Lerners LLP

Also ranked in the following guides

High Net Worth 2025

About

Provided by Lerners LLP

Canada

Firm Details

Managing Partner: Cynthia B. Kuehl (Chair)

Senior Partner: Tammy Ring and Yola S. Ventresca (Managing Partners)

Firm Overview

Lerners LLP is a leading Ontario law firm with a 95-year legacy of fearless advocacy and the delivery of exceptional legal services to businesses, public sector organizations, and individuals. With over 140 accomplished lawyers across four offices, Lerners offers deep knowledge and experience in a wide range of legal matters — from everyday counsel to high-stakes litigation. Lerners lawyers have appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and before the Supreme Court of Canada. Lerners is trusted with some of the most complex and high-stakes cases in Ontario, delivering skilled advocacy, strategic guidance, and responsive service to clients across a wide range of legal matters.

Main Areas of Practice

Administrative and Public Law

Lerners’ Administrative and Public Law team provides experienced and strategic counsel to individuals and organizations dealing with government decisions, regulations, or investigations. Whether contesting unfair or unreasonable decisions, advising on regulatory compliance, or assisting administrative decision makers, the firmensures itsclients' voices are heard and their rights respected.

Judicial Reviews and Statutory Appeals
Municipal and Planning Law
Indigenous Legal Issues and Aboriginal Law
Freedom of Information Requests
Policy Advocacy
Administrative Tribunal Advocacy
Representation Before Regulatory Colleges and Professional Licensing Bodies
Constitutional Law
Public Inquiries and Investigations
Human Rights Complaints
Property Assessment Advocacy
Lobbying and Ethics Compliance

Representative Work

Pomerantz v West Lincoln (Township) , 2025 CanLII 77140 (ON LT)
Paisley & Whitelaw Inc. v. The Chief Building Official of the City of Guelph, Jeremy Laur , 2025 ONSC 4501
Jacob v. Canada (Attorney General) , 2024 ONCA 648 (CanLII)
Little v Glowacki , 2022 CanLII 73178 (ON HPARB)
Bowman v. Ontario , 2022 ONCA 477 (CanLII)
Leroux v. Ontario , 2021 ONSC 2269 (CanLII)

Practice Area Partners

Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
George A. Hamzo, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Natalie E. Carrothers, Partner
Paul Brooks, Partner
Robert Bell, Partner
Sarah E. Martens, Partner
William E. Pepall, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Appeals

At Lerners, the lawyers have the talent and tenacity, as well as the wide range of experience, to meet the demands of appellate advocacy. This area of practice requires sharp legal insight, a deep understanding of procedure, and a strategic mindset tailored to the requirements of appellate courts.

Appeal Evaluation
Representing Interveners or as a Friend of the Court
Post-Appeal Options
Consulting Services for Trial Lawyers
Record Compilation
Motion Practice
Written Advocacy (Factum/Brief)
Legal Research
Notice of Appeal Preparation
Oral Argument

Practice Area Partners

Bryan R.G. Smith, Partner
Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Carolyn J. Lloyd, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Debbie Boswell, Partner
Earl A. Cherniak, Partner
Erin Reid, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jane Scholes, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Jason Squire, Partner
Jennifer L. Hunter, Partner
John A.M. Petrella, Partner
Jordan McKie, Partner
Kimberly A.F. Cura, Partner
C. Kirk Boggs, Partner
Lindsey Love-Forester, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Mitchell C. Brown, Partner
Nadia Marotta, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner
Robert B. Bell, Partner
Spencer Jones, Partner
Stephen Ronan, Partner
Stuart Zacharias, Partner
William E. Pepall, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Arbitration and Mediation

Lerners provides flexible, confidential, and cost-effective representation in disputes subject to arbitration agreements, helping clients obtain final resolution faster than traditional litigation in the courts.

