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    • Team Member Type: Lawyer

    David Cooper

    David Cooper joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2026 as an associate in our collections and mortgage recovery and commercial litigation departments. He graduated with distinction from Carleton University with a B.A. (Honours) in Law and Legal Studies before earning his J.D. from Queen’s University. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2025.

    Before joining DSF, David was an associate at a mid-size firm in Toronto with a strong focus on insolvency, enforcement, and creditor-side matters. He appeared regularly before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Small Claims Court, where he successfully argued motions including summary judgment motions, motions against garnishees, and renewals of writs.

    He prepared comprehensive litigation materials, including pleadings, motion records, affidavits, factums, and appellate materials. He has successfully negotiated settlements with opposing counsel and advised clients on litigation strategy following detailed reviews of property, parcel, and transfer records.

    David supports clients in collections and commercial disputes through careful preparation, strong written advocacy, and a disciplined approach to advancing matters efficiently through the litigation process.

    By Alyssa

    Unwana Udo

    Unwana Udo is an associate lawyer in the commercial litigation department at Devry Smith Frank LLP.

    In his commercial litigation practice, Unwana represents corporations and individuals in a broad spectrum of commercial disputes involving contracts for sale of goods, services contracts, shareholder and partnership agreements, post-transaction M&A issues, corporate governance, real estate, commercial leases, employment, construction, debt recovery, asset recovery, and enforcement of security.

    Unwana advises clients on dispute resolution strategies and risk management in the context of ongoing or potential litigation. He has experience managing complex files involving multiple parties and significant financial exposure, and he works diligently to identify practical and cost-effective resolutions tailored to each client’s objectives. He approaches every matter with careful preparation, strategic analysis, and a strong commitment to advocacy.

    Unwana earned his LL.B. from the University of Nigeria before completing his LL.M. from Dalhousie University. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 2022. Prior to being called to the Ontario Bar, Unwana practiced commercial litigation in Nigeria for several years.

    Unwana’s practice is defined by his thorough approach to case preparation and his focus on achieving efficient resolutions that protect his clients’ interests.

    By Alyssa

    Aranya Sivakumar

    Aranya Sivakumar is an articling student at DSF and a Juris Doctor candidate at the University of Windsor. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto.

    Before law school, Aranya worked at both boutique and corporate law firms, gaining experience in real estate, administrative law, and corporate law.

    At Windsor Law, she serves as a research assistant to the Associate Dean of Research with a focus on public law. She volunteers with the Windsor Community Legal Aid Clinic and is a committee member with the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF), contributing to public legal education initiatives. Aranya is also passionate about mentoring young women interested in pursuing a legal career.

    In her spare time, she enjoys reading, visiting local cafés, and spending time with her dog, Carter.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Lawyer Ishita Chopra

    Ishita Chopra

    Ishita Chopra joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) in 2025 as an associate in our wills and estates department. Ishita’s practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration, guardianship, estate and capacity related litigation, complemented by her background in wills, estates, corporate, and real estate law.

    Ishita earned her Honours degree in Psychology and LL.B. from Panjab University. She successfully completed the accreditation process through the National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada before being called to the Ontario Bar in 2023.

    Before joining DSF, Ishita worked at a boutique estate planning and litigation firm. She is currently enrolled in the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) program, further developing her knowledge in this specialized field.

    Ishita is committed to providing practical and tailored solutions that address her clients’ unique needs and protect their long-term interests.

    Ishita is fluent in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu. Beyond the office hours and courtroom, Ishita’s lifelong passion for theatre has honed strong communication skills and an ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Leslie Haddock

    Leslie Haddock

    Leslie Haddock joined DSF as an associate in our family law and employment law departments. She earned her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Guelph, where she majored in History with a minor in Criminal Justice and Public Policy. She was called to the bar in 2025.

    Leslie first joined DSF as a summer law student and returned as an articling student, where she gained practical experience in a variety of practice areas including family law, employment law, wills and estates, estate litigation, and commercial litigation.

    While at Osgoode, Leslie was actively involved in the student legal community, volunteering with the Community Legal Aid Services Programme (CLASP) as a junior caseworker in the Administrative Law Division, contributing to the GTA Wills Project through Pro Bono Students Canada, and participating in the Walsh Family Law Moot.

    In her current practice, Leslie assists clients with a range of family and employment law matters, including separation and support issues, workplace disputes, and employment agreements. She takes a practical and diligent approach to helping clients address their legal needs during challenging times.

    In her free time, Leslie enjoys yoga, reading, indoor planting, and indulging in horror films and literature.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Mariem Naem

    Mariem Naem

    Mariem Naem is joining DSF as an articling student. She completed her Juris Doctor in 2025 at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, Mariem earned an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Health Studies from the University of Toronto, graduating with distinction and publishing an academic article in 2023 examining health equity within World Health Organization policy.

