Team Member Type: Lawyer

Jason Lane

Jason Lane joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP (‘WP Law’), Lawyers and Mediators in 2018 as a summer law student and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) post the merger of our firms in Whitby. Jason obtained his Juris Doctor from The University of Western Ontario in 2019 and is now an associate in our Real Estate Group.
During his time at the firm, Jason has gained extensive knowledge on all aspects of real estate including the purchase and sale of new homes, resale homes, condominiums and the assignment of agreements of purchase and sale. Jason is very understanding of the fact that completing a real estate transaction can seem overwhelming and complicated, but his attention to detail and focus on client communication will ensure that the process is made simple, straightforward and as stress-free as possible.
Outside of the office, Jason thoroughly enjoys playing and watching a variety of sports including golf, basketball, squash and hockey. Jason is an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Formula One Racing.
He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario.
Feel free to contact Jason at jason@durhamlawyer.ca.

By Fauzan SiddiquiMarch 24, 2022April 10, 2026

Jake Vogl

Jake Vogl joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our corporate law department. He graduated from Western University with a B.Mos (Hons) and earned his J.D. from Queen’s University. He was called to the Bar in 2020.

Prior to joining DSF, Jake worked for a boutique business law firm and is experienced in a wide range of business law matters including corporate structuring, commercial agreements, corporate finance, and mergers & acquisitions. Jake works with start-up, growth stage, and mature privately held companies, and specializes in advising technology companies at any stage of their growth cycle. With a client-centred approach and the ability to anticipate issues before they arise, clients rely on him for timely, efficient, and effective legal advice.

During his time at Queen’s University, Jake served as the Vice President of the Queen’s Venture Law Society and Technology Law Club. He was a Project Founder at the Conflict Analytics Lab, where he worked to develop a tool that uses data modelling to predict pecuniary damage rewards. Jake also volunteered for Queen’s Legal Aid where he provided legal services to low-income residents of Kingston, Napanee, and the surrounding areas, and to Queen’s University and St. Lawrence College students.

Outside the office, Jake is an avid cyclist (200kms was his longest ride of 2021). He is a film-photographer and a self-published author of his photobook “Amateur Gardening”.

Jake is a member of the Ontario Bar Association.

By Fauzan SiddiquiDecember 5, 2021March 18, 2026

Ashley Almeida

Ashley Almeida practices in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, lending and condo development. She gives presentations to community groups on topics such as “Buying Your First Home” and “Why You Should Make A Will.”

Ashley joined the Real Estate Group at Woitzik Polsinelli Lawyer and Mediators LLP as an associate lawyer in 2020 and joined DSF in 2023. Ashley holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and an undergraduate degree from McGill University.

Prior to joining WP, Ashley practiced in the areas of real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law at boutique firms in Toronto and at a firm that she founded and operated for four years.

Thereafter, Ashley joined a firm in Ajax where she focused her practice on all aspects of real estate including purchasing and selling resale properties, new build transactions, assignments, and condominiums throughout Ontario.

Ashley has been the recipient of exceptional client loyalty and is known for her client-focused service and outstanding legal guidance.

In her spare time, Ashley enjoys cooking, travelling, hiking with her yellow labrador, and staying active in the community.

For more information about any real estate-related matters, please contact Ashley Almeida at ashley.almeida@dsf.theleadshub.biz

By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 27, 2021February 23, 2026

Stephen Sforza

Stephen Sforza is a partner in our Corporate/Commercial and Real Estate Groups.

Stephen’s practice is focused on providing practical, strategic, and tailored legal advice to a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, real estate investors, professionals, small to medium-sized businesses, commercial lenders and borrowers, credit unions, and commercial landlords and tenants. His expertise includes business formation, corporate reorganizations, purchasing and selling businesses, secured lending, commercial financing, tax rollovers, commercial leasing, and general contract review and drafting.

