The MacDonald & Partners Team, Working for You

MacDonald & Partners LLP sponsors CARE Canada’s Kilimanjaro climb.
Firm partner, Georgina Carson, climbs Kilimajaro for CARE Canada
Click here for the Matrimonial Affairs Newsletter which includes an article about my Kilimanjaro experience.

MacDonald & Partners reputation for results is based on performance and client satisfaction. Our partners and associates embrace a broad range of family law experience, but each of us has set family justice as a personal goal. Together we take a leadership role in shaping the future of family law. It's the kind of law we believe should be practiced. A family relationship, when it breaks down, requires closure with the least amount of pain possible.The team at MacDonald & Partners work towards a dignified closure and the future well being of the family as a two-home unit. The proof is in the results. To see the biographies of our lawyers, please click on their names below:

James C. MacDonald, Q.C., Counsel
Jim is a Family Law pioneer. He was one of the founders of Family Law as a specialized area of practice. The founding chairman of the National Family Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association and a former Director of Legal Education of the Law Society and head lecturer in Family Law, he was the first recipient of the Canadian Bar Association's Award for Excellence in Family Law (1997). He was the founder and the first president of the Toronto Collaborative Law Group (now Collaborative Practice Toronto), an organization devoted to settling family law matters using co-operative instead of confrontational strategies. A fierce proponent of family justice, Jim’s philosophy of a client-centered approach guides the firm’s approach to law and his insights have shaped the very direction of family law in Ontario. His formidable experience has included tremendous commitment to the development of the law and the training of well-qualified family law lawyers. He has represented some of Canada’s most illustrious citizens, and done so with discretion and success. Currently working on his sixth book, MacDonald is one of the most published lawyers in the field of family law. He practices as a collaborative family law lawyer.

James MacDonald can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 221
or via e-mail at jmacdonald@macdonaldpartners.com.

 

Gary Stuart Joseph, Partner and Firm Chair
Gary is a certified specialist in family law with an LL.M. in constitutional law. He was called to the bar in Ontario in 1978 and is also a member of the Alberta bar. He has extensive trial and appellate experience at all levels of the courts in both Ontario and Alberta and has appeared as counsel in the Supreme Court of Canada.

A highly respected family law practitioner, Mr. Joseph also lectures frequently in family law, has been an instructor in family law for the Bar Admission course and has published many articles on family law. He is a founding lecturer for the Family Information Session program of the Superior Court of Justice and was recently recognized by the Chief Justice for his efforts in this regard.

Gary Joseph can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 223
or via e-mail at garyj@macdonaldpartners.com.

 

Phyllis Brodkin, Partner
Phyllis is a Specialist in Family Law and has practiced in this area since 1989. She has a strong commitment to her clients. She is an effective negotiator and works hard to find a way to resolve even the most difficult of cases. If settlement is not possible, she utilizes her extensive trial experience to bring about the best outcome. Phyllis prides herself on being "tough but fair" and will fight for her client's rights both at the negotiating table and in court. Life experience and maturity has taught her to apply her vast knowledge of family law to successfully resolve even the most complex of family matters.

Phyllis has developed a unique expertise in international child abduction cases and Hague Applications for the return of children from foreign countries. Her high level of proficiency for these often challenging cases is combined with a passion for her clients' interests that is unparalleled.

Phyllis is also at the forefront of practitioners who assist parties with the legal aspects of in vitro fertilization, gestational carriage and donor contracts.

Phyllis Brodkin can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 230
or via e-mail at pbrodkin@macdonaldpartners.com.

 

William H. Abbott, Partner
Will completed his undergraduate degree at Bishop's University in Lennoxville Quebec in 1988, graduated from the University of Windsor Law School in 1993 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1995. Will practices in all areas of family law and negotiations. His attention to detail and thorough preparation of materials used in litigation, mediation or arbitration has proven invaluable in obtaining favourable results for the firm’s clients.

William H. Abbott can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 Ext. 245
or via e-mail at wabbott@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Georgina Carson, Partner
Georgina has practiced family law exclusively for 15 years. As an experienced practitioner, she was appointed a Dispute Resolution Officer in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, a quasi-judicial capacity in which she assists parties in resolving their disputes.

Georgina assists her own clients with often complex property, tax, estate, custody and support issues. She appears regularly in all levels of court in Ontario.

Georgina's approach to family law is solution-based. She invokes alternative dispute mechanisms to assist her clients whenever possible and attempts to resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively. Georgina is fully trained as a collaborative lawyer and is a member of the Collaborative Family Law Association of Ontario.

Georgina has acted for the Office of the Children's Lawyer, representing children in custody and access disputes as well as in child protection matters.

Georgina is a popular speaker, writer and teacher of family law. She is an executive member of the family law section of the Ontario Bar Association.

Georgina Carson can be reached at: 416-971-4802 Ext. 238
or via e-mail at gcarson@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Geoffrey C. V. Wells, Associate
Geoffrey joined the firm in 2004 as an associate. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2003 after receiving his LL.B. from Queen’s University. Geoffrey completed his B. Sc. (Hons) at Trent University in 1994 and his M.A. in Business Economics at Wilfred Laurier University in 1995. Prior to practicing law, Geoffrey worked in finance in the telecommunications industry and has adapted those skills to benefit his clients. His practice includes all aspects of matrimonial litigation. Geoffrey is a member of the Canadian Bar Association and the Ontario Bar Association.

Geoffrey Wells can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 247
or via email at gwells@macdonaldpartners.com

 

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@macdonaldpartners.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@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Christine Marchetti

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@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Antonette Barreto

Antonette Barreto, Associate
Antonette Barreto received her LLB from Queen’s University in 2000. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002.

Antonette’s practice includes all facets of family law. Applying her advocacy, communication and negotiation skills she seeks to achieve resolution for clients whether through negotiating domestic contracts and agreements, litigation or alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. In serving the firm’s clients, Antonette strives to attain client- focused, strategic results.

Antonette has experience attending before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Ontario Court of Appeal. Also, she has been co-editor of the monthly publication, Money and Family Law and has published articles on a variety of family law topics.

Antonette can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 222
or via email abarreto@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Sheila Bruce

Sheila Bruce, Associate
Sheila received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Mary’s University in 1982 and her law degree from Dalhousie Law School in 1985. After articling with a Toronto civil litigation firm, Sheila was called to the Ontario Bar in 1987 and has since practiced exclusively in family law in Toronto and York Region. Sheila has Collaborative Law training and extensive experience in negotiating and drafting domestic contracts. Sheila regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, Family Branch, throughout the GTA and other areas of Ontario, and has a particular interest in trial advocacy.  She has appeared as counsel for the Children’s Aid Society and as an advocate for children through the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.  Sheila’s practice includes all areas of family law..

Sheila can be reached at 416-971-4802 ext 301
or via email sbruce@macdonaldpartners.com

 

Christine Dobby

Christine Dobby, Associate
Christine completed her undergraduate Honours degree in History at McGill University in 2003. She obtained her law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School in 2006, graduating near the top of her class. While at Osgoode, she was a Division Leader at the legal aid clinic, where she worked in the immigration and women's divisions and gained experience appearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board and the Ontario Provincial Court of Justice. For her articling year, Christine worked as a law clerk to the Justices of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario in Toronto. She was called to the bar in 2007 and joined MacDonald & Partners in 2008. Christine has published articles on family law issues including support for dependant adult children and lump sum spousal support. Her practice includes all aspects of family law.

Christine Dobby can be reached at: (416) 971-4802 ext. 222
or via email cdobby@macdonaldpartners.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

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