Our Team

Garfinkle Biderman is powered by a team of lawyers specializing in a wide range of practice areas.

Avrom W. Brown

Partner

Avrom joined Garfinkle Biderman in 1974 and became a partner one year later. His expertise in commercial real estate has afforded him a long relationship with institutional lenders, land developers and owner builders.

Experience

Extensive knowledge of all areas of commercial real estate

Education
  • 1973 Call to the Bar in Ontario;
  • 1971 Doctor of Jurisprudence, University of Windsor; and
  • 1968 B.A., Wilfred Laurier University.
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada;
  • Ontario Bar Association;
  • Ontario Bar Association – Real Estate Section;
  • Member Maple Downs Golf & Country Club – serving on various committees;
  • Past President, Adath Israel Synagogue;
  • Past President, MacDonald Chapter, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International;
  • Past President, Markham Provincial Progressive Conservative Riding Association;
  • Past Member, Executive Markham Federal Progressive Conservative Riding Association; and
  • Past Director, The Mayor’s Fund, Town of Markham Charitable Foundation.
Also Noteworthy
  • Previous instructor Commercial Law, North York Board of Education; and
  • Panel participant, various Canadian Bar Association Programs.

Louis M. Cytrynbaum

Partner

Louis first joined Garfinkle Biderman as an articling student back in June 1980. Over the years, he has honed his skills in many different areas of corporate and commercial law including corporate organization and reorganizations, estate freezes, business acquisitions and dispositions (including share purchase and sale transactions, asset purchase and sale transactions, and the acquisition and disposition of assets of insolvent entities in receivership or bankruptcy), personal property security transactions and the negotiation and implementation of loan agreements, shareholders’ agreements, partnership agreements and joint venture agreements.

Approach

Louis brings experience and acumen to the practice of corporate and commercial law, real estate law and estate planning. His wills and estates practice focuses on tax efficiencies and probate minimization strategies.

Experience
  • Knowledgeable in all aspects of corporate and commercial law; and
  • Represents clients in real estate matters focusing on commercial leases, land development joint ventures, purchases and sales of commercial, industrial and development properties, and private mortgage
Education
  • 1982 Call to the Bar in Ontario
  • 1980 L.LB. and B.C.L., McGill University (Quebec Civil Law)
  • 1976 Honours B.A., McGill University (Economics)
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Canadian Bar Association
Also Noteworthy

Louis is an active member of Beth Tikvah Synagogue, as well as a community volunteer.

Jordan Druxerman

Partner

Jordan assists local and national franchisors with all issues in the establishment and development of their franchise systems. Jordan represents franchisors in connection with all issues pertaining to the franchisor-franchisee relationship, including:

  • Drafting franchise agreements, master franchise agreements, area development agreements, area representative agreements and franchise disclosure documents
  • Drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial leases
  • Addressing issues surrounding financing and funding
  • Obtaining trademark protections and registrations
  • Coordinating international expansion
Approach

Jordan’s approach to practicing law is proactive with an emphasis on foresight and problem avoidance.

Education
  • 2009 Call to the Bar in Ontario
  • 2008 LL.B., University of Manitoba
  • 2003 B.A. (Hons.), York University
Associations/ Memberships
  • Canadian Franchise Association
  • Ontario and Canadian Bar Associations
Also Noteworthy
  • Avid skier, water skier, tennis player and runner
  • Recipient of the prestigious Caledon Ski Club “King of the Hill” award for being the fastest all-round skier and snowboarder

Grant Duthie

Partner

Grant’s practice is primarily focused on the areas of securities, corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions. He has significant experience representing both private and publicly traded companies, underwriters and dealers in both private and public offerings of debt and equity securities, mergers, and acquisitions. He advises clients in a wide range of industry sectors, including cannabis, life sciences, blockchain, natural resources and financial services.

Grant has been counsel for numerous private placements and M&A transactions, including the establishment of joint ventures, asset/share purchase and sale transactions, reverse takeovers, takeover bids, plans of arrangement and other corporate reorganizations. Grant also assists many companies in the strategic planning and review of corporate governance policies and compliance with securities regulations and stock exchange policies.

