Lisa Allegro, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Rui J. M. Alves, Lawyer at Laurel Family Law LLP   

Sarah J. Armstrong, Partner at Fasken

Reem Bahdi, Dean of Law, University of Windsor

Michael Barrack, Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP​

Brigitte Barsalou, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Shannon Beddoe, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Jessica Brown, Partner at Halpern Law Group

Andrea Burke, Partner at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP

Georgina Carson – Partner at Carson Chousky Lein LLP.    

Alexandra Carr, Partner at Lenkinsky, Hooper & Carr

Andrew Chris, Partner at Normandin Chris LLP

Victoria Craig, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Sophia Cripouris, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Erin Crawford, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Darryl A Cruz, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Tom Curry, Partner at Lenczner Slaght 

Milton A. Davis, Lawyer at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP

Erin Durant, Lawyer and Founder at Durant Barristers

Maureen Edwards, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Bryce Edwards, Partner at Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP

Mike Eizenga, Partner, Bennett Jones

Nils Engelstad, SVP General Counsel at Alamos Gold Inc.

Kenneth A. Fishman, Partner at Boulby Weinberg LLP

Aaron Franks, Partner at Epstein Cole LLP

Dani Z Frodis, Founding Partner at Frodis Family Law

Stephanie Garbe, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Sundeep A. Gokhale, Partner at Sherrard Kuzz LLP

Stephen Grant, Counsel at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Peter Griffin, Counsel at Lenczner Slaght 

Joseph Groia, Principal of Groia & Company

Robert M. Halpern, Halpern Law Group

Sana Halwani, Partner at Lenczner Slaght LLP

Lauren Hanna, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Julie Hannaford, President at J K Hannaford Barrister

Jeff Hergott, Partner at Wildeboer Dellelce LLP

Christopher Horkins, Partners at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP  

Gillian Hnatiw, Founding Partner of Gillian Hnatiw & Co.

Ian Hull, Partner and Co-founder of Hull & Hull LLP

Farrah Hudani, Founding Partner at Burrison Hudani Doris

William Hutcheson, Barrister & Solicitor

Kelly D Jordan, Principal Lawyer at Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm

Gary Joseph, Counsel and Chair at MacDonald & Partners LLP

Imran Emmanuel Kamal, MAG, LSO Certified Specialist Indigenous Legal Issues

George Karahotzitis, Partner at Thomson, Rogers

Maxine M. Kerr, Owner of Maxine M. Kerr Family Law & Mediation

The Honourable Fran Kiteley, Retired 2021, Ontario Superior Court of Justice

Michael Kleinman, Founding partner at Kleinman Family Law

Emily Lawrence, Managing Partner, Paliare Roland LLP

Justin Lee, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Esther Lenkinski, Partner at Lenkinski, Hooper & Carr LLP

Jonathan Lisus, Partner at Lax O'Sullivan Lisus Gottlieb LLP

Alfred A Mamo, Lawyer at McKenzie Lake Lawyers

Christopher Mamo, Founding Partner, Niman Mamo LLP

Zechariah Martin, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Jennifer Mathers McHenry, Founding Partner at Mathers McHenry & Co

Valarie Matthews, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Ian C. Matthews, Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Martha McCarthy, Founding Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Richard Moon, Professor of Law, University of Windsor

Brendan F Morrison, Partner at Lenczner Slaght LLP

Tami Moscoe, Counsel at Office of the Children's Lawyer

Kimberly Muio, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Brad Nicpon, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP

Harold Niman, Counsel at Niman Counsel

Kristen Normandin, Partner at Normandin Chris LLP

Ted Oldfield, Partner at Madorin, Snyder LLP

Laurie Pawlitza, Past Treasurer, LSO, Partner, Torkin Manes LLP

Linda Plumpton, Partner at Torys LLP

Suzana Popovic-Montag, Managing Partner at Hull & Hull LLP

Alex Procope, Lawyer at Perez Bryan Procope LLP

Andy Pushalik, Partner, National Practice Group Leader, Dentons LLP

Joanna Radbord, LSM, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Jonathan Robinson, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Danielle Robitaille, Managing Partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