Stephen also has extensive experience in real estate law and is a key member of the firm’s Real Estate Group. He assists clients with a wide range of residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchases, sales, assignments, and mortgage transactions. His attention to detail, thoroughness, and commitment to excellence ensure that his clients’ real estate transactions are completed smoothly and successfully.

Stephen has a client-focused approach and strives to always provide the most cost-effective legal solutions. He takes the time to understand his clients’ unique needs and works closely with them to achieve their desired outcomes. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication have earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in his field.

When outside of the office, Stephen is an avid Toronto sports fan and enjoys playing competitive soccer. He is committed to personal fitness and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle.

Testimonials

I have had an exceptional experience with Stephen and Lesley. I cannot thank Stephen enough for his due diligence in making my new venture of entrepreneurship a positive transaction. I would not hesitate to use this firm once again as I have been a customer for over 15 years! Thank you, Stephen and your wonderful team. – Barb Hardy

Just completed a business transaction using Stephen Sforza as my lawyer from this firm. Would highly recommend him along with their staff. Very professional and most of all very thorough with all the work they provided Their service was efficient and exactly what I needed to conduct this transaction -Ken Noakes

We found Stephen Sforza from Devry Smith Frank when searching for a lawyer to help us work through acquiring our first business. Bottom line: Stephen was perfection from start to finish. He is incredibly knowledgeable, painstakingly detail oriented and organized, as well as polite and personable. He and Karen, his senior law clerk, were phenomenal, and as a result of our positive experience we highly recommend them and their firm. Together they were able to make our stressful and overwhelming acquisition go as smoothly as possible. We are forever grateful, thank you Stephen and Karen! – Chris G.

By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 19, 2021February 26, 2026

Vanessa Romanino

Vanessa joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP in 2016 and is now a part of Devry Smith Frank LLP post the merger of our firms in Whitby. Prior to joining the team, Vanessa practiced in the area of electronic discovery as a contract lawyer for many large Firms in Downtown Toronto. Vanessa maintains these skills in consistently advocating for our clients and their needs.

As a partner in our Wills and Estates Group, Vanessa primarily focuses on all aspects of estate planning and administration. Vanessa’s professional knowledge, sensible approach, and ability to understand difficult and emotional situations, enable her to assist our clients in all aspects of their estate matters and provide the best possible legal representation. These matters include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate applications to the Court.

Vanessa additionally practices and assists in our Residential Real Estate and Corporate Law Groups. As an English major, Vanessa has shown a keen interest in contract review and drafting.

In her spare time, Vanessa enjoys being outdoors, travelling, trying new restaurants, and sports. Growing up, Vanessa was a competitive swimmer for The City of Markham and continues to stay actively involved in the Community, and is happy to have found a firm whose values align with her own.

By Fauzan SiddiquiOctober 19, 2021April 10, 2026

David Derfel

David Derfel joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (‘DSF’) in our personal injury, estates, and commercial litigation groups. He was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2002 after completing law school at the University of Windsor. Soon after that, David joined DSF as an associate. David is now a partner at the firm and is involved in many important decisions regarding the firm’s litigation practice.

At DSF David has gained knowledge and expertise in many areas of law including plaintiff personal injury, medical malpractice, estate litigation, criminal defence, commercial litigation, insurance defence litigation, and corporate/commercial law. This broad exposure throughout his career enables David to identify and address many of the unexpected issues that often arise during the course of litigation.

David has been a presenter on legal issues related to personal injury at conferences, in hospitals, and with other professionals on matters such as chronic pain, the Insurance Act, how to structure large personal injury settlements, and how to access alternative funding before a claim settles. David has represented clients at jury and non-jury trials in the Superior Court of Justice and before administrative tribunals including the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the Licence Appeals Tribunal and the CPP Appeals Tribunal. David understands the litigation process from beginning to end

David appreciates that litigation is costly and stressful. In addition to his commitment to helping his clients achieve the best possible outcome, David does his best to make the litigation process as smooth as possible.