Select Experience
  • Lead counsel to 79North Ltd., a mining company led by a team with extensive mineral exploration expertise and a track record of discoveries and exits in South America and globally, in its reverse takeover of 12 Exploration Inc. and subsequent listing on the CSE.
  • Counsel to Canntab Therapeutics Limited, a Canadian cannabis oral dosage formulation company, in its reverse takeover of Telferscot Resources Inc. and subsequent listing on the CSE, which was supported by a concurrent $5-million private placement of subscription receipts.
  • Counsel to Canntab Therapeutics Limited, a Canadian cannabis oral dosage formulation company, in its non-brokered private placement of units for gross proceeds of $3.7-million.
  • Counsel to First Republic Capital Corporation, which acted as lead agent, in connection with a brokered private placement of FSD Pharma Inc. for gross proceeds of $33-million.
  • Counsel to FSD Pharma Inc., a biotech pharmaceutical R&D company, in connection with its non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $4.59-million.
  • Lead counsel to Hashoff LLC, social influencer marketing company, in its qualifying transaction with Conscience Capital Inc. and subsequent listing on the TSXV.
  • Counsel to High Tide Inc., a leading Canadian cannabis retailer, in connection with its acquisition of Meta Growth Corp. by way of a plan of arrangement, to form the largest Canadian cannabis retailer, and subsequent listing on the TSXV.
  • Counsel to i3 Interactive Inc. in connection with its reverse takeover and subsequent listing on the CSE, which was supported by a concurrent $5.7-million private placement of units.
  • Lead counsel to Navasota Resources Inc. in connection with its reverse takeover by I.M.C. Holdings Ltd., one of the world’s pioneering medical cannabis companies with operations in Israel and across Europe, and subsequent listing on the CSE, which was supported by a concurrent $20.4-million brokered private placement of subscription receipts.
  • Lead counsel to Pool Safe Inc. in its qualifying transaction with Pounder Venture Capital Corp. and subsequent listing on the TSXV, which was supported by a concurrent $1.25-million brokered private placement of subscription receipts.
  • Lead counsel to Randsburg International Gold Corp. in connection with its reverse takeover by Cresco Labs, LLC, one of the largest vertically-integrated multi-state cannabis operators in the United States, and subsequent listing on the CSE, which was supported by a concurrent $107.3-million brokered private placement of subscription receipts.
  • Counsel to Red Light Holland Corp., a producer and distributor of a premium brand of magic truffles to the legal, recreational market within the Netherlands, in its (A) CSE listing, which was supported by a $4-million non-brokered private placement of subscription receipts, (B) $5-million brokered private placement of units, and (C) $9.77-million public offering of units by way of short form prospectus.
  • Lead counsel to Spyder Vapes Inc., an established Canadian cannabis and vape retailer, in its qualifying transaction with Anchor Capital Corporation and subsequent listing on the TSXV, which was supported by a private placement of $1.75-million of convertible debentures.
  • Counsel to World Class Extractions Inc., an innovation-driven company with a principle focus on the rapidly evolving cannabis and hemp industries, in its reverse takeover of CBD Med Research and subsequent listing on the CSE, which was supported by a concurrent $23-million private placement of subscription receipts.
  • Counsel to World Class Extractions Inc., an innovation-driven company with a principle focus on the rapidly evolving cannabis and hemp industries, in connection with its acquisition of Quadron Cannatech Corporation by way of a plan of arrangement.
Education & Memberships
  • Admitted to the Ontario Bar
  • J.D., University of Western Ontario (Dean’s Honour List and recipient of Law Society of Upper Canada Prize)
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • American Bar Association

Adam Fishman

Partner

Adam practices in the firm’s corporate commercial and securities groups, primarily focused in the areas of corporate financings, mergers and acquisitions and securities. He has extensive experience representing clients in public and private offerings (including bought deals and private placements), stock exchange listings, share and asset purchases and sales, joint ventures, qualifying transactions, plan of arrangements, and reverse takeovers, among other general corporate and commercial transactions. Adam also regularly assists clients in on-going reporting, corporate governance and compliance with stock exchange policies and securities regulations.

Adam joined the firm as an associate in 2020. Prior to joining the firm, Adam was an associate at local securities law firm in Toronto. During his time at Queen’s, Adam specialized in corporate and international law attending two international exchange programs and was a student case worker at the Queen’s Business Law Clinic providing legal assistance and advice to start-ups, entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organizations.

Education / Associations
  • Ontario Bar (2020)
  • Queen’s University, Faculty of Law (J.D. 2019)
  • ESADE Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain (Winter 2018)
  • Bader International Study Centre, Sussex, England (Summer 2017)
  • Western University (BMOS Finance 2015)
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association

Michelle Frost

Partner

Michelle’s commercial real estate practice focuses on land development, condominium and new home sales and the purchase and sale of vacant land and buildings. Michelle is also skilled in negotiating a wide variety of commercial leases both for landlords and tenants. In addition, Michelle acts for private corporations, individuals and institutions to complete financing transactions.

