About Us

Our Members

As a national network of leading civil litigation lawyers, SALA advocates for changes to the law and broader social systems that have long perpetuated sexual abuse, and silenced survivors.

Our collective experience is our greatest strength. Together, we seek to educate, consult, and support survivors from a trauma-informed perspective.

Alberta

Allison E. Grimsey

Allison is a dedicated lawyer whose practice focuses on plaintiff personal injury and medical malpractice. With a wealth of experience in handling complex cases, she has successfully represented clients with brain injuries, fatalities, and multiple injuries resulting from motor vehicle accidents and medical malpractice.

Admitted to the Ontario Bar in 2010 and the Alberta Bar in 2012, Allison began her practice with Weir Bowen in 2012. She is committed to ensuring clients have a thorough understanding of the legal process and their situation, and she strives to be approachable and attentive to their perspectives.

Outside of work, Allison is passionate about travelling and has explored numerous countries around the globe. She enjoys sports, particularly golf, tennis, and hockey, as well as spending quality time with family and friends.

Cynthia P. Carels

Cynthia moved her wrongful death and personal injury practice from the partnership of a large, national law firm in 2021, attracted by the reputation and strength of Weir Bowen’s medical negligence group. Surrounded by a team of bold litigators, and knowledgeable support staff, Cynthia has also extended her practice to historical sexual assault claims, as a member of the national Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance.

No matter what the cause of harm, Cynthia brings a respectful and trauma-informed approach to her work. She combines experience and empathy when guiding clients through the legal maze, recognizing the deeply personal nature of losses arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, defective products, and even negligent schools, churches, or clubs.

As a former broadcast journalist, Cynthia leans heavily on well honed investigative and presentation skills to advocate for clients with confidence and clarity. She developed the nationally accredited Legal Media Relations program for the Canadian Bar Association, and appears as a guest each month on the “Ask The Lawyer,” broadcast across Alberta on the Windspeaker Radio Network.

Cynthia grew up in a small Central Alberta town, and has never forgotten her roots. She is a firm believer in the power of plain language and straight talk to make even the most complex legal principles understandable to all of her clients. She ensures her clients understand what is happening, and are well-prepared for each step of the process, from initial consultation to claim resolution.

Cynthia has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury Litigation since 2021. Outside of law, Cynthia is the proud mother of two children, and two ridiculously spoiled doodle dogs.

British Columbia

Kevin McLaren

Kevin McLaren has practiced as a civil litigator for over 18 years. He has helped hundreds of clients settle personal injury claims, both simple and complex. He is an experienced trial lawyer and heads the firm’s Class Action practice. Kevin is a partner at the firm and joined Hammerco in 2013.

Kevin advocates for effective and efficient results for his clients. He represents individuals and business owners, never insurance companies. He accepts cases for clients and causes he believes in.

Morgyn Chandler

Morgyn Chandler has been the Managing Partner of Hammerco Lawyers LLP since 2020. Hammerco is a boutique litigation firm in British Columbia with offices in Vancouver, Courtenay and Duncan.

Morgyn leads Hammerco’s civil sexual assault practice group and works exclusively for survivors. She has a reputation for successful resolution based on persuasive and astute legal strategies.

Morgyn maintains a trauma-informed practice and is a powerful advocate for her clients against both individual and institutional defendants while prioritizing the needs and interests of survivors.  She has successfully represented clients in claims against professionals including lawyers and doctors, as well as religious institutions, Scouts Canada, and government institutions among others. Morgyn believes that survivors deserve to be heard, and respected, and deserve the opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. 

Morgyn was recognized by her peers for her work in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada from 2020 through 2023 and in 2024 was named as a Lexpert Ranked Lawyer for Personal Injury. She is a sought after speaker and presenter in the field of sexual assault litigation and regularly presents with the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and Continuing Legal Education BC, and is frequently asked to comment in the media on sexual assault cases in Canada.

Manitoba

Jason Harvey

Jason is an accomplished litigation counsel who practices primarily in the areas of personal injury, sexual abuse and assault claims, medical malpractice, disability insurance claims and other insurance matters. Jason has appeared at all levels of Court in Manitoba and at various tribunals and commissions, advocating for his clients’ interests. Jason is also successful in utilizing various alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in order to achieve results for his clients. Jason strives to approach each file in a trauma-informed and client-centred manner that puts his clients first.

Jason is a member of both the Manitoba and Canadian Bar Associates and was included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers Canada for Personal Injury Litigation.

Sadira Garfinkel

Sadira is very knowledgeable in her focal practice areas of personal injury, sexual abuse and assault claims, medical malpractice, and disability insurance litigation. In acting for her clients, Sadira strives to approach each file in a trauma-informed and client-focused manner and aims to work with her clients, empowering them as they navigate through the civil claims systems in order to achieve their best possible outcomes.

Sadira also works with Tapper Cuddy’s workplace investigation unit, assisting organizations of all sizes in conducting investigations relating to complaints of harassment and other breaches of respectful workplace policies. In conducting such investigations, Sadira works to engage an impartial and balanced approach where the principles of human rights and procedural fairness are of the utmost importance.

After obtaining her Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Winnipeg and Wilfrid Laurier University respectively, Sadira attended the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2013. Sadira then completed her articles with Tapper Cuddy LLP and has remained with the firm since her call to the Bar in 2014.

Sadira is actively engaged with the Manitoba Bar Association, having served as the chairs of both the Young Lawyers section and the Women Lawyers Forum, and currently sits on the MBA council.

Sadira is an associate member of the Birth Injury Lawyers’ Alliance and is currently engaged in the formation of a national alliance of lawyers who act for survivors of sexual abuse as a means of sharing resources and information and engaging in advocacy.

