| 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
- Gary S. Joseph , Partner and Firm Chair
- Phyllis Brodkin, Partner
- Willam H. Abbott, Partner
- Georgina Carson, Partner
- Geoffrey Wells, Associate
- Michael Stangarone, Associate
- Kim Stock, Associate
- Christine Marchetti, Associate
- Antonette Barreto, Associate
- Sheila Bruce, Associate
- Christine Dobby, Associate
- Ann Wilton, Research Associate
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, 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, 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, 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, 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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