Experience

Represents builders, developers, corporations, landlords, tenants, financial institutions and individuals.

Education
  • 2003 Call to the Bar in Ontario
  • 2002 LL.B. Osgoode Hall Law School
  • 1999 Honours B.A., York University (Psychology)
  • 1-year program, Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada;
  • Canadian Bar Association;
  • Ontario Bar Association, Real Property Section – Member of the Executive; and
  • Young Women of Baycrest.
Also Noteworthy
  • Volunteered for Canadian Friends of Hebrew University of Jerusalem and United Jewish Appeal; and
  • Served as Vice President of the board of directors of a condominium for two years.

Wendy Greenspoon-Soer

Partner

Wendy joined Garfinkle Biderman in 1991 as an articling student and became a partner in 1999. She specializes in all areas of insolvency and commercial litigation with a strong focus on property-related litigation and title rectification. Wendy acts for private lenders and borrowers in mortgage enforcement matters and she has significant experience in matters relating to ownership disputes, including Partition and Sale proceedings, Certificates of Pending Litigation, actions for specific performance to enforce agreements of purchase and sale and injunctive proceedings. She represents property owners, builders, and contractors in construction lien matters. She also represents commercial landlords and tenants in tenancy disputes and real estate agents and brokers in both litigation and regulatory proceedings.

Wendy’s practice also includes title insurance matters, as well as real estate conveyancing and private mortgage transactional work, making her uniquely qualified to approach real property litigation with a greater understanding and perspective.

Experience
  • Extensive knowledge and experience in all areas of insolvency, commercial litigation and construction law; and
  • Has appeared before the Provincial courts, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Residential Landlord and Tenant Board, the Committee of Adjustments, the Land Titles Tribunal, the Real Estate Council of Ontario, the Ontario Real Estate Board and the Human Rights Tribunal.
Education
  • 1999 LL.M., Osgoode Hall, York University (Banking and Financial Services Law)
  • 1993 Call to the Bar in Ontario
  • 1991 LL.B., Osgoode Hall, York University
  • 1988 B.A., McGill University (Psychology)
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Canadian Bar Association

Alexander Hora

Partner

Alexander practices in the firm’s Litigation group. His work focuses on commercial disputes with an emphasis on business disputes, contracts, real property, franchising matters, construction liens, mortgage enforcement, collections, commercial leases, bankruptcy and insolvency, and employment matters.

Experience

Alexander has broad experience providing strategic and effective advice to clients to resolve disputes when possible or to otherwise pursue more forceful legal remedies when needed. Alexander has acted for clients with matters at all levels of Court in Ontario, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Commercial List and the Ontario Court of Appeal as well as a number of administrative tribunals.

Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman, Alexander practiced at an insurance defence litigation boutique.

Education
  • 2012 Call to the Bar, Ontario
  • 2011 J.D., Queen’s University
  • 2008 B.Com. (with Distinction), McGill University
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Advocate’s Society

Nanditha Iyer

Associate

Nanditha is a Securities & Capital Markets Associate with Garfinkle Biderman LLP. She completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences at Western University in 2019 and graduated from Western Law in 2022. Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman, Nanditha articled at the Calgary office of a large national firm.

In Nanditha’s spare time, she enjoys travelling, trying out new restaurants, and watching the latest box office movies.

Rohit Jha

Associate

Rohit’s transactional practice is concentrated on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. He has experience with qualifying transactions, reverse takeover transactions, public and private equity and debt offerings, plans of arrangement, and stock exchange listings. His experience as a trusted corporate and securities lawyer enables him to provide strategic legal advice to a broad range of clients, including large public and private corporations, financial institutions, family businesses, and entrepreneurs. He has worked with private company clients as well as publicly traded companies with listings in Canada, USA and the UK.

Rohit is frequently recognized by clients for his attention to detail, responsiveness to client concerns, and his commitment to closing deals quickly, efficiently and with a view to protecting his clients’ interests for the long term. He advises clients in a wide range of industries, including life sciences, blockchain, cannabis, natural resources and financial services. Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman, Rohit was a senior associate at a prominent firm in downtown Toronto on their securities team.

Kritika Kapoor

Associate

Kritika is an Associate in the firm’s corporate/commercial and franchise groups. She carries the distinction of being dual qualified, with substantial legal experience both in India and Canada. In India, she spent three years at a leading tax law firm before moving to Toronto, where she completed her articles at a top-tier business law firm.

