Jillian C. Bowman Jillian’s areas of practice include Family Law, Child Protection as well as Wills and Estate Administration. Jillian assists her clients with matters such as separation, divorce, custody and access, child support, spousal support and child protection matters. Jillian can also assist you with your estate planning and drafting of your wills and/or powers of attorney.Jillian was called to the bar in 2015. She obtained her BA from York University and her LLB from the University of Sussex law school. Prior to law school, Jillian worked as a certified Law Clerk in family law, which inspired her to further her legal education.Jillian is a children’s lawyer with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and represents children in court cases involving custody, access and, child protection.Jillian is passionate about family law and committed to playing an active role in the Simcoe County community as well as the legal community. Jillian is on the Board of Directors for Youth Haven, an organization dedicated to inspiring youth to reach their full potential with the support of their community. She is the former Vice President of the Simcoe County Family Law Lawyers Association and a volunteer with Barrie Lawyers feed the Hungry and Season’s Centre for All Children. Her enthusiasm for the Law, helping others, personal and inner growth is second to none. By Fauzan SiddiquiApril 3, 2023October 18, 2023
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
Dale Lediard Dale Lediard joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) as a result of the merger of our firms in 2022. He has been practicing law since 2009 and understands that ultimately what clients want from their lawyer is peace of mind. Peace of mind that their legal matter will be handled professionally and efficiently. Dale works closely with his clients to develop the best solutions to their legal issues at the most competitive cost. He has practiced the areas of Family Law, Employment Law, Wills & Estates (administration & litigation), Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Construction Lien Litigation, and Personal Injury. Dale completed his undergraduate degree in Physical & Health Education at the University of Toronto, obtained a Certificate in Project Management at the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School. After completing his articles at a prominent downtown Toronto law firm, he returned with his family to the Midland/Penetanguishene area where he was born and raised. Since returning in 2009, Dale has been helping clients in the Simcoe County area in a variety of matters. Dale is a board member for the local charity, We Are The Villagers, and a former member of the Physician Recruitment Steering Committee. He enjoys spending his spare time with his two daughters and participating in a variety of outdoor activities including boating, motorcycling, mountain biking, and tennis. By Fauzan SiddiquiSeptember 27, 2022April 17, 2024
Jaimin Panesar Jaimin Panesar joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) and Woitzik Polsinelli LLP (‘WP’) as a summer law student in 2022 and is thrilled to continue working for the firm as an articling student for the 2023-2024 licensing year. He recently graduated cum laude from the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law in spring of 2023 with a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Throughout law school, Jaimin volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and worked with Reach Canada to assist people with disabilities in finding legal professionals. He also completed an internship with a boutique Family Law firm during his time in Ottawa. Prior to law school, Jaimin completed his Bachelor of Commerce Degree, specializing in marketing, at Toronto Metropolitan University. As a native of the Durham Region, Jaimin is delighted to be working with the team at Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) and Woitzik Polsinelli LLP (‘WP’) in Whitby. Jaimin has been integrated into the real estate team at Woitzik Polsinelli, aiding in the closing of residential transactions. He has experience in the assistance of reviewing Agreements of Purchase and Sale, reviewing New Condominium Build Agreements, reviewing Status Certificates, drafting extension terms and dealing with post-closing issues. Jaimin looks forward to gaining more experience in real estate law, in addition to all other areas during his articling placement. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports, refereeing hockey and spending time with his family and friends. Jaimin is an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Manchester United. By Fauzan SiddiquiJuly 6, 2022August 25, 2023
Tijana Potkonjak Tijana Potkonjak joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our personal injury, insurance defence and estate litigation departments. She earned her B.A. (Hons) from York University and her M.A. from Concordia University and finally received her J.D. from the University of Ottawa. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2018. Prior to joining DSF, Tijana worked for multiple boutique firms across Ottawa and Toronto gaining valuable experience in various litigation matters like personal injury, motor vehicle accident (tort and accident benefits), medical malpractice, commercial disputes, long-term disability and more. She has appeared as counsel in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Justice, Small Claims Court, and various Provincial Tribunals, including the: Licence Appeal Tribunal, Human Rights Tribunal, and Landlord and Tenant Board. Tijana is committed to helping her clients feel heard and understood, reassuring them that their unique trauma is going to be addressed with empathy and compassion while making sure that their claims are dealt with in an efficient and expedient manner. Tijana is experienced in providing representation in the following areas of practice: insurance denials for travel medical expenses, long-term disability, critical illness, fire loss, property damage, commercial policies estate litigation (Will challenges, dependent support claims, unjust enrichment, Family Law Act elections, objection to appointment of an estate trustee or motion to remove a trustee) probate applications (with or without a Will) capacity (capacity assessments, guardianship applications to appoint or remove a guardian, court-ordered assessments) commercial litigation (contract disputes, home defects, construction defects) negligence of real estate agents and brokers She speaks fluent French and Serbian/Croatian. She enjoys spending time with her partner and furry friends, exercising, and the outdoors. Tijana is a member of the Law Society Of Ontario. By Fauzan SiddiquiJuly 6, 2022April 24, 2024
Hyland Muirhead Hyland Muirhead joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation, collections and mortgage recovery, as well as bankruptcy and insolvency departments. She graduated with an LLB from the University of Leicester and received her LLM from the University of Miami. She was called to the Bar in 2022. Prior to DSF, Hyland acquired a work placement for a boutique law firm in Toronto practicing in the areas of commercial and civil litigation. She also gained international experience interning in law firms in the USA and Uk conducting legal research and proceedings for all areas of litigation. Outside the courtroom, Hyland is a pianist and a member of the Royal Conservatory of Music finishing second at the Grand Prize Virtuoso, Salzburg, Austria as well as the Golden Classical Music Competition, New York. She is a member of the Advocates’ Society, the Law Society of Ontario and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. By Fauzan SiddiquiJune 14, 2022September 21, 2023
Charlie Fuhr Charlie Fuhr joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) as an associate lawyer in our commercial litigation, insurance defence, estate litigation and personal injury departments. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) and earned a double JD from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy. He was called to the Bar in 2020. Prior to DSF, Charlie worked for a boutique firm in Toronto practicing in the areas of personal injury, civil and commercial litigation. He has represented clients in matters before various courts and tribunals, including the License Appeal Tribunal, Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Ontario, and Court of Appeal for Ontario. His practice with DSF encompasses a wide range of complex litigation matters. His representation of both commercial and individual clients has helped shape his tactical approach to litigation thereby maximizing a favourable outcome for his clients. Charlie values effective communication and while drafting strives for mathematical clarity by explaining calculations line by line along with the applicable assumptions. This client-centric approach has made him a respected and trusted advisor to many of his clients. Outside of work, Charlie has a particular interest in boxing and was the 3x Provincial Champion and competed at the National level. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario. By Fauzan SiddiquiJune 14, 2022September 13, 2023
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