The MacDonald & Partners Team, Working for You
Kim Stock, Associate
Kim completed her undergraduate Honours degree in History at McGill University.
She then obtained her law degree at at the University of Ottawa where
she graduated cum laude in 2001 and was called to the Ontario Bar in October
2002. Over the years, Kim has gained invaluable experience through her
work for the Washington D.C. Government Prosecution in Child Abuse and
Neglect, for the Child Support Team at the Department of Justice in Ottawa,
and a battered women's shelter in Montreal. These activities, along with
her experience in private practice, have enabled Kim to offer strong legal
skills, with an understanding of the client's unique, personal needs.
Kim takes a balanced, reasonable approach to her practice, while striving
to obtain success for the client. Kim's practice includes all aspects
of Family Law.
Kim Stock can be reached at:
Tel.: (416) 971-4802 ext. 288
Fax: (647) 727-0939
or via email at kstock@mpllp.com
Elissa Gamus, Associate
After graduating from York University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Elissa received her Bachelor of Laws degree in 1988 and her Master of Laws degree in Family Law in 2009 both from Osgoode Hall Law School. Elissa is an experienced negotiator and litigator in all areas of family law. She has particular expertise in high conflict cases, involving custody, access and financial issues. Recognized for her thoroughness and attention to detail, Elissa is a strong believer in applying a practical and individualized approach that reflects the unique needs and goals of each client. She focuses on developing creative solutions and arriving at the best possible results for her clients.
Elissa worked at two boutique family law firms and in the education department at the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC). She has lectured extensively to lawyers through the LSUC and continuing legal education programs and separated persons through parenting information programs. Elissa maintains memberships in a number of key professional associations. She sits on the Boards of Directors of Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association and Alternatives and volunteers for various charitable organizations. She was also past President of the Women's Law Association of Ontario.
Elissa Gamus can be reached at:
Tel.:
(416) 507-2642
Fax: (647) 727-0926
or via email at ehgamus@mpllp.com
Christine Marchetti, Associate
Christine completed her undergraduate degree at St. Michael’s College,
University of Toronto, where she graduated with Distinction. She studied
law at the University of Western Ontario and was admitted to the Ontario
Bar in 2005. She volunteered at Community Legal Services on campus, where
she developed her advocacy skills. Christine first became interested in
family law while working for a general practice firm during her articles.
Christine further developed her advocacy skills while working at a North
Toronto firm specializing in family law before joining MacDonald &
Partners. She focuses on all aspects of family law, with a particular
interest in custody and access issues. Christine is dedicated to client
needs and takes a reasonable and practical approach to her practice. Christine
is fluent in Italian.
Christine can be contacted at:
Tel.: (416)-971-4802 ext 239
or via email cmarchetti@mpllp.com
Kristy Maurina, Associate
Kristy completed her double Honours B.A. at the University of Windsor where she graduated with distinction. She studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2007.
Kristy developed her interest in family law while working for a downtown Toronto litigation boutique. In this role she gained invaluable litigation experience and developed strong advocacy and negotiation skills. Kristy's achievements include successfully representing her client in an eight day precedent setting hearing before the Law Society of Upper Canada Hearing Panel, wherein the Hearing Panel accepted her argument that a licensee's medical condition acted as a complete defence to the allegations of misconduct. Kristy has argued at various levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal. Kristy now brings these skills with her to MacDonald & Partners LLP. Her practice includes all aspects of family law.
Kristy can be reached at:
Tel.: (416) 971-4802 ext 222
Fax: (647) 727-0938
or via email kmaurina@mpllp.com
Vanessa Lam, Associate
Vanessa studied psychology at the University of Toronto. She graduated from the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in 2008. She received numerous academic awards for her performance in the law program, including the University Medal in Law – Highest Standing. Prior to joining MacDonald & Partners LLP, Vanessa worked as a judicial law clerk with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. She has also worked at the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and at the International Bureau for Children’s Rights.