Kritika’s practice is comprehensive and multifaceted. She specializes in tax reorganizations and planning, franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. Kritika’s approach to law is uniquely tailored, informed by her diverse experiences that extend beyond the courtroom and include running a small business in the organic products sector. This multifaceted background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ business needs, enabling her to provide tailored and effective legal solutions.

Education
  • Called to the Ontario Bar – 2024
  • Master’s in law (LLM), University of Toronto, – 2022
  • Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Laws (BA.LLB), Amity University, India – 2017
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Delhi Bar Council of India
  • Bar Council of India
Also, Noteworthy

Outside of her practice, Kritika is committed to making a difference. She runs an NGO for underprivileged girls in India and in her free time, she enjoys horseback riding and cooking. Kritika also takes pleasure in hosting friends and family and has a fondness for exploring and trying different coffees and cocktails.

L. Mitchell Kazdan

Partner

Mitchell joined Garfinkle Biderman in 1997 and has been a Partner since 2002. His high volume practice involves all aspects of real property law including: purchases, sales and financing of commercial, industrial and residential properties; land acquisition and development; builder/developer sales of freehold properties; condominium development (both residential and commercial) and sales; commercial lease drafting, review and negotiation both on behalf of tenant and landlord; and drafting of Agreements of Purchase and Sale, Condominium Disclosure documentation, private agreements, easements, licences, and various other contracts and related commercial instruments.

Approach

Mitchell’s hands-on, practical approach is a key reason why his clients have confidence transactions are handled in a thorough yet expeditious manner. In addition, Mitchell takes pride in being readily reachable by phone or email.

Experience
  • Represents institutional and private lenders
  • Represents high profile builders
  • Skilled in running a large volume practice
  • Acted on purchases and sales of retail plazas, industrial/commercial lands and a large number of residential properties
  • Extensive drafting and negotiation experience
  • Handled all aspects of land development
  • Solid experience with general corporate/commercial matters
Education
  • 1995 Call to the Bar in Ontario
  • 1993 Juris Doctor Degree, Osgoode Hall Law School
Special Designation

Certified Specialist (Real Estate Law) by the Law Society of Upper Canada

Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Ontario Bar Association
Also Noteworthy
  • Speaker at a number of seminars for Builders, Lenders and Real Estate Agents
  • Lead presentations on the Condominium Act, 1998 (Ontario), the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act (Ontario) and a wide array of other industry related topics.
  • Enjoys playing softball and has been involved in the Thornhill Slopitch League since 1995

Jeffrey A.L. Kriwetz

Partner

Jeffrey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario in 1985. He completed his first year of law school at the University of Ottawa, and then transferred to Osgoode Hall Law School where he received his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1989. Since his call to the bar in 1991, he has practiced with the litigation group at Garfinkle Biderman.

Jeffrey has a varied and diverse clientele consisting of private and public business corporations, financial institutions, private lenders, manufacturers, retailers, transportation and logistic service providers, builders, property developers, commercial landlords, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals.

He has been the lead counsel on several trials, appeals, motions, applications, arbitrations and mediations. Jeffrey has acted, and continues to act, as counsel on cases before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Ontario Divisional Court. He has also represented clients on matters before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, the Ministry of Labour and the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.

His practice focuses on:
  • Commercial litigation, including:
    • contract disputes relating to the purchase and sale of manufacturing equipment, inventory, raw materials and consumer goods;
    • the enforcement of creditors’ rights under loan agreements, security agreements (including proceedings relating to the Ontario Personal Property Security Act) and guarantees;
    • fraud, fraudulent conveyances and fraudulent preferences;
    • professional negligence;
    • corporate directors liability;
    • shareholders disputes; and
    • oppression applications.
  • Litigation related to real property, including;
    • mortgage enforcement on behalf of lenders on both commercial and residential properties, including power of sale proceedings, judicial sale actions and foreclosure actions;
    • commercial lease disputes, including the enforcement of the landlord’s rights and relief from forfeiture applications;
    • construction law matters representing owners, contractors and mortgage lenders in both lien claims and trust claims under the Construction Act;
    • disputes involving agreements of purchase and sale for both residential and commercial properties;
    • environmental issues; and
    • expropriation.
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency, representing secured and unsecured creditors, receivers and trustees in matters including:
    • bankruptcy applications;
    • receivership applications; and
    • proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act;
  • Employment Law, including:
    • wrongful dismissal claims;
    • proceedings before the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal;
    • proceedings before the Ontario Ministry of Labour;
    • drafting and negotiating employment agreements;
    • drafting employment policies; and
    • taking measures to reduce the risk of employment-related claims.

