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New Year, New #LernersLeaders. Lerners Admits Seven New Partners

Lerners LLP is proud to congratulate seven impressive young lawyers on their admission to the partnership: George Hamzo, Hilary Leitch, Jennifer Cook, John Petrella, Justin Martin, Kimberly Cura, and Mitchell Brown.

“We are excited to welcome this group of young talent to our firm’s partnership” said Cynthia Kuehl, partner and firm chair. “Becoming a partner represents a significant career landmark, and a dedication to strengthening the firm’s legacy of leadership and client service.  Each and every one of our new partners is an exceptional advocate for their clients, the community, and the firm, and I have no doubt that they will continue to distinguish themselves and our firm throughout their professional lives.’

GEORGE HAMZO

George’s practice focuses exclusively on employment law. As a member of the business law, and dispute resolution and advocacy groups, he provides clients with practical, efficient, and valuable advice to help them navigate this complex and sometimes challenging legal area. He has expertise in virtually every employment related issue which may arise in the workplace including: human rights issues; workplace investigations; employment standards legislation; occupational health and safety, employment contracts; and restrictive covenants. George currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Community Living London, and is a proud father of two girls.

HILARY LEITCH

Hilary is a member of the Business Law Group, with a practice focused on wills and estates. She is passionate about working with individuals, families, and business owners (including family businesses) to plan for transition and succession across generations. Hilary advises clients on the preparation of Wills, Powers of Attorney, estate planning and administration, business succession planning, guardianship applications, and the creation of trusts. She also advises estate trustees, beneficiaries, and guardians for property and personal care on their respective rights, roles and responsibilities. Hilary is a designated Family Enterprise Advisor, which gives her a deep understanding of the unique dynamics involved in a family business and the challenges and opportunities they face when planning for the future.

Hilary believes in giving back to the community in which she lives and works. She is currently serving in her second year as Chair of the Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area, is a member of the Gala Committee for Big Brothers Big Sisters of London & Area, a member of the Business Achievement Awards Committee for the London Chamber of Commerce and s a member of the Donor Development Committee for the London Community Foundation.

JENNIFER COOK

Jennifer is a family lawyer in our Toronto office. She has been with Lerners since she was an articling student. Prior to that she was a Senior and Family Law Division Leader with the Community and Legal Aid Services Program (CLASP) during her time at Osgoode Hall Law School. Jennifer’s practice covers a broad range of family law issues for married and non-married persons including custody and access disputes, support and property issues, as well as marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements. Jennifer is based out of both Muskoka and Toronto. She enjoys baking, curling, and spending time outdoors with her family.

JOHN PETRELLA

John is a member of our Health Law and Dispute Resolution groups. He has a wide-variety of experience in various areas of civil litigation, including professional negligence, breach of contract, employment issues, data and information security and privacy matters, and administrative law, including appearing in front of a number of administrative tribunals.  John strives to provide thoughtful and insightful legal advice to allow his clients to achieve their desired outcomes in a timely and cost-effective manner, by leveraging his varied experience to develop creative strategies and best practices that promote and protect their interests, while minimizing their risk of future legal disputes.

JUSTIN MARTIN

Justin’s practice focuses exclusively on litigation encompassing insurance and health law matters. He works closely with clients to develop relationships built on trust, cooperation and mutual understanding. His specialty risk and insurance practice involves a wide variety of tort-related litigation, including municipal liability, property damage, personal injury, professional negligence, occupiers’ liability, and product liability claims. His health law practice primarily involves defending health professionals in civil lawsuits and regulatory proceedings. Justin has appeared on matters before the Ontario Superior Court, Small Claims Court, and Divisional Court. He has also assisted on matters before the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and has appeared before a number of administrative tribunals.

KIMBERLY CURA

Kim maintains a diverse litigation and dispute resolution practice, focusing on estates and trusts law, commercial disputes, and appellate advocacy. She has appeared in all levels of court in Ontario, including the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal, on estate and power of attorney disputes, as well as contractual and commercial disputes, including injunctions. She is also consulted by the media on issues related to wills and estates. Kim has worked with families through Pro Bono Ontario at Children’s Hospital, London Health Sciences Centre to appeal their denial of Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities, and is on the Board Development Committee for Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario.

MITCHELL BROWN

Mitch is a member of our health law, dispute resolution & advocacy, and appellate advocacy groups. With experience in both judge-alone and jury trials, appeals, private arbitrations, and numerous tribunals, he offers clients a wealth of strategic insight to help them find their best path through conflict.  He helps business owners and shareholders navigate problems of all sizes, provides a steady hand to help guide health professionals through regulatory proceedings, investigations, and civil lawsuits, and offers advice and representation across a range of traditional litigation matters to private individuals and organizations. Mitch has also acted as a mediator and conflict facilitator for Boards and organizations seeking pre-litigation dispute resolution support.

About Lerners LLP

Lerners LLP is one of Southwestern Ontario’s largest law firms with offices in London, Toronto, Waterloo Region, and Strathroy. Ours is a history of over 90 years of successful client service and representation and today we are more than 120 exceptionally skilled lawyers with abundant experience.

To arrange an interview with one of our lawyers or for more information, please contact:

Orna Dobner
Chief Brand and Culture Officer
Lerners LLP
416-601-2393
odobner@lerners.ca