The MacDonald & Partners Team, Working for You

Michael Stangarone, Associate
Michael completed his undergraduate degree at University College, University of Toronto, where he graduated with Distinction and received several awards for academic achievement. He studied law at the University of Western Ontario and was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2005. He took part in oral advocacy competitions and worked at the Dispute Resolution Centre, where he developed his negotiation and mediation skills. Michael acquired his interest in family law while working for a prominent London area family lawyer during law school. He focuses on all aspects of family law, including custody, access, support and property issues. His strong work ethic and dedication to achieving the best possible results for clients make him a valued member of the MacDonald & Partners team.

Michael Stangarone can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 244
or via email at mstangarone@mpllp.com

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: (416) 971-4802 ext. 288
or via email at kstock@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 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 416-971-4802 ext 222
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 416-971-4802 ext 239
or via email vlam@mpllp.com

Julie Ralhan, Associate
Julie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from York University in 1999, and her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2002. Julie was admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2003, and subsequently worked as Legal Counsel to the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton and Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton over a cumulative period of six years. In her capacity as Legal Counsel for both agencies, she conducted numerous trials, and gained significant experience in all aspects of pre-trial litigation. In June of 2009, Julie obtained a Master of Laws degree (LL.M.) in Family Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. During the LL.M. program, Julie had the opportunity to explore advanced family law issues in courses taught by leading academics, practitioners, and judges in the field. As part of the LL.M. program, Julie also wrote an extensive research paper on the topic of The Legal and Ethical Duties Owed by Counsel for Children’s Aid Societies. Julie joined MacDonald & Partners in 2009. Her practice includes all aspects of family law.

Julie can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 301
or via email jralhan@mpllp.com

Ann Wilton, Research Associate
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 19 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: (416) 925-7166
or via e-mail at ac_wilton@hotmail.com