He is involved in several professional and community organizations, and frequently writes articles, and speaks to various groups on topics, relating to his areas of practice.

Mark Lauriola

Associate

Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman in 2020, Mark practiced real estate law and corporate commercial law at a boutique law firm in Toronto where he gained extensive knowledge in the practice areas. At Garfinkle Biderman, Mark practices in the firm’s real estate and corporate commercial groups, representing individual and corporate clients in all areas of real property, institutional lenders, private lenders, land developers, and businesses.

Approach

Mark prides himself on providing excellent service to all of his clients. Mark’s approach to his high-volume practice is to provide them with personal attention and guide them through the process every step of the way. His practical and collaborative approach enables him to provide clients with timely and effective solutions to their objectives. Mark enjoys interacting with his clients and makes himself readily available.

Experience
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Residential Real Estate
  • Corporate Transactions
  • Commercial Transactions
Education
  • 2018 Call to the Bar, Ontario
  • 2017 LL.M., Osgoode Hall Law School
  • 2016 LL.B., with Upper Class Honours, University of Kent
  • 2014 B.A., with Honours, University of Toronto
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Canadian Italian Advocates Organization
Also Noteworthy

In his spare time, Mark enjoys playing soccer, long-distance running, watching sports, and spending time with family and friends.

Blair Mestel

Partner

Blair’s real estate practice focuses on a range of commercial real estate matters with an emphasis on acquisition, disposition and financing.

Blair regularly acts for chartered banks, insurance companies, and private lenders on a variety of commercial and construction real estate lending matters. His lending clients turn to him for his high level of personal service, ability to digest complex matters into efficient solutions, and his knack for “getting the deal done.” Blair also acts for a number of private commercial and residential developers who gain the considerable benefit of his commercial financing experience on their ongoing real estate transactions.

Blair performed his undergraduate studies at McGill University and graduated law school from the University of Toronto. Blair joined Garfinkle Biderman in 2016 and has been a partner since 2020. Outside of the office, Blair enjoys a relaxing game of golf and spending time with friends and family.

Monica Peters

Partner

Monica specializes in commercial litigation. Her practice covers disputes pertaining to contracts, property, commercial leasing, securities, construction, and mortgage enforcement.

Monica has successfully represented clients before the Ontario Superior Court, Ontario Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, and at Arbitrations.

Monica holds a Juris Doctor from Queens University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Queens University. She is a semi-regular contributor to the Canadian Real Estate Wealth magazine and is published in Landlord’s Rights and Remedies in a Commercial Lease: A Practical Guide, 2nd Edition, The Lawyers Weekly, and various online forums.

Shimmy Posen

Partner

Shimmy joined Garfinkle Biderman as an associate in 2012. He practices in the firm’s corporate commercial and securities groups, with an emphasis on corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions.

Shimmy’s transactional experience includes domestic and cross-border public and private corporate finance transactions representing both public and private companies, agents and underwriters as well as mergers and acquisitions in a variety of industries. He also advises public companies and dissent groups on general corporate, proxy fights, and securities law matters including stock exchange listings, continuous disclosure obligations and other regulatory compliance issues.

Approach

Shimmy’s approach to his law practice is to provide solution-oriented value to the client and facilitate transactions as efficiently as possible.

Experience

Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman, Shimmy completed his articling term with a prestigious national law firm in downtown Toronto, where he gained experience in a number of practice areas, including corporate, securities, mining and tax law.

Education
  • 2012 Call to the Bar in Ontario (Law Society of Upper Canada)
  • 2011 J.D., Osgoode Hall Law School
  • 2008 B.A., York University (Political Science)
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Upper Canada
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
Also Noteworthy

Shimmy is an active member of the Jewish community and is involved with numerous political and charitable organizations. In addition, while attending Osgoode Hall Law School, Shimmy earned the top grades in two of his advance tax courses and was the recipient of the Thorsteinssons Prize in Taxation of Business Enterprises.

Joseph D. Simile

Associate

Joseph joined Garfinkle Biderman LLP’s real estate group after practicing at boutique firms specializing in real estate law. Prior to his legal career, Joseph completed his iBBA at the Schulich School of Business graduating with Distinction and receiving a Certificate of Management for International Trade & Development.