Susan M. Sack, Partner at Rosen | Sack LLP

Gerald Sadvari, Counsel at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Haya Sakakini, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Joseph Slavec, Partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP

Alex Smith, Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

Bryan Smith, Partner at Lerners LLP

Cynthia Spry​, Partner at Babin Bessner Spry LLP

Michael J. Stangarone, Partners at MacDonald & Partners LLP

Chris Sunstrum, Partner at Goodmans LLP

Erica Tait, Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

Kent E. Thomson, Partner at Davies

Lauren Tomasich, Partner at Osler

Christopher Waters, Professor at Faculty of Law, University of Windsor, Co-Editor, Canadian Bar Review

Lorne H. Wolfson, Partner at Torkin Manes LLP Barristers & Solicitor

Janice Wright, Partner at Wright Temelini LLP

Melanie A. Yach, Partner at Aird & Berlis LLP

Lorna M. Yates, Lawyer at Laurel Family Law

Ilana Zylberman Dembo, partner at Epstein Cole LLP

Eli M. Udell, Partner and Head of Real Estate Group at Merovitz Potechin LLP

“I wholeheartedly endorse Heather for Bencher of the Law Society of Ontario. As her long-time colleague, mentor and friend, I have seen firsthand her passion for access to justice and her ability to address complex legal issues. She has worked with me as co-counsel, appeared before me in arbitrations and mediations, and even acted opposite me in court. Heather is dedicated to ensuring access to justice, promoting diversity and inclusion, and fostering professionalism ad integrity in the legal profession. She will make an excellent Bencher and I strongly encourage you to vote for her in the upcoming election.”
Stephen Grant, LSM, ASM, Counsel, McCarthy Hansen & Company LLP.

“I support Heather Hansen as a candidate for Bencher in the 2023 election.  She is a talented advocate who is proficient in the art of persuasion.   From my personal perspective as a now retired judge of the Superior Court, Heather is a leader in the use of technology to the benefit of her clients, other lawyers, the judges and the administration of justice.   She has a balanced and insightful perspective including on issues relevant to governance of the legal profession.   She has a keen understanding of access to justice issues, particularly in family law. 

A key function of the Law Society is to ensure that members meet standards of learning, professional competence and professional conduct having regard to specified principles including a duty to maintain and advance the cause of justice and the rule of law; a duty to act so as to facilitate access to justice; and a duty to protect the public interest.  I am confident that Heather has the skills, the perspective and the enthusiasm to carry out that mandate.”
The Honourable Fran Kiteley, Retired 2021, Ontario Superior Court of Justice

"Heather is exactly the kind of Bencher we need.  She is thoughtful, hardworking and deeply engaged with the issues facing our profession and the public.  Her calm demeanor and respectful approach will make her an extremely effective member of convocation."
Mike Eizenga, LSM, Partner, Bennett Jones

“Convocation needs benchers who understand the practice of family law in the trenches.  Heather is an innovator, a diplomat and a proponent of positive change for the profession and the people we serve.  She practises family law at the highest levels of advocacy, civility and professionalism, but also never loses sight of the fact that our clients are the ones who the system is meant to serve.  She has fresh ideas for old problems and is deeply committed to access to justice.  Heather will make an excellent bencher if elected and I commend her as a candidate who will roll up her sleeves and get stuff done.”
Martha McCarthy, LSM, Founding Partner at McCarthy Hansen & Company

“I am voting for Heather Hansen for Bencher.  Heather is thoughtful,  does her homework, and thinks independently. She  understands that a bencher’s job is to govern the profession in the public interest.  She also knows  that being a bencher does not mean slavishly voting with a slate.  As a former Treasurer and elected bencher for  three consecutive terms, I  know that the best benchers listen respectfully, and come to their own well-reasoned decisions. Heather will do all of those things and more. Heather Hansen will be an excellent bencher.  She deserves your vote.”
Laurie H. Pawlitza​, Former Treasurer, LSO, Partner, Torkin Manes, LLP.

