Debbie Boswell
Partner
Debbie is a litigator and certified workplace investigator with expertise in appellate, health, education, and human rights law. She has appeared at all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada, and has a strong focus on appellate advocacy.
Areas of Expertise
Business and Contractual Disputes
Commercial Tenancies and Real Estate Litigation
Employment and Labour Disputes
Professional Negligence and Discipline
Shareholder Disputes
Education
Admitted to the New York Bar (2018)
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2017)
Juris Doctor (with distinction), University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Bachelor of Arts (with distinction), Western University (2013)
Education
Admitted to the New York Bar (2018)
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2017)
Juris Doctor (with distinction), University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Bachelor of Arts (with distinction), Western University (2013)
Education
Admitted to the New York Bar (2018)
Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2017)
Juris Doctor (with distinction), University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Bachelor of Arts (with distinction), Western University (2013)
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Canada, Ones to Watch, Appellate Practice (2024, 2025)
Graduation with Distinction, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Standing, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2013-2016)
1st Place Team, Wilson Moot (2015)
1st Place Written Arguments (tied), Wilson Moot (2015)
3rd Place Oralist, Wilson Moot (2015)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Award for Academic Excellence (2014)
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Award (2014)
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Prize in Contracts (2014)
Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal (2013)
Gold Medal – Scholar’s Electives Program, Western University (2013)
Faculty of Social Science Entrance Scholarship, Western University (2009-2013)
Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal (2009)
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Canada, Ones to Watch, Appellate Practice (2024, 2025)
Graduation with Distinction, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Standing, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2013-2016)
1st Place Team, Wilson Moot (2015)
1st Place Written Arguments (tied), Wilson Moot (2015)
3rd Place Oralist, Wilson Moot (2015)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Award for Academic Excellence (2014)
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Award (2014)
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Prize in Contracts (2014)
Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal (2013)
Gold Medal – Scholar’s Electives Program, Western University (2013)
Faculty of Social Science Entrance Scholarship, Western University (2009-2013)
Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal (2009)
Awards and Recognition
Best Lawyers in Canada, Ones to Watch, Appellate Practice (2024, 2025)
Graduation with Distinction, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2016)
Honours Standing, University of Toronto Faculty of Law (2013-2016)
1st Place Team, Wilson Moot (2015)
1st Place Written Arguments (tied), Wilson Moot (2015)
3rd Place Oralist, Wilson Moot (2015)
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP Award for Academic Excellence (2014)
Norton Rose Fulbright Canada LLP Award (2014)
Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP Prize in Contracts (2014)
Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal (2013)
Gold Medal – Scholar’s Electives Program, Western University (2013)
Faculty of Social Science Entrance Scholarship, Western University (2009-2013)
Governor General’s Academic Bronze Medal (2009)
Selected Presentations and Publications
Presenter, “Trial Advocacy Skills”, Western Law – Cherniak Cup (2024)
Presenter, “Workplace Investigations and Restorative Practices – A Trauma-Informed Approach”, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association – Labour Relations Symposium (2024)
Panelist, International Women’s Day Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2024)
Panelist, GROW Girls Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2023)
Chair, The Advocates’ Society London Mentoring Dinner (2023)
Presenter, “Professional Regulation for Dentists”, London & District Dental Society (2023)
Presenter, “Regional Round-up: Key Updates for Civil Proceedings Across Ontario”, Ontario Bar Association (2022)
Earl Cherniak, Jacob Damstra, Debbie Boswell, and Jordan McKie, Examinations 2021 Lerners LLP
Co-Author, “Limitations Act Chapters, 2. Incapable Persons/Appointment of Litigation Guardian, Sections 6 - 9” and “Limitations Act Chapters, 3. Attempted Resolutions, Successors, Acknowledgments, and Notices of Possible Claim, Sections 11 - 14” (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Which Way of the Lady Barristers’ Room? The #Powergap” The Middlesex Law Association SNAIL (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Unfortunately, the obvious needs to be stated (again): pay equity and the practice of law” Advocacy Matters (2021)
Panelist, “Applying for Clerkships”, Western Law (2019)
Cheryl Milne, John Greiss, and Deborah Boswell, “Symposium Summary: The State of Canada’s Constitutional Democracy”, (2016) 25:3 Constitutional Forum constitutionnel 1.
