U of T Child and Family Law Club

Thank you to everyone who came to our event yesterday! We had a great turnout and hope everyone enjoyed learning more about family law.

A huge shout-out to our four panelists for making time to speak to U of T students about their experiences and their careers. We really appreciate it.

Introducing the last of our four panelists: Richard Teicher!

From Downtown Legal Services's website:

"Richard Teicher, B.A. (Hons.) (York University), M.S.W. (University of Toronto), LL.B. (University of Windsor), LL.M. (University of Ottawa), supervises the Family Law Division. Richard has practiced exclusively family law since being called to the Bar of Ontario in 2000. Richard has litigated matters in the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justice. He is an accredited family law mediator (Acc.F.M.) and a qualified collaborative family law lawyer. Richard has been panel counsel for the Ontario Children’s Lawyer – Personal Rights Section and the Family Responsibility Office. Richard has been sessional faculty with the Humber College Business School and Riverdale Mediation. During his career, Richard has practiced with a large Bay Street firm, a boutique family law firm and has run his own private practice. In 2018, Richard was selected to be a member of the Dispute Resolution Officer (DRO) Panel for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto."

Be sure to check out our event TONIGHT AT 6PM.

Introducing the third of our four panelists: Alanna Tevel!

From Clarke Child & Family Law's website:

"Alanna is an associate at Clarke Child & Family Law. Alanna graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law in 2015. She practiced corporate law during her articles and as a first year associate. In 2017, Alanna returned to school to obtain a Master of Social Work degree at the University of Toronto, focusing her education on children and families. She had a student placement at a child protection agency, where she obtained a greater appreciation for the importance of advocating on behalf of families.



Alanna's practice is focused in the area of child welfare. Over the course of her career, Alanna has represented families and several First Nation communities in child protection proceedings at the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice across Ontario.

In her spare time, Alanna volunteers for an organization that provides legal advice and social services to women who are subject to domestic abuse. Alanna is also on the Board of Directors of One Family Fund, an organization that provides supports to victims of terrorism."

Less than 24 hours away!!! Register here: https://utoronto.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-2orD4uGNzFtcQY3_QLmE8p4TV6wW9O

Introducing the second of our four panelists: Hilary Ingle!

From PBSC's website:

"Hilary is Manager of PBSC’s Family Law Program. A graduate of the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, Hilary was called to the bar in 2018. Prior to joining the PBSC team, Hilary practiced family law at a well known boutique firm in Toronto. In addition to her private practice, Hilary provided pro bono services to women who experienced violence and low income Ontarians. Hilary is an advocate for practical learning opportunities, and sees tremendous value in what those opportunities provide to law students and an under resourced family law system.

Hilary is a proud patron of the Toronto Public Library, and is entirely devoted to her long-haired weiner dog, Jerry."

Don't miss this incredible event TOMORROW, MARCH 9TH at 6-7 pm!!

Introducing the first of our four panelists: Bailey Duller!

From Birenbaum, Steinberg, Landau, Savin & Colraine's website:

"Bailey joined the family law team at BSLSC in 2017. Prior to joining the firm, Bailey worked with one of Canada’s top family law litigators where she gained trial and appellate experience on high-conflict cases. Her practice includes both complex financial and parenting issues. Bailey articled at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic (BSCC) where she provided advice and representation to women survivors of violence. While at BSCC she drafted a Motion for Leave to Intervene and co-drafted an Intervenor Factum for the Supreme Court of Canada in R v. Quesnelle. She is proud to serve clients with a trauma-informed approach and to handle matters involving domestic violence with the care and attention they deserve. Bailey is expanding her practice to include collaborative family law. She looks forward to bringing her child-focused approach to achieving negotiated settlements in a cost-effective manner.

Bailey obtained her Juris Doctor from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Bailey was a Dean’s List Scholar and received the course prizes in Legal Research and Writing and Professional Responsibility, as well as awards for law reform and raising consciousness of women’s issues. While at law school Bailey gained experience in Family and Criminal law matters at Dalhousie Legal Aid Service.

