I take seriously my role as advocate — whether representing a complainant in a sexual assault proceeding or an accused charged with a criminal offence.

I assist women and gender-diverse people in their encounters with the justice system, wherever they fall along the spectrum from victimization to criminalization. Throughout my career, I’ve brought competence, commitment, and compassion to my work.

I was fortunate to start my legal career nearly 20 years ago with two judicial clerkships — first at the Ontario Court of Appeal and then for Chief Justice McLachlin at the Supreme Court of Canada. As a law clerk, I witnessed firsthand the importance of creative advocacy on complex issues, which drew me to litigation. I spent more than a decade working as crown counsel, specializing in complex criminal and constitutional appeals. Much of my work in that role involved sexual assault cases and other forms of gender-based and intimate-partner violence — both at the trial and appellate level. Through this work, I have developed not just an expertise in legal issues, but also a real understanding of the challenges faced by those navigating the justice system.

As Commission Counsel to the Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of the Long-Term Care Homes system, I oversaw the investigation into the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s oversight of the homes where Elizabeth Wettlaufer preyed on those under her care. This work further underscored for me how the best lawyers think creatively about policy and legislative responses to systemic problems. 

My clients know they are being represented by a sophisticated and strategic litigator who has an intimate understanding of the machinations of the system and the challenges that they face navigating through it. I work closely with my clients to understand their priorities and needs when developing an advocacy strategy. I pride myself on my ability to communicate clearly with clients so they are kept meaningfully informed about their options and realistic outcomes.

EXPERIENCE

• Adjunct Professor, Osgoode Professional Development, LLM in Criminal Law & Procedure: From Victimization to Criminalization – Gendered Experiences in the Criminal Justice System, Summer 2021

• Advocacy Advisor, Supreme Court Advocacy Institute, 2016 to present

• Executive Director and General Counsel, Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), 2019-2020

• Commission Counsel, Public Inquiry into the Safety and Security of the Long-Term Care Homes System, 2017-2018 

• Crown Counsel and Assistant Crown Attorney, Ministry of the Attorney General for Ontario, 2006-2017

• Associate in Law, Columbia Law School, 2004-2005

• Law Clerk to the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Canada, 2003-2004

• Law Clerk, Court of Appeal for Ontario, Clerk to Justices Labrosse, Laskin, Goudge and Sharpe, 2002-2003 

EDUCATION

• Columbia Law School, LL.M., Associates Program, 2004-2006

• McGill University, B.C.L, LL.B., McGill Programme, Gold Medallist, 1999-2002

• Carleton University, M.A., Sociology, 1996-1997

• McGill University, B.A. - Honours Sociology, First Class, 1990-1994 

• Called to the Bar of Ontario 2003

LANGUAGES

• English + French