Employment
Franchise
Commercial
Construction
Rent Review

Representative Work

Represented the respondent joint venture in a construction arbitration related to the design and construction of a complex P3 infrastructure project.
Represented the majority shareholder and director of a closely-held corporation in a condensed arbitration process, successfully obtaining remedies for oppression and punitive damages.
Represented an automobile dealership in an arbitration under the National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program (NADAP) relating to the termination of its dealer agreement.
Represented a minority shareholder of a closely-held corporation in a long-running, arbitrated dispute, involving such issues as shareholder oppression and the exercise of a shotgun clause.
Represented a party to a Canada-U.S. cross-border dispute over insurance coverage in a product liability claim.

Practice Area Partners

Bryan R.G. Smith, Partner
Carolyn J. Lloyd, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Earl A. Cherniak, Partner
Jason Squire, Partner
Lisa C. Munro, Partner
Mitchell Brown, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner
William E. Pepall, Partner

Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Insolvency

Lerners has experience with all kinds of creditors' remedies, workouts and renegotiations, as well as an in-depth understanding of proceedings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act and the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act.

Bankruptcy Filings
Corporate Restructuring
Cross-Border Insolvency
Creditor Representation
Commercial Litigation Support
Debtor Protection and Advocacy
Receivership Proceedings
Trustee Advisory Services

Practice Area Partners

Domenico Magisano, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner
Spencer Jones, Partner

Business Law

Clients from a broad spectrum of industries, businesses large and small, public sector institutions, charities and not-for-profits, entrepreneurs and professionals rely on Lerners for advice on everything from corporate governance to incorporation and trademark protection.

Corporate Governance
Employment and Contractor Agreements
Incorporation and Organizational Structure
Intellectual Property and Trademark Protection
Mergers and Acquisitions
Franchising and Licensing
Business Disputes
Financing and Securities
Commercial Contracts

Representative Work

Acted in the sale and purchase of automotive dealerships and for lender and borrower in automotive floorplan financing matters.
Acted as counsel to purchaser of a significant regional grain processing and crop input business.
Acted for sellers in several trucking companies across Ontario, including the sale of a long-established family trucking business located in southwestern Ontario.
Acted for the seller in the sale of North American publishing company to US buyer and related pre-closing reorganization.
Counsel to a radio broadcasting company in the acquisition and consolidation of various radio broadcasting businesses.
Act as counsel for several of the largest cooperative businesses in the region and province.

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Johnson, Partner
Anne M. Reinhart, Partner
Barbara L. Blew, Partner
Clark Armstrong, Partner
David D. Lyons, Partner
David M. Woodward, Partner
Domenico Magisano, Partner
George A. Hamzo, Partner
Greg Hatt, Partner
Hilary A. Leitch, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner
Mark McAuley, Partner
Nicholas A. Cummings, Partner
Spencer Jones, Partner

Class Actions

Lerners is known for its expertise in defence and plaintiff class actions. The firm's clients include organizations facing the most challenging class action claims and claimants seeking accountability and compensation.

Representing Class Members
Case Assessment and Risk Analysis
Discovery Management
Pleadings and Motions Practice
Settlement and Mediation Representation
Trial Defence and Appeals
Strategy Development
Expert Witness Preparation

Representative Work

McCartney v CDSPI Advisory Services Inc . 2025 ONSC 4250
Nordik Windows v. Aviva , 2021 ONSC 4477

Practice Area Partners

Alex Sharpe, Partner
Anthony J. Bedard, Partner
David T. Isaac, Partner
Earl A. Cherniak, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jason Squire, Partner
Kevin L. Ross, Partner
C. Kirk Boggs, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Nada Nicola-Howorth, Partner
Nigel G. Gilby, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Pino J. Cianfarani, Partner
Robert B. Bell, Partner
Sandev S. Purewal, Partner
Stephen Ronan, Partner
William E. Pepall, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Commercial Litigation

When business disputes threaten your company’s reputation, operations, or bottom line, you need more than just legal advice; you need strategic representation. Lerners provides results-driven commercial litigation services tailored to the complexities of today’s business environment.