When not advocating for her clients Bailey enjoys hiking and camping. She is currently the Public Affairs Liaison for the Women Lawyers Forum of the OBA and is a member of the Family Lawyers Association, the Advocates Society, the National Association of Women and the Law, the Toronto Lawyers Association and the Women’s Legal Education Action Fund."

Don't miss hearing Bailey speak this WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 from 6-7pm.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 @ 6-7 PM

Do you have any questions about family law? Wondering what it's like to be a family lawyer? Please join us for a panel with Bailey Duller, Hilary Ingle, Alanna Tevel, and Richard Teicher discussing all things family law.

Follow this link to register now! https://utoronto.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf-2orD4uGNzFtcQY3_QLmE8p4TV6wW9O

EXTENDED DEADLINE: Child and Family Law Club is extending our deadline to apply for an executive position till September 27th (next Monday)!
We are a club composed of law students interested in how the law affects children and families. Every semester, the Child & Family Law Club selects a topic to explore in detail through academic seminars, networking events, and firm tours. Themes include a child’s right to literacy, fertility and surrogacy law in Canada, and issues in same-sex family law, et al. We also intend to offer opportunities for advocacy and volunteer engagement by connecting interested students with organizations in need of legal research relating to child and family law. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please consider applying to one of the following positions:
Communications Director (1): The Communications Director will be responsible for sharing information about upcoming events on social media and creating accessible platforms for online events. This role will also assist the Events Director with reaching out to community partners and lawyers.
Events Director (1): The Events Director will assist with planning events, including reaching out to community partners and lawyers. The Events Director will have the opportunity to help conceive of unique and interesting events that reflect the semester’s theme.
1L and 2L Rep (3-4): The 1L/2L Rep will assist all execs and have the opportunity to learn more about each respective role. The 1L/2L Rep will also have the opportunity to conceive of and execute their own event that reflects the semester’s theme.
To apply, please email a copy of your CV and a 250 word statement of interest, indicating which position you are interested in and any related experience, to [email protected] Applications are due on September 27 at 11:59pm. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to Facebook message us

Hello all! The Child and Family Law Club is hiring execs for 2021/22. We are a club composed of law students interested in how the law affects children and families. Every semester, the Child & Family Law Club selects a topic to explore in detail through academic seminars, networking events, and firm tours. Themes include a child’s right to literacy, fertility and surrogacy law in Canada, and issues in same-sex family law, et al. We also intend to offer opportunities for advocacy and volunteer engagement by connecting interested students with organizations in need of legal research relating to child and family law. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please consider applying to one of the following positions:

Communications Director (1): The Communications Director will be responsible for sharing information about upcoming events on social media and creating accessible platforms for online events. This role will also assist the Events Director with reaching out to community partners and lawyers.

Events Director (1): The Events Director will assist with planning events, including reaching out to community partners and lawyers. The Events Director will have the opportunity to help conceive of unique and interesting events that reflect the semester’s theme.

1L and 2L Rep (3-4): The 1L/2L Rep will assist all execs and have the opportunity to learn more about each respective role. The 1L/2L Rep will also have the opportunity to conceive of and execute their own event that reflects the semester’s theme.

To apply, please email a copy of your CV and a 250 word statement of interest, indicating which position you are interested in and any related experience, to [email protected] Applications are due on September 20 at 11:59pm. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to Facebook message us :)

Information about the Allan Falconer Memorial STUDENT ESSAY COMPETITION in Family Law this year!

Are you interested in a networking opportunity with Child and Family Law Lawyers? Join us at University of Toronto Child & Family Law Club's first ever One-On-One Match! We will virtually connect you with current practicing Child & Family Law lawyers. Students will be given the contact of their match and are responsible for setting up a 30-minute Zoom with the lawyer.
Please fill out this form below before March 26, and we will get back to you with the name of your match. We hope to pair students and lawyers with similar interests within the field of family law, but we are confident that any match will lead to an enriching (virtual) connection.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1j9z4kHJ4LyRQjCdBR2MCy0GnJt3nGOFt_1tOig4uvlM/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0TfFwD4zHtC_5cBMP4LidmEdUE-Lqf2qi4rBr3XrH7mFK9m0r_g5HpTg0&edit_requested=true

Child & Family Law Club: One-on-One Matching Thank you for your interest in the University of Toronto Child & Family Law Club's first ever One-On-One Match! We are excited to announce this new and exciting opportunity for current University of Toronto Faculty of Law students to virtually connect with current practicing Child & Family Law lawye...