“Heather has my endorsement and full confidence to lead and govern our profession at this critical juncture. I know Heather as a passionate advocate, a family law expert and a serious businesswoman. Heather has the work-ethic and the perspective required for the job. Heather’s experience on the front lines of the justice system and as a leader of a highly esteemed boutique firm make her an ideal candidate for bencher. She will work tireless for our profession and in the public interest. Heather has my vote!”
Danielle Robitaille, Managing Partner at Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP

“Heather is a bright, conscientious and hard-working lawyer who fights hard for her clients’ interests, but who can still pick up the phone to discuss a sensible, pragmatic resolution to the conflict. I have no doubts that she would approach her responsibilities as a bencher in the same manner, and I have no hesitation in supporting her candidacy.”
Rui J. M. Alves, Lawyer at Laurel Family Law LLP   
 
“Heather Hansen is the perfect candidate for the position of Bencher. She has been at the forefront of real change in the legal profession and continues to be a leading example of lawyering with the highest degree of professionalism, poise and ethics. Heather truly believes in providing mentorship and unwavering support for young females joining the profession – she understands the importance of being a role model and is someone who I have always admired professionally and personally. Heather is an experienced and dedicated family lawyer paving the way for the next generation and will further her goals on a broader level as Bencher.”
Sophia Cripouris, Lawyer at McCarthy Hansen & Company

“I support Ms. Hansen as a bencher for many reasons. She is committed to restoring public confidence in the profession, which we desperately need at this time. She is also committed to restoring cohesiveness within the profession, particularly through mentorship. Ms. Hansen is committed to family law reform, an issue that all of us should care about – not just family law lawyers. Broadly, she is committed to access to justice and specifically, she is passionate about the advancement of technology in our courthouses – we are in dire need of advocacy for the advancement of technology in our profession. Ms. Hansen embodies the qualities we need from a Bencher.”
Imran Emmanuel Kamal, MAG, LSO Certified Specialist Indigenous Legal Issues

“In the three decades that I have known Heather she has demonstrated an unfailing commitment to personal integrity, justice and empathy. Combining these attributes with a demonstrable record of hard work, leadership skills and an unparalleled grasp of the gritty technical elements of legal practice, she has developed an impressive resume of professional achievements. Heather and I do not always agree on policy and politics, but in even the most heated debate she brings a professional commitment to listen, engage and treat differing views with respect. Indeed, these are critical foundational principles of our justice system and precisely the qualities required of a bencher to support good governance and democratic accountability in a world that often feels increasingly divided.”
Brad Nicpon, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP

“Heather has all of the qualities of an effective leader. She is an attentive listener and a practical problem solver. She has the integrity and decisiveness to create solutions that are in the best interests of the profession and the public we serve. We need Heather Hansen’s strong voice at convocation. ”
Alfred A Mamo, Lawyer at McKenzie Lake Lawyers

“Heather Hansen is a visionary – a leader with immense legal and business acumen. I have known Heather since she was an articling student. She is recognized for her innovation and integrity.  As a lawyer running a small firm, I turn to Heather for support when I need solid advice. Look no further. You’ve found your bencher.”
Kelly D Jordan, Principal Lawyer at Kelly D. Jordan Family Law Firm

“Heather Hansen is a relationship builder:  with younger lawyers seeing mentorship; with other sole and small firms; with her family law colleagues; and within the profession.  Heather and the Good Governance Coalition will lead our profession with integrity, inclusion and creativity.  She has my full support!”
Lorna M. Yates, Lawyer at Laurel Family Law

“I have known Heather personally and professionally for many years, and enthusiastically endorse her candidacy for Bencher.  Heather has the highest regard for our courts and will work hard to maintain the integrity of our profession.  Heather also has important insight into the business of the profession, having successfully managed one of the province’s premier family law firms.”
Brendan F Morrison, Partner at Lenczner Slaght LLP

