minimal supervision, drafting letters and filing court/tribunal documents. She also attended hearings/tribunals for the Landlord and Tenant Board, advocating on behalf of clients. Emma’s administrative duties included answering queries via phone and email, arranging posts and deliveries, and maintaining organization systems to ensure everything was accurate. She was also responsible for managing a set of clients by assessing, providing, and completing the documentation of the service and monitoring any updates. Emma always met strict deadlines with court documents and hearings to ensure a high service level.

    At Devry Smith Frank LLP, Emma provides essential support to the firm’s lawyers and clients. She manages case files, drafts legal documents, and conducts legal research. Emma also organizes and schedules meetings and corresponds with clients and other stakeholders. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Emma ensures that all tasks are completed accurately and on time. She has a strong work ethic and is committed to delivering high-quality work that meets the needs of the firm’s clients.

    By Kyra