Vanessa practices in all areas of family law and negotiations, with a special interest in children’s issues. She is dedicated to understanding her clients’ needs and applying her legal skills to obtain the best possible result.
Vanessa can be reached at:
Tel.: (416) 971-4802
Fax: (647) 727-0934
or via email vlam@mpllp.com
Aaron Mastervick, Associate
Aaron obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Political Science from the University of Alberta. Aaron then attended Queen's Law School and graduated with an LL.B. During law school, Aaron was asked to submit a Negotiation role-play exercise he authored to the Harvard Negotiation Project. Aaron was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2004. After being called to the bar, Aaron worked for Children and Family Services for York Region. Aaron further developed his skills while working at a North York firm specializing in Family law before joining MacDonald & Partners. Aaron's practice includes all aspects of Family Law, including Collaborative Practice, which Aaron is particularly fond of as an approach to assist families during separation. While Aaron has appeared frequently and successfully in court, Aaron espouses the belief that the best solution is often the one that the parties negotiate between themselves. To this end, he encourages negotiation and resolutions by agreement rather than by court Order, where possible. Aaron welcomes the opportunity to assist you and your family.
Aaron can be reached at:
Tel.: (416) 507-2640
Fax: (647) 727-0937
or via email amastervick@mpllp.com
Shelly Kalra, Associate
Shelly obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree (Honours) in Law and Society & Sociology from York University where she graduated with distinction. She graduated from the Faculty of Law at Queen’s University in 2007. Shelly developed her interest in family law while working at a full-service law firm during her articles. Prior to joining MacDonald & Partners LLP, Shelly practised family law at a prominent boutique family law firm in Toronto. Shelly takes a practical and results-oriented approach to the practice of family law to achieve fair and efficient results for her clients by relying on her effective communication, negotiation and advocacy skills. Shelly’s practice includes all aspects of family law.
Shelly Kalra can be reached at:
Tel.:
(416) 971-4802 ext 249
Fax: (647) 727-0933
or via e-mail at skalra@mpllp.com
Serena Lein, Associate
Serena completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University where she graduated with distinction in 2007. She obtained her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2010. While in law school, Serena participated in the Family Law Project with Pro Bono Students Canada where she assisted unrepresented litigants in family court. She gained additional experience in family law during her articles at a downtown Toronto full service firm with an active family law group. Serena was called to the Ontario Bar in 2011.
Serena Lein can be reached at:
Tel.:
(416) 971-4802, ext. 265
Fax: (647) 728-7994
or via e-mail at slein@mpllp.com
Kenneth Younie, Associate
Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Kenneth attended St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where he graduated cum laudewith a Bachelor of Commerce degree, majoring in Finance. Kenneth attended Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 2008 after articling for an insurance company. Before joining MacDonald & Partners in 2011, Kenneth practiced family law at a prominent boutique family law firm in Mississauga, gaining invaluable experience. Kenneth strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients whether those outcomes may be accomplished through negotiations or require the assistance of the Courts. Kenneth is trained to practice collaborative family law and has an understanding of complex financial matters. Kenneth's practice includes all areas of family law.
Kenneth Younie can be reached at:
Tel.:
(416) 971-4802, ext. 254
Fax: (647)
728-7995
or via e-mail at kyounie@mpllp.com
Ann Wilton, Research Associate
Ann studied English literature and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Toronto, followed by a Master of Arts Degree at the University of Oxford. She studied law at Dalhousie University and at the University of Ottawa and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 1981. MacDonald & Partners' clients benefit tremendously from Ann’s prodigious knowledge of the law and ability to locate the appropriate case law to support their interests. Ann is a research lawyer with 30 years of experience and contributes significantly to the highly respected books produced by the firm. Her experience and skills are also invaluable to the firm in advising its clients and in preparing materials for the courts.
Ann Wilton can be reached at:
Tel.:
(416) 971-4802, ext. 263
or via e-mail at awilton@mpllp.com