    Mariem’s previous legal experience includes working at two established firms, where she developed strong skills in civil litigation and employment law.

    Mariem is a dedicated student leader with a strong commitment to excellence, community engagement, and equity in the legal field. At Windsor Law, she earned the highest grade among the entire 1L class in Property Law and later served as a teaching assistant for the course. Throughout law school, she held leadership roles with both the Chaldean and Middle Eastern Law Students’ Associations, contributed to public interest work through Windsor Community Legal Aid, and supported climate justice and healthy city initiatives as a research associate with the Centre for Cities’ Climate Action Clinic. She also served on the editorial and business teams of the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues and participated in several moots, including, most recently, the Wilson Moot.

    Outside of work, Mariem enjoys Pilates, camping, and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Bear. She is also a creative hobbyist, passionate foodie, and avid graphic designer with a competitive streak for the New York Times Wordle.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Adriana Piccolo

    Adriana Piccolo

    Adriana Piccolo is articling at Devry Smith Frank LLP (“DSF”) after completing her Juris Doctor at Western University. She previously summered at DSF and is excited to return to further develop her legal skills and contribute to the firm’s collaborative environment.

    During law school, Adriana demonstrated strong leadership and dedication to extra-curricular activities. She served as an Orientation Week Leader and held the position of Vice President in both the Real Estate Law Association and the Tax Law Association.

    Adriana’s growing interest in real estate was further solidified when her paper on local governance and land use regulation was selected as the winning submission by the Canadian Bar Association for their 2024 Municipal Law section.

    In her final year of law school, Adriana was awarded Western Law’s Global Engagement Honour, which recognizes students who demonstrate intercultural competence and a readiness to address legal challenges in an increasingly interconnected world. Adriana strengthened these qualities during her semester abroad at the University of Copenhagen, where she studied international legal systems and explored cross-cultural perspectives.

    Outside of work, Adriana enjoys outdoor adventures, playing soccer, and spending quality time with family and friends.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Aleksander Shchukin

    Alex Shchukin

    Alex Shchukin joined Devry Smith Frank LLP “DSF” in 2025 as an associate in our bankruptcy and insolvency department. He graduated with a BBA Honours from the Schulich School of Business before earning his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar in 2025.

    Alex’s practice focuses on bankruptcy and insolvency litigation, with experience supporting institutional creditors in matters involving unsecured debt, judgment enforcement, mortgage defaults, and proceedings under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act. He has drafted pleadings and motion materials for Superior Court files concerning debt recovery, enforcement remedies, and commercial fraud, and has appeared in court on both contested and uncontested matters.

    He routinely conducts judgment-debtor examinations and negotiates repayment plans on behalf of creditor clients. His work also includes advising on litigation prospects, drafting settlement proposals, and assisting with strategy in files involving defaulting borrowers and insolvent entities.

    Alex approaches all matters with attention to detail, striving for the best outcome for his clients.

    In his spare time, Alex enjoys playing guitar, gardening and MMA. He is also fluent in French and Russian.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Swetha Ajit Kumar

    Swetha Ajit Kumar Sunny

    Swetha Ajit Kumar Sunny joined Devry Smith Frank LLP in 2025 as an associate in our family law department. She earned her LLB from the University of Leicester before being called to the bar in 2016.

    Swetha is an experienced family law lawyer with a strong litigation background. Since her call to the bar, she has represented clients in a wide range of legal matters and has appeared before both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice. Her practice focuses on practical advocacy, detailed preparation, and pursuing outcomes that reflect her clients’ priorities.

    In her family law practice, Swetha has handled cases involving parenting time, child protection, separation agreements, marriage contracts, and property issues. She has drafted various legal documents, including pleadings, affidavits, settlement agreements, and opinion letters, and has successfully argued motions and trials across several levels of court.

    Swetha brings a thorough and steady approach to each case, combining courtroom advocacy with careful negotiation. She is known for her ability to manage complex files, communicate clearly with clients, and guide them through the legal process with care and efficiency.

    By Alyssa
    Headshot of Andrew Johnstone

    Andrew Johnstone

    Andrew Johnstone joined Devry Smith Frank LLP “DSF” in 2025 as an associate in our bankruptcy and insolvency department. He earned his J.D. from the University of Ottawa before being called to the bar in 2025.

    Andrew brings a strong foundation in legal research, written advocacy, and litigation support, with experience in preparing court materials for complex commercial and insolvency matters. He has experience drafting a wide range of materials, including pleadings, motions, notices of appeal, and affidavits, across proceedings in Ontario and Federal courts. He also contributes to strategy discussions, assists with client communications, and supports counsel during court appearances, including preparing submissions in matters involving debt recovery, secured transactions, and interlocutory relief.

    Andrew’s contributions reflect a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to producing clear and comprehensive solutions.

    In his free time, Andrew enjoys reading, playing soccer, and camping.

    By Alyssa