Experience

Represents institutional and private lenders, builders, developers, corporations and individuals in real estate and financing matters.

Education
  • 2022 Call to the Bar, Ontario
  • 2021 JD, Osgoode Hall Law School
  • 2016 iBBA, Schulich School of Business
Associations/Memberships
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Canadian Italian Advocates Organization

Joseph Tung

Associate

Joseph Tung is a Securities Associate with Garfinkle Biderman. Joseph specializes in corporate and securities law, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, and securities. He is experienced in representing clients in financing, reverse takeovers, qualifying transactions, share and asset purchases and sales, and stock exchange listings, among other transactions. Having worked at a Canadian chartered bank as a financial advisor and analyst, Joseph has extensive experience in the financial services industry.

Additionally, he provides guidance to emerging companies regarding corporate governance and general securities and corporate law matters as part of provincial securities commission compliance reviews.

In Joseph’s spare time, he enjoys reading up on cryptocurrency, building patios and decks, and working to ensure his lawn is greener than his neighbours’.

Victor Turcanu

Associate

Victor is an Associate in the firm’s corporate/commercial and franchise groups. Prior to joining the firm, Victor articled with a large mid-size firm in Toronto. His broad transactional practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, franchising, and general corporate matters. Victor assists and advises a diverse range of individual and corporate clients across various industries, from emerging tech start-ups to food and beverage companies.

Victor obtained his Juris Doctor at Osgoode Hall Law School. While in law school, Victor was the President of the Osgoode Mooting Society, where he oversaw Osgoode’s first-year mooting program. He was also the President of the Law Students’ Society of Ontario (LSSO), representing and advocating on behalf of over 4,500 law students across Ontario. He remains an active member of the LSSO Advisory Board to this day.

Approach

Victor’s practice is solutions and results oriented. With an acute business sense and an entrepreneurial approach, Victor works directly with clients to achieve their objectives, while emphasizing proactivity and efficient business outcomes.

Education
  • Called to the Ontario Bar – 2022
  • Juris Doctor, Osgoode Hall Law School (York University) – 2021
  • Bachelor of Science, Dalhousie University – 2018
  • Associations/Memberships
Law Society of Ontario
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Toronto Lawyers Association
  • Law Students’ Society of Ontario – member of the Advisory Board
Also Noteworthy

Outside of his practice, Victor enjoys all forms of high-intensity exercise, sports, and travel. Prior to law school, Victor was a nationally ranked athlete and small business owner.

Megan Van Kessel

Megan is an associate in the firm’s litigation and franchise groups. Her litigation practice focuses on various areas of law including corporate and commercial, employment, civil claims, residential tenancies, and commercial and residential real estate. On the franchise side, Megan assists and advises individual and corporate clients across diverse industries with a wide array of franchising and corporate matters.

Before joining Garfinkle Biderman, Megan practised at a leading civil litigation boutique in Toronto. She obtained her Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School, where she completed an internship at the Human Rights Legal Support Centre and held multiple research assistant positions. Prior to law school, Megan graduated from Queen’s University as the Gold Medalist of her class.

Megan has a keen eye for detail and is dedicated to helping her clients achieve their goals. Whether you are a business owner seeking to expand your franchise or are involved in a complex commercial dispute, Megan has the knowledge and skills to help you achieve a successful outcome.

Education
  • Called to the Ontario Bar – 2022
  • Juris Doctor, Osgoode Hall Law School (York University) – 2021
  • Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Queen’s University – 2018

Jessica T. Whitton

Jessica’s practice focuses on corporate commercial and securities law matters, advising agents and underwriters, as well as public and private issuers. She assists clients on a variety of transactions, including private placements of equity and debt securities, public offerings, reverse takeovers, going-public transactions and new listings, mergers and acquisitions, continuous disclosure requirements and corporate governance matters.

Jessica has served as corporate secretary and as a director to several public companies and reporting issuers.

Prior to joining Garfinkle Biderman, Jessica practiced at a large national firm in Toronto. Jessica articled at a boutique corporate securities firm based in Toronto.

Jessica received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Southampton in 2017, and her Certificate of Qualification from the Federation of Law Societies in 2018.

Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University. During her time in law school, Jessica was an active participant in mooting and international negotiation competitions.

Professional Involvement
  • Member, Law Society of Ontario
  • Member, Ontario Bar Association
Education
  • LLB, University of Southampton, 2017
  • BA (Hons.), Queen’s University, 2014
Bar Admissions

Ontario, 2019