Selected Presentations and Publications
Presenter, “Trial Advocacy Skills”, Western Law – Cherniak Cup (2024)
Presenter, “Workplace Investigations and Restorative Practices – A Trauma-Informed Approach”, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association – Labour Relations Symposium (2024)
Panelist, International Women’s Day Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2024)
Panelist, GROW Girls Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2023)
Chair, The Advocates’ Society London Mentoring Dinner (2023)
Presenter, “Professional Regulation for Dentists”, London & District Dental Society (2023)
Presenter, “Regional Round-up: Key Updates for Civil Proceedings Across Ontario”, Ontario Bar Association (2022)
Earl Cherniak, Jacob Damstra, Debbie Boswell, and Jordan McKie, Examinations 2021 Lerners LLP
Co-Author, “Limitations Act Chapters, 2. Incapable Persons/Appointment of Litigation Guardian, Sections 6 - 9” and “Limitations Act Chapters, 3. Attempted Resolutions, Successors, Acknowledgments, and Notices of Possible Claim, Sections 11 - 14” (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Which Way of the Lady Barristers’ Room? The #Powergap” The Middlesex Law Association SNAIL (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Unfortunately, the obvious needs to be stated (again): pay equity and the practice of law” Advocacy Matters (2021)
Panelist, “Applying for Clerkships”, Western Law (2019)
Cheryl Milne, John Greiss, and Deborah Boswell, “Symposium Summary: The State of Canada’s Constitutional Democracy”, (2016) 25:3 Constitutional Forum constitutionnel 1.
Selected Presentations and Publications
Presenter, “Trial Advocacy Skills”, Western Law – Cherniak Cup (2024)
Presenter, “Workplace Investigations and Restorative Practices – A Trauma-Informed Approach”, Ontario Public School Boards’ Association – Labour Relations Symposium (2024)
Panelist, International Women’s Day Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2024)
Panelist, GROW Girls Event, Thames Valley District School Board (2023)
Chair, The Advocates’ Society London Mentoring Dinner (2023)
Presenter, “Professional Regulation for Dentists”, London & District Dental Society (2023)
Presenter, “Regional Round-up: Key Updates for Civil Proceedings Across Ontario”, Ontario Bar Association (2022)
Earl Cherniak, Jacob Damstra, Debbie Boswell, and Jordan McKie, Examinations 2021 Lerners LLP
Co-Author, “Limitations Act Chapters, 2. Incapable Persons/Appointment of Litigation Guardian, Sections 6 - 9” and “Limitations Act Chapters, 3. Attempted Resolutions, Successors, Acknowledgments, and Notices of Possible Claim, Sections 11 - 14” (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Which Way of the Lady Barristers’ Room? The #Powergap” The Middlesex Law Association SNAIL (2021)
Yola S. Ventresca and Debbie Boswell, “Unfortunately, the obvious needs to be stated (again): pay equity and the practice of law” Advocacy Matters (2021)
Panelist, “Applying for Clerkships”, Western Law (2019)
Cheryl Milne, John Greiss, and Deborah Boswell, “Symposium Summary: The State of Canada’s Constitutional Democracy”, (2016) 25:3 Constitutional Forum constitutionnel 1.