This Friday, February 5th at 1:00pm, PBSC is hosting a virtual speaker series to engage law students across Ontario who are interested in family law. Tamar Witelson and Ghannia Bokhari will be speaking about their work at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. Tamar is the Director of Legal Services at the Schlifer Clinic, which provides legal services and other supports to survivors of gender-based violence, and has worked for 18 years in several areas of social justice law. Ghannia is a staff lawyer at the clinic where she provides legal services in the fields of immigration/refugee law, family law, and sexual assault law to women who are experiencing gender-based and sexual violence. If you're interested in attending, the link to register is: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pbsc-family-law-speaker-series-barbra-schlifer-commemorative-clinic-tickets-138495827749

PBSC is hosting a virtual speaker series to engage law students across Ontario who are interested in family law. We hope to expose students to different areas of practice within the family law profession.
This Friday, January 29th at 1:00pm, Andrea Caskey will be speaking about her collaborative practice. Andrea has over 30 years' experience advising and representing clients with respect to property, support, and child-related issues. If you're interested in attending, the link to register is: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pbsc-family-law-speaker-series-andrea-caskey-tickets-138479504927
Next Friday, February 5th at 1:00pm, Tamar Witelson and Ghannia Bokhari will be speaking about their work at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic. Tamar is the Director of Legal Services at the Schlifer Clinic, which provides legal services and other supports to survivors of gender-based violence, and has worked for 18 years in several areas of social justice law. Ghannia is a staff lawyer at the clinic where she provides legal services in the fields of immigration/refugee law, family law, and sexual assault law to women who are experiencing gender-based and sexual violence. If you're interested in attending, the link to register is: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pbsc-family-law-speaker-series-barbra-schlifer-commemorative-clinic-tickets-138495827749

PBSC Family Law Speaker Series: Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic PBSC is hosting a virtual speaker series to engage law students across Ontario who are interested in family law.

PBSC is hosting a virtual speaker series to engage law students across Ontario who are interested in family law. The first session will feature Elizabeth Hyde on January 15th at 1:00pm.

Elizabeth is an experienced trainer in family and civil mediation, arbitration, and parenting coordination. Elizabeth has many years of experience working with mediation clients, both in private practice with Riverdale Mediation and as Executive Director of Toronto’s court-connected family mediation service mediate393 inc. This experience, along with her work as a family arbitrator and parenting coordinator, informs her teaching. Elizabeth’s professional experience includes several years as a public school educator and seven years practicing family law in Toronto. She was also the Director of Professional Development for a large national law firm for ten years, gaining cutting-edge experience in legal education trends and issues.

If you'd like to attend, kindly register here (RSVP by January 14th): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pbsc-family-law-speaker-series-elizabeth-hyde-tickets-135403847553

In a family law context, what can lawyers and mediators do for their clients in difficult positions? Check out this amazing virtual program for the answers!
This event is free for law students. Scroll down our page to see how to register AFCC (Ontario Chapter) for free!

A recent constitutional challenge over the Manitoba legislation concerning legal parentage. Read below to learn why the current legislation is outdated and unconstitutional. The recent rulings will greatly impact parents who have no biological connection to their children 👶

Manitoba judge rules province’s legislation concerning legal parentage unconstitutional "Families today don't look the same as they did 20 years ago."

