My criminal law practice has covered cases ranging from thefts to sexual assaults and aggravated assaults, and I also regularly represent clients facing charges such as domestic assault, possession of stolen property and possession of narcotics. I have obtained not guilty verdicts for several clients who would have faced significant jail time had they been convicted. No lawyer can ever guarantee a prospective client that he or she will be acquitted or found not guilty by the trial judge, but I can assure a new client that the facts of his or her case will be thoroughly reviewed and every potential defence that might be advanced will be considered. Sometimes it makes sense for a criminal law client to resolve his or her case through a guilty plea without going to trial, and if that is the best option, I strive to ensure that all relevant and mitigating background information about my client is obtained and put before the court so that the presiding judge will understand that my client is not just a bad person who has no soul, but rather is a person who may have had some problems in his or her life and has made mistakes, but is now taking steps to move in a positive direction.

Family law litigation can be particularly stressful for clients, and I believe it is important for a lawyer to take sufficient time to understand the needs of the client so that the best possible solution can be obtained. That may mean going to court, or it may mean negotiating a settlement outside of court. I have significant experience in representing clients in matters involving child custody, access to children, child support, child protection (children’s aid cases), divorce and division of property. I have the experience and the ability to fight hard for a client in court if need be, but I also understand that in some cases (particularly if young children are involved) the client is probably not being served by getting into an acrimonious battle with the other side that will lead to increasingly hostile feelings between the parties and higher legal fees for all concerned. A file can sometimes take on a life of its own, and I try to prevent that from happening through regular dialogue with my client to ensure that his or her best interests are always being advanced in a timely and productive fashion.

Fertility law centres on the legal representation that is generally required when trying to have a child through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).  It is becoming increasingly common for child-seeking couples to use the assistance of modern medical technology, including the process whereby an embryo is transferred into a surrogate who will then carry the child to birth.  Numerous legal issues need to be considered when intended parents enter into a contract with a surrogate, and I have drafted comprehensive surrogacy contracts that address issues such as responsibilities of the surrogate during the pregnancy and custody of the child following birth.  This area of law is very rewarding in that I as a lawyer play a role in assisting couples to receive the gift of life that comes with the birth of a new child.

I also work closely with Ashley Silvester of Therapeutic Counselling & Mediation Services.  Ashley’s varied work career and life experiences have covered employment as a psychotherapist, mental health specialist and as a clinical practitioner responsible for assessing and providing therapy for clients rehabilitating from motor vehicle accidents. She has extensive training and experience in various therapeutic counselling techniques such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as well as individual, family, group and interpersonal therapy (IPT).

Ashley also has significant experience in all aspects of rehabilitative and clinical counselling. Specifically, her work experience includes the following:

• Anger management and addiction counselling, including outreach services
• Assisting people with eating disorders, and she has extensive experience with respect to evidence-based practices used with people who suffer from Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia
• Cognitive behavioural therapy and bereavement counselling
• Experience in therapeutic approaches with families and interventions in clinical situations for youths and adults suffering from mental illness
• Helping immigrants through one-on-one and group counselling, referrals and the provision of information
• Developing return-to-work action plans for unemployed professionals
• Providing a full range of services to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities

Please click here to visit Ashley Silvester’s Website