By Fauzan SiddiquiAugust 4, 2021March 18, 2026

Esther Abecassis

Esther Abecassis joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2021 as an associate lawyer in our wills and estates and corporate groups. She is a graduate of Western University where she earned both her B.A. and J.D and was soon called to the bar in 2019. Esther began her legal career at a mid-sized downtown firm as a member of the corporate and tax law groups. She then joined a boutique corporate law firm where she developed her skills in business law, estate planning, and real estate.

Esther specializes in private wealth management, estate litigation, and business law with extensive experience in dealing with large and complex estate matters. Her clients value her understanding of complex legal issues and her ability to provide individual client-focused solutions.

Additionally, Esther also specializes in guardianship matters, providing expert counsel and representation to clients seeking to establish or modify guardianships. With a deep understanding of the intricate legal processes involved, she has successfully advocated for the rights and best interests of vulnerable individuals, ensuring their well-being and protection.

Esther is fluent in Spanish and her interests include camping, travelling, cooking different cuisines and swimming. She is also a Broadway enthusiast having attended over 50 different plays.

By Fauzan SiddiquiFebruary 16, 2021March 31, 2026

Kenna Bromley

Family lawyer Kenna Bromley joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2020 as an associate in our Barrie Family Law group. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts and later received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa.

Prior to joining DSF, Kenna advocated on behalf of clients at a law firm in Orillia where she gained extensive litigation experience in divorce and separation, custody, access, support, property, and child protection proceedings.

As a Barrie family lawyer, Kenna has appeared at all levels of court in Ontario and although her practice takes her to the courtroom often for conferences, summaries, motions and trials, she also uses collaborative and alternative processes to reach agreements that are mutually beneficial for all parties involved.

She serves as a panel member for the Office of Children’s Lawyer, County Simcoe, Ontario where she acts as counsel and represents children clients under both the CLRA and CFSA.

Kenna is also actively involved as a volunteer for various causes including community outreach, charitable events, and currently serves as vice-chair and board member for the Barrie Women and Children’s shelter.

Outside the court, she spends much of her spare time practicing yoga, exploring healthy cooking and playing golf.

For more information regarding family law, please contact Barrie family lawyer Kenna Bromley at kenna.bromley@dsf.theleadshub.biz

Kenna has acted as counsel for the following reported decisions:

Balfour v. Balfour, 2019 ONSC 2892 (CanLII)

Lonsdale v. Smart, 2018 ONSC 3991 (CanLII)

Kaplan v. Kaplan, 2015 ONSC 1277 (CanLII)

Graham v. Sherman, 2015 ONSC 1882 (CanLII)

S.D.G. v. A.S., 2015 ONSC 752 (CanLII)

Sine v. Bannister, 2016 ONSC 7750 (CanLII)

2023 ONSC 303 (CanLII) | Kasmieh v. Hannora | CanLII

By Fauzan SiddiquiJuly 15, 2020October 27, 2025 No comments yet

James A. Proskurniak

Jim is an experienced Toronto lawyer who joined the business law group of Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) early in 2014. In his previous years of practice, Jim was a senior business law partner in the Toronto office of a well respected national Canadian law firm. With DSF, Jim looks forward to continuing to offer client-focused and cost-effective legal services and solutions as a trusted advisor to business owners, corporations, institutions and organizations.

All clients benefit from Jim’s extensive experience in advising domestic and foreign clients in all aspects of Canadian corporate and commercial law including loans secured by personal and real property, business formation and corporate law and business succession planning.

In his commercial lending practice with DSF, Jim will continue to provide personalized and value-added services to a broad range of lenders including banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, private lenders, institutional and other specialty lenders and governmental financing agencies. He is also well versed in providing commercial law support to restructuring and insolvency practitioners in connection with loan realization and work-out transactions.