Financial services
Manufacturing and distribution
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
Academic institutions
Construction
Commercial real estate/land development
Government
Municipal
Environmental
Transportation
Agriculture

Practice Area Partners

Andrea H. Plumb, Partner
Brandon K. Duewel, Partner
Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
David G. Waites, Partner
Debbie Boswell, Partner
Domenico Magisano, Partner
Earl A. Cherniak, Partner
George A. Hamzo, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jane Scholes, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Jason Squire, Partner
John A.M. Petrella, Partner
Joseph J. Masterson, Partner
Kimberly A.F. Cura, Partner
Lianne J. Armstrong, Partner
Lisa C. Munro, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Mitchell C. Brown, Partner
Natalie E. Carrothers, Partner
Paul Brooks, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner
Renée Zatzman Stein, Partner
Robert B. Bell, Partner
Sarah E. Martens, Partner
Spencer Jones, Partner
William E. Pepall, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Commercial Real Estate and Land Development

Navigating the complex landscape of commercial real estate and land development demands precision, experience, and unwavering attention to detail. Lerners brings deep legal expertise to protect its clients’ interests and help ensure major construction projects move forward from concept through to completion.

Development Agreements
Construction Disputes
Zoning Disputes
Agreement and Contract Review
Construction Contracts and Financing
Building Plans
Land Use Planning and Amendments
Lease Negotiation
Real Estate Litigation
Zoning and Land Use Compliance
Property Tax Appeals
Assessment Disputes

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Hentz, Partner
Bradley D. Bain, Partner
Clark Armstrong, Partner
David D. Lyons, Partner
David M. Woodward, Partner
Gregory Woodward, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner
Nicholas A. Cummings, Partner

Construction Law

Lerners understands that construction and infrastructure projects are complex undertakings with multiple stakeholders and many moving parts. Knowing that the right legal support can make all the difference, its team is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process with clarity, precision, and strategic insight.

Building Code, Ontario Heritage Act , and other Regulatory Disputes
Interim Dispute Adjudication and Prompt Payment Claims
Deficiency and Warranty Claims
Tendering Preparation and Review, and Bid Award Disputes
Negligence Claims Involving Construction Professionals
Contract Preparation, Negotiation, and Advice
Contractual and Breach of Agreement Disputes
Breach of Trust Claims
Delay or Acceleration Claims
Construction Liens

Representative Work

Ledore Investments v Dixin Construction , 2024 ONSC 598 (CanLII)
Blair Engaged - Residents’ Association Inc. v Corporation of the City of Cambridge , 2023 ONSC 1964 (CanLII)
Chief Building Official v Haastown Holdings , 2022 ONSC 1963 (CanLII)
St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association v Ontario (Minister of Government and Consumer Services) , 2021 ONSC 762 (CanLII)
Acted for a general contractor in negotiating and drafting the prime contract for a $20 million county-wide internet infrastructure project. Also assisted client in drafting and negotiating subcontracts with design professionals and properly incorporating provisions required by the owner, including compliance with the Government of Canada Integrity Regime.
Acted for a large public school board in reviewing and revising their construction contractor and consultant agreements. Assisted the client in properly incorporating recent amendments to the Construction Act and updating insurance requirements in accordance with current industry standards.
Repeatedly advised a lower-tier municipality in reviewing tender bids for non-compliance and other issues, as well as assisted that client in re-drafting its standard form tender documents.
Acted for a university college in reviewing and revising its tender documents, including specifically its non-monetary criteria for evaluating bids and awarding contracts.

Practice Area Partners

Brandon K. Duewel, Partner
Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Kimberly A.F. Cura, Partner
Lianne J. Armstrong, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner

Education Law

The education sector is constantly evolving, presenting new challenges and responsibilities for school administrators. They are expected to have a deep understanding of emerging employment issues, cultural developments, and institutional risks. Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, vendors, and regulatory bodies, they play a critical role in strategic planning for institutional success. With shifting legislative and regulatory requirements, educational institutions face a complex environment that demands agility, insight, and proactive legal strategy. Lerners’ lawyers bring unparalleled expertise to help educational institutions — and the students that attend them — confidently navigate these challenges.

