Elyse Mallins Elyse Mallins joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) as a partner in January 2020. She graduated from York University in 1999 where she received a B.A.(Hons.) in Sociology. She later went on to receive her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School. Elyse was called to the Ontario Bar in 2003. Prior to joining DSF, Elyse acted as senior counsel where she provided exceptional legal services and proactive, practical guidance to employer and employee clients. Elyse’s experience as a labour lawyer and commercial litigator has allowed her to sit on both sides of the table in a workplace dispute: she has been both the client and the counsel. This has given her unprecedented insights from both perspectives and the ability to predict and respond to issues before they escalate. She is a frequent and highly respected speaker at seminars and conferences across Canada and regularly provides extensive nationwide training on all practical workplace matters, including sexual harassment, violence in the workplace, workplace investigations, human rights, and disability management. By Justin DominicAugust 25, 2021August 25, 2021
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 Justin DominicAugust 5, 2021August 6, 2021
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 Justin DominicAugust 4, 2021August 6, 2021
Katherine Klein Katherine Klein joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our wills and estates group in Barrie after completing her articling position in 2021. Katherine studied at the University of Toronto, where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts and thereafter obtained her LL.B. from the University of Kent in the United Kingdom. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2021. Prior to joining DSF and while completing her law degree, Katherine worked as a legal assistant in various legal practice areas, including wills and estates, corporate law, real estate, and family law. This breadth of experience informs Katherine’s holistic approach to the practice of law, which is now focused on estate planning and administration. Katherine is a member of the Women’s Law Association of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association. By Justin DominicJuly 6, 2021August 24, 2021
Zakiya Bhayat Zakiya Bhayat joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our Family Law Group in Toronto. She earned her LL.B. at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, graduating with First Class Honours. While in law school, she worked as a student advisor with the university’s Pro Bono Group where she worked on cases relating to immigration, wills and estates, and a variety of family law matters. During her summers she interned at a boutique family law firm in Toronto. Upon returning to Canada, she obtained her LL.M. at Osgoode Hall Law School. She was called to the Bar in 2020. Prior to joining DSF, Zakiya advocated on behalf of clients at a boutique family law firm in Toronto where she gained extensive litigation experience in divorce and separation, custody/decision-making, parenting time/access, support, property, and child protection proceedings. As a family lawyer, Zakiya has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and although her practice is taking her to the courtroom often for conferences, motions, and trials, she also uses collaborative and alternative processes to reach agreements that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved. Outside of the office she enjoys spending her time outdoors, volunteering at community events, and catching up on her favourite Netflix series. Notable Cases: Proevski v. Roffel, 2020 ONCJ 310 (CanLII) Dufort v. Price, 2021 ONSC 2913 (CanLII) By Justin DominicJune 20, 2021August 7, 2021
Angela Papeo Angela has recently completed her L.L.B. at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. During her time in the U.K., she was with the Canadian Student Law Society assisting incoming Canadian law students in adjusting to life overseas. Angela was also a track and field club member and actively involved in the Mooting and Mediation team. Prior to law school and working in the legal sector, Angela completed her Honours Bachelor Degree specializing in Communications at the University of Ottawa. Angela began her legal career working in tax law and corporate finance in Toronto, where she developed her skills in corporate work. On her return to Canada full time, Angela holds an L.L.M. in International Business with Osgoode Hall, York University. She has a great interest in international business transactions, corporate law, and antitrust regulations. As a Summer Law Student with Devry Smith Frank LLP, Angela focused primarily on Real Estate transactions and real property matters such as the purchase and sale of new homes, re-sales, and new build property matters. She is looking forward to continuing her work in this field as part of the Real Estate Group. As an articling student, Angela is thrilled to be working with the team at Devry Smith Frank and Woitzik Polsinelli. She is motivated to continue gaining experience in various practice areas such as Commercial Litigation, Corporate Finance, and Bankruptcy and Insolvency, and Family Law, while continuing to build and maintain relationships with clients. By Justin DominicJune 2, 2021August 5, 2021
Sarah Robus Sarah Robus joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our Family Law group in Barrie. She studied at the University of Ottawa where she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences with Specialization in Criminology and thereafter completed her J.D. at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2019. Prior to joining DSF, Sarah worked for a boutique firm in Mississauga gaining years of experience in family law. During her time with the firm, she advocated for clients involved in litigation and mediation regarding a wide range of family law issues, including custody and access, child and spousal support, and property division. Sarah is settlement-focused and understands that negotiating the resolution of a family law matter can be an emotional and challenging experience for her clients. Her honest and approachable manner places clients at ease and contributes to her success in achieving her client’s goals. Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys traveling, skiing, and hanging out with her yellow lab, Brie. By Justin DominicMay 31, 2021July 9, 2021
Timothy Gindi Timothy Gindi joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our Commercial Litigation, Employment Law, and Personal injury groups in May 2021. He graduated from the University of Windsor and University of Detroit Mercy with a J.D. from Canada and a J.D. from the United States. Soon after, Timothy was called to the Bar in 2014. While in Law School, Timothy received the book award for Medical Malpractice and was the recipient of the Best Trial Notebook award for the Ernie Goodman Moot. Prior to DSF, Timothy worked for a boutique firm in Toronto practicing in a number of areas including: Employment Law, Commercial Litigation, Property Damage, and Personal Injury. Timothy has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, he has also represented clients before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Human Rights Tribunal, the Social Benefits Tribunal, the License Appeal Tribunal, Ministry of Labour, Labour relations board. Timothy has always been commended for his client interaction and service as he makes client interaction a top priority When not at work, Timothy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family and friends. By Justin DominicMay 24, 2021June 26, 2021
Alida A. Brydon Alida Brydon joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our commercial/estate litigation and personal injury groups in Whitby. Alida graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree with Distinction from the University of Toronto in 2002, where her studies focused on history and political science. She earned her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario in 2006, after which she was called to the bar in 2007. Alida gained years of experience in civil litigation at a reputable boutique law firm in Toronto. Her practice areas included commercial general liability, property damage, product liability, motor vehicle accident, occupiers’ liability and personal injury claims, coverage issues, and subrogation. Alida is a dedicated member of the Durham community. She is an instructor for the School of Justice and Emergency Services at Durham College. Alida also sits on the Board of Directors for Catholic Family Services of Durham, a non-profit agency that provides accredited counseling services to individuals, couples, and families in the Durham Region. She lives in Whitby with her husband and three children. Alida served on the Insurance Law Section Executive for the Ontario Bar Association from 2009 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2021. She is also a Past President of the Board of Directors for Mary Centre, a non-profit organization that assists adults and seniors with developmental challenges. In her spare time, Alida is an avid reader, an amateur painter and an adventurous home cook. By Justin DominicApril 21, 2021July 2, 2021
Corrine V. Joseph Corrine V. Joseph joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our real estate department. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. specialized in Communications from the University of Ottawa and earned her JD from the same University thereafter. She was called to the Bar in 2017. Prior to joining DSF, Corrine worked as a sole practitioner at a boutique law firm in Toronto managing a high volume of real estate transactions ranging from real estate purchases, sales, and mortgages. She was also involved in building and maintaining healthy relationships with real estate agents and mortgage brokers across the GTA and the National Capital Region. In her free time, Corrine is an avid traveler and a film enthusiast. She is also a polyglot fluent in English, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese. Corrine is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers. By Justin DominicApril 12, 2021August 9, 2021