Planning to connect with other professionals who work with family law? Join the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Ontario Chapter) for FREE!
AFCC provides a series of networking events and trainings related to family law. As a student, you can join the association for FREE. Simply select "Ontario Chapter" when you are signing up :)
https://afccontario.ca/join-afcco/

Become a Member | AFCC – Ontario AFCC – Ontario - Association of Family & Conciliation Courts

What happen when your partner wants the kids to do in-person schooling while you opt for remote learning (or vice versa)? Justice Andrea Himel (one of our panelist) ruled on this issue last month and gave some thoughtful insights! Take a look at the judgement from the link below!
P.S. If you would like to share a Child and Family Law case, feel free to dm us and we will post it on our page!

Parents battle over whether child is schooled online or in-person amid COVID-19 Ontario government has decided to reopen schools and welcome the ‘new normal’

Let's celebrate Friday with the bio of our fourth panelist - Justice Andrea Himel!
Justice Andrea Himel obtained a joint LL.B./M.S.W degree from the University of Toronto. She was appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, Family Court Branch in June 2020. Prior to her appointment, she was a sole practitioner with a focus on family law and children’s law. Moreover, she was a member of the Child and Family Services Review Board who mediated and adjudicated cases related to school expulsion, adoptions and etc.
With her expertise in Child and Family Law, she was a president of the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) and was Co-Chair of the Conference and Research/Policy Committees. She was also a major contributor to the development and marketing of the AFCC-O’s Parenting Plan Guide and Template.
Come join us at the panel discussion if you would like to learn more from Justice Andrea Himel.

Today we will introduce our third panelist - Dr. Shely P***k!
Dr. Shely P***k is a registered social worker and an accredited family mediator under the Ontario Association of Family Mediation. She obtained a PhD from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. In her private practice, she offers specialized services related to families affected by separation and divorce, such as custody and access assessments, reintegration therapy, parenting coordination, and etc.
Also, she has been on the clinical panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, Ministry of the Attorney General since 2009, and is a family mediator for the Ontario and Superior Court of Justice since 2012. In addition to her clinical practice, she has a passion in academic research, and has published multiple on issues related to separated/divorced families involved with the court system.
Come join us at the panel discussion if you would like to learn more from Dr. Shely P***k.

Today we will introduce our second panelist - Farrah Hudani!
Farrah Hudani is a founding partner of Christen Seaton Burrison Hudani. She obtained her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and LL.M. in Family Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. She is a member of the Ontario Bar and the American Bar. She practices all areas of family law, especially in jurisdictional issues, Hague Convention cases and mobility disputes. Recently, she argued in the Supreme Court of Canada on whether the writ of habeas corpus is available for children.
Aside from her practice, she is also a senior editor of Wilson on Children and the Law and a chapter editor of the Hague Convention section of the book.
Come join us at the panel discussion if you would like to learn more from Farrah Hudani.

Today we will introduce our first panelist - Michael B. Kleinman!
Michael B. Kleinman is an experienced family law advocate, mediator and arbitrator who has practiced in the field for over 20 years at the Greater Toronto Area. He obtained his B.C.L. and LL.B. degrees from McGill University. He is a member of the Ontario Bar since 1994. He began his own family law practice in 1998. In his career, he aims to provide clear and pragmatic advices to his client in resolving complicated family law issues and conflicts.
The Ontario Superior Court of Justice appointed him as a Dispute Resolution Officers in 2012. He is a frequent speaker at Continuing Legal Education programs at the Law Society of Upper Canada and the Ontario Bar Association. With his expertise, he was also a previous instructor for the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Bar Admission Course in Family Law.
Come join us at the panel discussion if you would like to learn more from Michael Kleinman.

U of T Child and Family Law Club updated their business hours.

Last month the Canadian Federal Court made a ground-breaking rule: Gay man and straight woman can form a conjugal relationship. In particular, Justice Janet M. Fuhrer said that different sexual orientations does not foreclose the possibility of two parties having a committed relationship.
What do you think after reading the article? Comment below and let us know!

Gay man and straight woman can form a conjugal relationship, Canadian court rules A gay man and a straight woman are able to form a conjugal relationship recognized by Canadian courts, according to a ground-breaking new ruling that expands the legal definition of what a loving couple can look like.

U of T Child and Family Law Club updated their website address.