Protecting and Managing Intellectual Property
Discrimination and Accommodation Policies
Information, Data Security, and Privacy
Corporate Governance and Structure
Administrative Law
Labour and Employment
Arbitration and Mediation
Workplace Investigations
Human Rights
Real Estate
Policy Reviews
Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Practice Area Partners

Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
Debbie Boswell, Partner
George A. Hamzo, Partner
Jane Scholes, Partner
John A.M. Petrella, Partner
Natalie E. Carrothers, Partner
Nicholas A. Cummings, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner
Sandev S. Purewal, Partner
Shauna K. Powell, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Employment and Labour Law

In today’s complex and rapidly evolving employment environment, employers and employees alike need clear, confident legal guidance. Lerners’ Employment and Labour Law lawyers deliver practical, responsive solutions, helping clients resolve workplace challenges with clarity and peace of mind through practical legal strategies that reduce stress and risk. Because the firm represents both employers and employees, it brings a well-rounded perspective to every matter — anticipating challenges, identifying opportunities, and crafting solutions that are both strategic and balanced.

Labour Board Proceedings
Workplace Investigations
Employment Agreements
Constructive Dismissal
Breach of Employment Contract
Collective Agreement Negotiation and Interpretation
Grievance Arbitration
Termination Packages
Unfair Labour Practice Complaints
Wrongful Dismissal

Practice Area Partners

Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Debbie Boswell, Partner
George A. Hamzo, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jane Scholes, Partner
Jason Squire, Partner
Joseph J. Masterson, Partner
Kimberly A.F. Cura, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Natalie E. Carrothers, Partner
Paul Brooks, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Environmental

The law and regulations governing environmental issues in Ontario are highly complex. Lerners’ lawyers can help navigate the issues and manage risk. The firm advises clients on the completion of environmental due diligence during the purchase, sale, lease, or financing of commercial, industrial and agricultural properties. Lerners’ lawyers will assist clients with environmental contamination and remediation litigation, investigations, negotiations and defence of prosecutions under federal, provincial or municipal environmental legislation, regulatory by-laws as well as legal-environmental risk assessment and compliance.

Defence of Prosecution Under Environmental/Municipal Legislation
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs)
Renewable Energy and Sustainability Initiatives
Environmental Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Climate Change and Emissions Regulation
Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Interventions in Legal Proceedings
Permitting and Regulatory Compliance

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Hentz, Partner
Bradley D. Bain, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner

Family Law

Divorce, legal separation, or disputes about parenting issues or property rights can be some of life's most personal and challenging experiences. They can affect your relationships with loved ones, your future prosperity, and your peace of mind. Lerners understands that legal issues affecting families aren’t just about paperwork; they’re about people.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Marriage Contracts or Cohabitation Agreements
Decision Making and Parenting Time
Property Rights and Entitlements for Non-married Persons
Divorce
Separation Agreements
Fertility Law
Support Issues

Practice Area Partners

Bryan R.G. Smith, Partner
Carolyn J. Lloyd, Partner
Erin Reid, Partner
Jennifer Cook, Partner
Joanne H. Stewart, Partner
Jordan McKie, Partner
Lindsay Abercrombie, Partner
Lindsey Love-Forester, Partner
Michelle Raithby, Partner
Ryan P.R. McNeil, Partner
Sarah Conlin, Partner

Health Law

Lerners’ lawyers have the expertise to address all areas of health law including medical negligence and professional liability litigation, College complaints and disciplinary proceedings, hospital privileges matters, class actions, coroner’s inquests, privacy matters and a wide variety of other administrative and regulatory health issues.