Noteworthy Cases
• Ontario (Attorney General) v. Working Families Coalition (Canada) Inc., 2025 SCC 5
Noteworthy Cases
• Ontario (Attorney General) v. Working Families Coalition (Canada) Inc., 2025 SCC 5
Noteworthy Cases
• Ontario (Attorney General) v. Working Families Coalition (Canada) Inc., 2025 SCC 5
Community Involvement
Ontario Bar Association, Women Lawyers Forum Section Executive (2024-Present)
Pro Bono Ontario, Supreme Court of Canada Leave to Appeal Assistance Project Volunteer (2022-Present)
The Advocates’ Society, Young Advocates Standing Committee Member (2022-2024)
Young Women in Law, Corporate Secretary (2022-2023)
Neighbourhood Legal Services, Board Member (2019-2022)
Lawyers Feed the Hungry, Volunteer (2016-2017, 2019-2020)
Interim Place (now Embrave), Board Member (2016-2018)
Community Involvement
Ontario Bar Association, Women Lawyers Forum Section Executive (2024-Present)
Pro Bono Ontario, Supreme Court of Canada Leave to Appeal Assistance Project Volunteer (2022-Present)
The Advocates’ Society, Young Advocates Standing Committee Member (2022-2024)
Young Women in Law, Corporate Secretary (2022-2023)
Neighbourhood Legal Services, Board Member (2019-2022)
Lawyers Feed the Hungry, Volunteer (2016-2017, 2019-2020)
Interim Place (now Embrave), Board Member (2016-2018)
Community Involvement
Ontario Bar Association, Women Lawyers Forum Section Executive (2024-Present)
Pro Bono Ontario, Supreme Court of Canada Leave to Appeal Assistance Project Volunteer (2022-Present)
The Advocates’ Society, Young Advocates Standing Committee Member (2022-2024)
Young Women in Law, Corporate Secretary (2022-2023)
Neighbourhood Legal Services, Board Member (2019-2022)
Lawyers Feed the Hungry, Volunteer (2016-2017, 2019-2020)
Interim Place (now Embrave), Board Member (2016-2018)
Memberships
Middlesex Law Association
Ontario Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
The Advocate’s Society
Memberships
Middlesex Law Association
Ontario Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
The Advocate’s Society
Memberships
Middlesex Law Association
Ontario Bar Association
Canadian Bar Association
The Advocate’s Society
About Debbie
Debbie Boswell is a partner in our Appeals, Dispute Resolution and Advocacy, Health Law, and Education Law London practice groups. She is also a certified workplace investigator. Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her practice. She is an accomplished litigator who has acted as counsel at all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
She specializes in assisting organizations, educators, healthcare practitioners, and other
As an active member of her community, Debbie regularly serves on boards or committees for not-for-profit organizations and professional associations. She has taught legal research and writing to law students, served as a moot coach
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys reading, yoga, travelling, and spending time with her young family.
Debbie Boswell is a partner in our Appeals, Dispute Resolution and Advocacy, Health Law, and Education Law London practice groups. She is also a certified workplace investigator. Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her practice. She is an accomplished litigator who has acted as counsel at all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
She specializes in assisting organizations, educators, healthcare practitioners, and other professionals with human rights matters, litigation, strategic advice, policy compliance, and professional regulation. She has a special interest in appellate advocacy after completing judicial clerkships at the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada.
As an active member of her community, Debbie regularly serves on boards or committees for not-for-profit organizations and professional associations. She has taught legal research and writing to law students, served as a moot coach advisor, and is an assessor within the Law Practice Program. Debbie is committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers and has served as a mentor to undergraduate, summer, and articling students. She is called to the bar in both Ontario and New York.
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys reading, yoga, travelling, and spending time with her young family.
Debbie Boswell is a partner in our Appeals, Dispute Resolution and Advocacy, Health Law, and Education Law London practice groups. She is also a certified workplace investigator. Debbie brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her practice. She is an accomplished litigator who has acted as counsel at all levels of court in Canada, including the Supreme Court of Canada.
She specializes in assisting organizations, educators, healthcare practitioners, and other professionals with human rights matters, litigation, strategic advice, policy compliance, and professional regulation. She has a special interest in appellate advocacy after completing judicial clerkships at the Court of Appeal for Ontario and the Supreme Court of Canada.
As an active member of her community, Debbie regularly serves on boards or committees for not-for-profit organizations and professional associations. She has taught legal research and writing to law students, served as a moot coach advisor, and is an assessor within the Law Practice Program. Debbie is committed to supporting the next generation of lawyers and has served as a mentor to undergraduate, summer, and articling students. She is called to the bar in both Ontario and New York.
Outside of work, Debbie enjoys reading, yoga, travelling, and spending time with her young family.
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Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
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Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.
Reach Out
Everyone at Lerners is committed to ensuring your matters are addressed with the attention and care you expect.