“I know Heather to be a deeply engaged and thoughtful lawyer who cares about our profession. I have no doubt she will apply her drive and determination to our collective benefit, which is why I enthusiastically endorse her election as a Bencher.”
Ian C. Matthews, Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

“I am proud to support Heather as a Bencher candidate. In her professional career, Heather has become a strong voice for her clients and a highly respected advocate. She has all of the skills necessary to lead as a Bencher too.”
Suzana Popovic-Montag, Managing Partner at Hull & Hull LLP

“I support Heather Hansen’s candidacy for Bencher. I have worked with Heather on a committed of the Advocates’ Society and know her to be thoughtful, dedicated and a fierce advocate for initiatives that she believes in. She has the ability to listen to different voices and perspectives and works hard to bring divergent views together. She would represent the public interest well at convocation.”
Erin Durant, Lawyer and Founder at Durant Barristers
 
“Heather is a tireless advocate for her clients and as a bencher she will no doubt be a true leader for the bar. I support her and encourage the profession to do so too.”
Ian Hull, Partner and Co-founder of Hull & Hull LLP

“I enthusiastically support Heather’s candidacy; she is precisely the type of person we need to govern us; I am grateful for her desire to serve.” 
Yola S. Ventresca, Managing Partner at Lerners LLP

“While I am opposed to the introduction of party politics in this election , I nevertheless intend to support talented, thoughtful and practical lawyers of any party who I believe will make important contributions to the legal profession as hardworking and sensible benchers. That’s why I plan to vote for Heather and urge you to do so as well.”
Joseph Groia , Principal of Groia & Company

“Most people have little contact with the administration of justice except for family law. Family law issues stand at the forefront of issues such as accessibility to justice not only because of cost but also delay. Heather is familiar with these issues and will be able to represent the family law bar in acting as bencher.  She deserves our support.”
Esther Lenkinski, Partner at Lenkinski, Hooper & Carr LLP
 
“Ms. Hansen is an ideal candidate for a Bencher seat and she has my full support.  She is an experienced and well respected member of the family law bar who I am confident will make a significant positive impact in the role.”
George Karahotzitis, Partner at Thomson, Rogers

“I have known Heather since she was a summer student at Epstein Cole. She cares deeply about family law and this profession. I know she will be a hard working and dedicated Bencher when elected. She has my support.”
Ilana Zylberman Dembo, partner at Epstein Cole LLP

“I have had opportunity to junior on files opposite Ms. Hansen. In the course of doing so, I have admired her unwavering professionalism and strong advocacy skills. This, combined with her sharp intellect and mindful approach to legal issues, is a strong example for younger lawyers in our bar.  I am a proud member of the LSO and would be prouder still to have Ms. Hansen serve as a Bencher.”
Jessica Brown, Partner at Halpern Law Group

“Heather is an exceptional advocate and a leader in the family law and litigation bar. Together with the impressive roster of Good Governance Coalition candidates, she will help restore the LSO to the progressive, modern, serious regulator that our profession sorely needs.”
Christopher Horkins, Partner at Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP  

“I wholeheartedly endorse Heather Hansen for LSO Bencher.  An exceptional family law lawyer and litigator, Heather will bring her skills as an extraordinary advocate to the role of Bencher, benefitting all stake-holders in the process. I feel privileged to endorse such an outstanding candidate.”  
Georgina Carson, Partner at Carson Chousky Lein LLP.     

“Heather Hansen absolutely has my vote. We need to bring good governance back to Convocation and to our profession and I have no doubt whatsoever that Heather has the skills and smarts we need to see in leadership.  I unreservedly endorse her candidacy!”
Jennifer Mathers McHenry, Founding Partner at Mathers McHenry & Co
 
“I have known Ms. Hansen for twenty years. As a colleague and friend, Ms. Hansen has made an indelible impression on me personally, and on my friends and family. I know of no one more capable to serve our community as LSO bencher. Ms. Hansen is a creative thinker who has a stellar reputation for taking a tenacious approach to everything connected to the practice of law and good governance. I strongly believe that as Bencher she will be a tremendous asset to our entire community of professionals.”
Eli M. Udell, Partner and Head of Real Estate Group at Merovitz Potechin LLP