Defence of Regulatory, Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Prosecutions
College Complaints, Investigations, and Disciplinary Proceedings
Class Actions Against Regulated Health Professionals
Compliance with Policies and Clinical Practice Guidelines
Health Professions/Services Appeal Review Board Hearings
Peer Review and Quality Assurance Proceedings
Privacy and Client/Patient Health Information Management
Client/Patient Billing and Audit Issues
Medical and Professional Negligence
Change in Scope of Practice
Foreign Equivalency Matters
Registration Committee Proceedings
Consent and Capacity Reviews
Client/Patient Relationships
Medical Negligence Litigation Or Litigation Threats
Hospital Privileges Matters and Related Disputes
Advice and Assistance Regarding Physician-Assisted Dying
Privacy and Patient Health Information Management
Health Professions/Services Appeal Review Board Hearings
College Complaints, Disciplinary Proceedings and Investigations
Peer Reviews and Quality Assurance Proceedings
Defence of Regulatory, Criminal and Quasi-Criminal Prosecutions
Class Actions Against Physicians
University/Academic Matters
OHIP Billing Audits and Complaints
Consent and Capacity Reviews
Patient Relationships

Practice Area Partners

Adam J. Patenaude, Partner
Alex Sharpe, Partner
Andrea H. Plumb, Partner
Anne E. Spafford, Partner
Anthony J. Bedard, Partner
Cale R. Sutherland, Partner
Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
Dara M. Lambe, Partner
David T. Isaac, Partner
Debbie Boswell, Partner
Elizabeth Grace, Partner
Faisal B. Joseph, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jane Scholes, Partner
Jennifer L. Hunter, Partner
John A.M. Petrella, Partner
Joseph J. Masterson, Partner
Justin Martin, Partner
Kathryn Ball, Partner
Kevin L. Ross, Partner
C. Kirk Boggs, Partner
Mark D. Lerner, Partner
Matthew K. Dale, Partner
Mitchell C. Brown, Partner
Nada Nicola-Howorth, Partner
Nadia Marotta, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Pino J. Cianfarani, Partner
RenéeZatzman Stein, Partner
Sarah E. Martens, Partner
Shannon Gaudet, Partner
Shauna K. Powell, Partner
Stephen Ronan, Partner
Stuart Zacharias, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Intellectual Property and Technology

Privacy and data protection are fundamental components of a solid business strategy, and are critical requirements for any organization that deals with clients or the public, not only from a legal perspective, but a reputational one. With the rise of more and more sophisticated social engineering fraud schemes and the evolution of technology, protecting yourself and your clients is of paramount importance. Navigating the complex legislation and the myriad potential pitfalls can be daunting. Lerners can help.

Intellectual Property Protection
Regulatory Compliance
Licensing Agreements
Procurement Contracts
Technology Transactions
Mergers and Acquisitions
Risk Management
Contractual Protection
Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Johnson, Partner
David D. Lyons, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Municipal Law

For more than 40 years, Lerners has had the privilege of acting for municipalities and public entities across Ontario. The firm is proud to serve a diverse range of public sector and community-focused clients. These include municipal services corporations and service boards, lower-, upper-, and single-tier municipalities, as well as various agencies, boards, committees, and commissions. Lerners provides legal support to essential services such as police, fire, and paramedic departments, and works closely with public health units and conservation authorities. The firm’s client base also extends to not-for-profit organizations, utility companies, and public libraries — each playing a vital role in shaping resilient and well-governed communities.

Municipal law
Administrative and public law, including judicial reviews and applications
Integrity and ethical accountability
Good governance
By-law and regulatory compliance, enforcement, and prosecutions
Tax, finance, and property assessment appeals
Privacy, technology and cybersecurity
Corporate and commercial, including contracts and shared services
Procurement and project advice
Labour and employment, including workplace investigations
Real estate, encroachments, easements, and expropriation
Insurance, risk, tort, liability, constitutional, and coverage
Litigation and dispute resolution, including class actions, appeals, mediations and arbitrations
Environmental
Building Code
Land use planning and development, including Ontario Land Tribunal
Training and presentations to councils, boards, and committees

Representative Work

Accelerating procurement practices and negotiating a multi-million-dollar software agreement in 1/3 of the typical timeline.
Establishing the first municipal services corporation in Ontario to own water and wastewater assets.
Acting for a local municipality in connection with a proposed $25 million sewage plant.
Serving as breach coach for a major library system experiencing a ransomware attack.
Serving as counsel to a local municipality in the construction of new municipal offices and public library.
Successful representation at the Divisional Court on behalf of a municipality on a tax assessment review appeal.
Acting for a local municipality in connection with the approval and development of an ethanol plant.
Acting for an emergency management services local board for the construction and development of several ambulance stations.
Representing municipalities in response to judicial review applications and Charter challenges.
Defending municipalities against claims of all types, including those related to road authorities, building inspections, infrastructure, parks and recreational trails, occupiers’ liability, development, privacy/technology, and errors and omissions (E&O).