His financial services clients benefit from his extensive experience in advising domestic and foreign lenders in all aspects of Canadian commercial lending law including syndicated and single lender loan documents, security documentation collateralizing both personal and real property, inter-creditor and subordination agreements, cross-border issues, specialized security over investment property, transactional legal opinions, banking services and products and the regulatory aspects of foreign lenders operating in the Canadian market. He also provides expert advice with respect to the application and interpretation of the Ontario Personal Property Security Act and Securities Transfer Act, 2006.

Jim’s business law practice with DSF will accentuate his personalized and value-added services to small and medium-sized Canadian businesses and subsidiaries of foreign multinational corporations and to the institutions and organizations that serve and interact with those types of businesses. Business owners will benefit from his broad experience in structuring and implementing business succession planning transactions.

Jim’s industry experience includes automotive, aerospace, agriculture, financial services, investment advisory, financial planning, technology, manufacturing, sports franchises, pension funds, distributors, transportation, infrastructure, cooperatives, marketing, brand advisory and commercial real estate.

He enhances his legal practice through involvement in various business and legal professional organizations, and he gives back to the legal community through writing, teaching and participation in law reform committees.

In his spare time, Jim likes to spend time with close friends and family. He enjoys a good movie and has been known to attend popular music concerts by both classic and upcoming performers, at venues large and small. Summer often finds him assisting happily with gardening and landscaping projects around the house.

By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 28, 2020March 23, 2026 No comments yet

Marty Rabinovitch

Français

Marty is a graduate of Queen’s University (B.A.H. in Political Studies) and the University of Windsor (LL.B.). He received multiple academic awards from Queen’s University and Upper Canada College. He was the recipient of the 2008 Gavel Award from the University of Windsor for the best-written judgment of a student judge presiding over the Law 1 moots. He also participated in the Laskin Moot competition, where he presented his arguments in French.

Marty spent several summers working at Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) and articled with the firm from 2009-2010. As an articling student, Marty was involved with many Small Claims and Superior Court matters. He has attended at examinations for discovery, settlement conferences and trials. Marty has also appeared before masters and Superior Court judges on various motions and other matters and has also attended at the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Marty was called to the bar in 2010 and currently practises in the areas of commercial litigation, employment law and human rights law.

While attending law school, Marty volunteered at Community Legal Aid at the University of Windsor and Pro Bono Students Canada. He is an avid tennis player, enjoys watching and umpiring baseball, and has travelled extensively in Europe.

TESTIMONIALS

“Marty R and Stuart C. were able to help us with a challenging personal and business crisis. We are grateful for their professionalism and kindness (and that of their support staff). I would recommend their services to anyone facing an analogous situation. Thank you, gentlemen”.— Jonathan S.
“We have worked with Marty R. regarding several different employment matters over the years. His work is thorough and he has guided us through difficult business decisions. We have also worked with Justin W. and Florendo L. and are pleased with the service they provide us. Highly recommended!”. — Raj Suppiah.
“I work with Marty often and he is always very quick to get back to me and is excellent at taking the time to fully detail all scenarios and suggestions. The level of professionalism is exceptional and if Marty is unavailable, there is always another team member willing to assist.” — Brandilee Maxwell

REPORTED DECISIONS:

Appellant v. TDSB

Chatoor v. Xerox Global Services, 2011 HRTO 2232 (CanLII), which addressed an employer’s objection to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario’s jurisdiction to adjudicate a complaint;

Ruremesha v. Travelers Guarantee Company of Canada et al, 2012 HRTO 1044 (CanLii) in which the Tribunal decided that a full hearing would be required to address all issues raised in the Application, and

Koenig v. University of Toronto, 2012 HRTO 1098 (CanLII), which was a reconsideration decision of the Tribunal with respect to allegations of discrimination based on citizenship.

By Fauzan SiddiquiMay 28, 2020January 26, 2026 No comments yet

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