“I can’t think of a more qualified, dedicated and effective person to serve as bencher”
Reem Bahdi, Dean of Law, University of Windsor

“Family law is an area which is among the most challenging for our profession.   I unhesitatingly support Heather as an outstanding Bencher candidate.  She is an excellent lawyer who will to listen to diverse voices and make thoughtful choices.”
Michael Barrack, Partner at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP​

“I enthusiastically support Heather Hansen as a Bencher. I have known Heather since she was articling and have watched with admiration and pleasure her advancement in our profession to the very top.  Her common sense, rigorous and imaginative approach to problems and issues will make her a constructive and inspiring leader.”
Gerald Sadvari, Counsel at McCarthy Hansen & Company LLP

“Heather Hansen is probably the hardest working person I know.  Plus she has the people skills and the brains to make that hard work be highly effective. If she is putting her name up for the largely thankless job that is sorting out our Law Society, then we would all be foolish not to jump at that and vote her in.  She has my full support.”
William Hutcheson, Barrister & Solicitor

“I support Heather Hansen’s candidacy for a Bencher seat without hesitation. She represents the best of the family bar, and the legal community. I am confident that, when elected, Heather will be a voice for excellent judgment and good governance at Convocation.”
Emily Lawrence, Managing Partner, Paliare Roland LLP

“Heather Hansen, a leading family law practitioner and a dedicated mentor, has what our profession needs to continue deserving public trust: balanced and independent thinking. Her platform is well-thought through and I am happy to endorse her candidacy.”
Christopher Waters, Professor at Faculty of Law, University of Windsor, Co-Editor, Canadian Bar Review

“I have known Heather for more than fifteen years and can say without hesitation that she will be an outstanding Bencher.  Heather’s commitment to the profession manifests in myriad ways: as a dedicated pro bono counsel; in her writing, speaking and teaching; as a mentor to younger lawyers; and as an active member of numerous bar committees and associations. She has the best interests of the public and the profession at heart, and she will be a power for good at the LSO.  Heather has my enthusiastic endorsement!”
Sana Halwani, Partner at Lenczner Slaght LLP

“I am pleased to endorse Heather Hansen for Bencher in the 2023 election.  Heather is a well-respected and well-liked member of the family law bar, who will undoubtedly work diligently towards the Good Governance Coalition’s vision of making decisions that are evidence-based, respect diverse views, and actively address discrimination.”
Alexandra Carr, Partner at Lenkinsky, Hooper & Carr

“I write this letter in enthusiastic support of Heather Hansen’s candidacy for a Bencher seat. I could not recommend Ms. Hansen more strongly for the position of Bencher.  Ms. Hansen possesses all the positive qualities a Bencher should have- she is exceedingly bright, has a firm grasp on the law  and its administration, is hard-working, is extremely diplomatic and, most importantly, is an excellent communicator with superb judgment. If elected, Ms. Hansen will be a significant asset to fellow benchers, the legal community and the public at large. I unhesitatingly endorse her candidacy.”
Robert M. Halpern, Halpern Law Group

“Ms. Hansen is not only a skilled and insightful family law lawyer but also someone who practices with integrity. She will be an invaluable resource as a Bencher in facing the many pressing problems of our profession and our judicial system.”
Susan M. Sack, Partner at Rosen | Sack LLP

 “We need an experienced family law voice at convocation; and I can think of no one better suited to that role than Ms Hansen. She has my support.”
Aaron Franks, Partner at Epstein Cole LLP

“Heather fights the fights that need fighting. What more could you ask for in an advocate and steward for our profession?”
Andy Pushalik, Partner, National Practice Group Leader, Dentons LLP

“The Ontario bar as a whole, and not just the family law bar, will be well served by Heather’s shrewdness, practical good sense and dedication to excellence. She will make a fantastic contribution as a bencher.”
Alex Smith, Partner, Henein Hutchison Robitaille LLP