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Hentz, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
Dara M. Lambe, Partner
David D. Lyons, Partner
David M. Woodward, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Jennifer L. Hunter, Partner
Joseph M. Hentz, Partner
C. Kirk Boggs, Partner
Nadia Jandali Chao, Partner
Rebecca Shoom, Partner

Personal Injury

Since 1929, Lerners has faithfully applied the philosophy that “no matter who our clients are, everyone deserves the best representation possible.” Today, over 90 years later, this simple truth is still at the heart of the firm’svalues. The fundamental obligation is to listen and understand. Only then can Lerners apply its experience to the clients’ advantage.

Alan Dychtenberg, Partner
Alfonso E. Campos Reales, Partner
Andrew D. Elias, Partner
Andrew C. Murray, Partner
Cale R. Sutherland, Partner
Christopher R. Dawson, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
David T. Isaac, Partner
Elizabeth Grace, Partner
Erika Tower, Partner
Graham Bennett, Partner
Gregory R. Willson, Partner
Jacob S.W. Aitcheson, Partner
Kevin L. Ross, Partner
Kimberley K. Munro, Partner
Maia L. Bent, Partner
Matthew K. Dale, Partner
Nancy M. McAuley, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Robert B. Ledgley, Partner
Sandev S. Purewal, Partner
Shauna K. Powell, Partner
Steven M. Polak, Partner
Tammy Ring, Partner

Privacy and Cybersecurity

Privacy and data security are cornerstones of modern business strategy that shape regulatory frameworks, enhance public confidence, and shield organizations and individuals from irreparable reputational harm. In an age of sophisticated cyber threats enabled by ever-changing technologies, protecting your business and clients from risk demands ongoing vigilance. With complex and evolving regulations, staying compliant and secure can be overwhelming. Lerners can help.

Privacy Complaints and Investigations
Employment and Privacy Matters
Privacy Policy Development
Civil and Regulatory Litigation
Privacy Impact Assessments
Privacy Audits
Data Breach Response
Regulatory Compliance

Practice Area Partners

Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Danielle A. Douek, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Jennifer L. Hunter, Partner
Nadia Jandali Chao, Partner
Natalie E. Carrothers, Partner
Sandev S. Purewal, Partner
Shauna K. Powell, Partner

Professional Regulation and Liability

Lerners has a lengthy and accomplished history in professional regulation with both health and non-health professions. The firm’s lawyers serve as Independent Legal Counsel to Discipline and Fitness to Practise Committees andhave represented both members and regulators in all manner of regulatory proceedings. The firm’s experience allows it to remain current regarding the legal and regulatory priorities, trends and concerns that impact itsclients and provides a unique perspective of the competing interests at play in regulatory matters. In addition to litigation work, the corporate lawyers in the firm’s Professional Regulation Group advise its member and regulator clients on employment matters, professional corporations and governance issues. Lerners also assists with drafting and interpreting legislation, standards, policies, guidelines, regulations and by-laws.

Reviews for Statutory Compliance and Best Practice
Negotiating, Drafting and Interpreting Contracts and Other Legal Instruments
Fitness to Practise Matters
Drafting/Revising Standards and Policies
Quality Assurance Proceedings
Advice on Governance and Related Issues
Employment, Labour, and Human Rights Related Advice
Illegal/Unauthorized Practice
Registration and Reinstatement Applications
Discipline Matters

Practice Area Partners

Alex Sharpe, Partner
Anne Spafford, Partner
Carolyn Brandow, Partner
Cynthia B. Kuehl, Partner
Dara M. Lambe, Partner
Elizabeth Grace, Partner
Lucas E. Lung, Partner
Nada Nicola-Howorth, Partner
Nadia Marotta, Partner
Pino J. Cianfarani, Partner
RenéeZatzman Stein, Partner
Sarah E. Martens, Partner
Shannon Gaudet, Partner
Shauna K. Powell, Partner
Stephen Ronan, Partner
Stuart Zacharias, Partner
Yola S. Ventresca, Partner

Residential Real Estate

Buying or selling a home is often one of the most significant financial decisions in a person’s life. Residential real estate transactions involve complex legal and financial considerations — from detailed Agreements of Purchase and Sale to evolving regulations that can impact every stage of the process. Each home transaction is unique, and having a trusted legal advisor is essential to safeguard your investment and ensure peace of mind. Lerners’ experienced residential real estate lawyers and clerks provide comprehensive legal and conveyancing services tailored to homebuyers, sellers, and property owners. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, selling a family residence, refinancing a property, or navigating a dispute, contact the firm today for clear communication and counsel to support you through the transaction.

Purchase and Sale Disputes
Purchase and Sale of a Home
Financing Agreements
Land Use Planning Applications
Construction Disputes
Negligence Claims

Practice Area Partners

Andrew Hentz, Partner
Bradley D. Bain, Partner
Clark Armstrong, Partner
Nicholas A. Cummings, Partner

Sexual Assault and Abuse

In Canada, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men will experience some sort of sexual assault in their lifetime. Coming forward takes courage and strength, but you are not alone. Let Lerners help amplify your voice and reclaim your life. Lerners does not just provide legal representation – the firm are advocates and advisors, providing guidance, empathy and education, working hard to effect changes that will have a positive outcome for survivors. Lerners is here to help.

Practice Area Partners

Elizabeth Grace, Partner
Erika Tower, Partner

Specialty Risk and Insurance

Lerners’ specialty risk and insurance lawyers bring extensive knowledge to every matter. They understand the particular features and needs of industry, the public sector and professionals to provide guidance on handling complex claims, coverage opinions, or representation in litigation.

Litigation Representation
Privacy and Data Security Liability
Aviation Industry
Cyber Breach Counsel
Coverage Litigation
Coverage Opinions
Professional Liability
Public Sector Liability
Subrogation and Recovery

Representative Work

Rivard v. Ontario , 2025 ONCA 100
Christian Heritage Party of Canada v. City of Hamilton , 2024 ONSC 6181
Lalani Properties International Inc. v Intact Insurance Company , 2024 ONCA 583
Economical Insurance Co. v Trafalgar Insurance Co. , 2023 ONSC 5060
Gordon Dunk Farms Limited v. HFH Inc. , 2021 ONCA 681
Krieser v. Garber , 2020 ONCA 699
Tuffnail v. Meekes , 2020 ONCA 340

Practice Area Partners

Adam J. Patenaude, Partner
Alex Sharpe, Partner
Anne E. Spafford, Partner
Anthony J. Bedard, Partner
Dara M. Lambe, Partner
Elizabeth Grace, Partner
Faisal B. Joseph, Partner
Graham Bennett, Partner
Jacob R.W. Damstra, Partner
Jason W. Reynar, Partner
Jennifer L. Hunter, Partner
Joseph J. Masterson, Partner
Justin Martin, Partner
Kathryn Ball, Partner
Kevin L. Ross, Partner
C. Kirk Boggs, Partner
Nada Nicola-Howorth, Partner
Nada Jandali Chao, Partner
Nadia Marotta, Partner
Peter W. Kryworuk, Partner
Pino J. Cianfarani, Partner
RenéeZatzman Stein, Partner
Robert B. Bell, Partner
Shannon Gaudet, Partner
Stephen Ronan, Partner
Stuart Zacharias, Partner

Wills, Trusts and Estates

Wills, trusts, and estates are complex areas of law where robust planning is essential and sound, cost-effective advice is critical. Lerners’ wills, trusts, and estates lawyers deal with a broad range of issues that intersect with other areas of law, including family law, tax law, business law, and real estate law.