Nova Scotia

John McKiggan K.C.

John dedicates his practice exclusively to representing persons who have suffered an injury or loss as a result of medical malpractice, car and truck accidents (or other serious personal injury claims), and institutional liability. He has a special interest in representing survivors in civil claims for childhood sexual abuse compensation claims.

John is particularly proud of the fact that he and the team at McKiggan Hebert have repeatedly been named one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms in Canada by Canadian Lawyer magazine. McKiggan Hebert was the only firm in Atlantic Canada to receive this prestigious recognition.

John’s colleagues have honoured his efforts and experience by electing him President of the Atlantic Provinces Trial Lawyer Association.

John has been appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.), a designation used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.

John was nominated for an award for exemplary journalism covering issues related to the sexual exploitation of children by Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada, a national non-profit organization that advances the rights of children to be free from sexual exploitation, for his article published in The Lawyer Weekly: The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse: Is the Church’s response real action or window dressing?

John has regularly been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyer in Canada® in the field of Personal Injury Law. In 2022, he was named Lawyer of the Year in the field of personal injury litigation. Best Lawyer has been called “the most respected referral list of attorney in practice.”

Notable Claims

John is co-counsel in Satalic et al v. Her Majesty the Queen a national class action brought in the Federal Court on behalf of current and former LGBTQ employees of the Canadian Armed Forces, Department of National Defence, and Government of Canada.

John is class counsel in Hayes v. City of Saint John a class action certified against the city of Saint John New Brunswick on behalf of 150 survivors of childhood sexual abuse by Kenneth Estabrooks, a police officer employed by the city.

John is class counsel in Martin v. Lahey the first class action under Nova Scotia’s Class Proceedings Act, a $15 million dollar class action claim against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antigonish for compensation for survivors of sexual abuse by priests of the Diocese.

Natasha Kruitwagen

Natasha is originally from Oakville, Ontario but moved to Halifax in 2011 to attend Dalhousie University. Natasha earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Dalhousie University and then went on to attend Law School at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University where she credits spending a semester working at the Dalhousie Legal Aid Service for giving her taste for litigation and learning to see clients as whole people first.

After articling in a trial focused litigation boutique in Toronto she returned to Nova Scotia in 2020 and joined McKiggan Hebert Lawyers as an associate. McKiggan Hebert has repeatedly been named one of the Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firms in Canada by Canadian Lawyer magazine.

Since beginning her practice in Nova Scotia, Natasha has been exclusively representing plaintiffs in a variety of personal injury claims, focusing primarily on representing individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or violence. Natasha represents a wide range of clients in sexual abuse litigation as single party plaintiffs and in class action proceedings against both private individuals and large institutions.

Natasha feels privileged to have helped hundreds of clients reach fair resolutions for their claims.

Outside of her day job, Natasha works for the Department of Justice Victim Services providing free independent legal advice on all aspects of sexual assault law to individuals who have experienced sexual assault in Nova Scotia. Natasha also volunteers as a Board Director for an organization supporting individuals and their children experiencing intimate partner violence.

Natasha is a passionate advocate for individuals who have experienced traumatic, life altering events, and her goal is to help clients feel informed, supported, and empowered. Outside of work and volunteering she is an avid reader, obsessive baker, dog lover, and Pilates enthusiast.

Ontario

Erin Ellis

Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University (2003) and her law degree from Queen’s University (2007). She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008.

Erin has over a decade of experience and a proven track record of success advocating for survivors of both recent and historical sexual and physical abuse. She represents plaintiffs from across Canada, demanding acknowledgment and compensation for the harms perpetrated or facilitated by individuals and institutions, including abuse by teachers, coaches, relatives, foster parents, doctors, and clergy. Erin has a deep understanding of civil abuse litigation. Her extensive experience allows her to work effectively with her clients to determine the best approach for each individual case. Erin is passionate about representing survivors and uses compassion, dedication, and strong advocacy skills to assist her clients.

Emma Partridge

Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of British Columbia in 2017. She then worked in the women’s sector as a communications and marketing professional for several years before attending Osgoode Hall Law School. While in law school, Emma focused her studies and extracurricular activities on public interest legal advocacy, working as a student caseworker with the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Parkdale Community Legal Services, and Fair Change Community Legal Services. Emma graduated from Osgoode in 2023 and was called to the bar in June 2024.

Prior to joining Gluckstein Lawyers in 2025, Emma articled at the Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, a one-of-a-kind legal clinic that exclusively serves survivors of gender based violence. Her prior practice focused on family and immigration law, specifically matters that include gender based violence and abuse. Emma’s extensive experience in supporting women and survivors of gender-based abuse allows her to advise clients with complex, challenging cases in a trauma-informed and client centered manner.

Ivanna Iwasykiw

Ivanna received her Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in Anthropology and Ancient Mediterranean Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2013. She then graduated both from the University of Windsor with a Canadian Law degree and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (Cum Laude) with an American Law degree in 2017. While in law school, Ivanna focused her studies and training on trial practice and advocacy, including competing and placing in advocacy competitions, taking several trial practice classes, acting as a Public Defender in a Michigan criminal court, and working at Windsor’s Legal Aid clinic. Ivanna was called to the bar in June 2018.

Ivanna’s personal Injury practice is focused on representing survivors of sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, sexual harassment, revenge porn, invasions of privacy, and institutional abuse.

Prior to joining Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein in 2021, Ivanna articled at a full-service law firm in Cambridge, Ontario, and worked as a general litigation lawyer at a leading law firm in Mississauga, Ontario. Her prior practice focused on Human Rights, Employment, Defamation, and invasions of privacy claims. Ivanna’s broad experiences allow her to advise clients with complex claims and have taught her that there are many ways to get something done, get justice, or help someone find closure.

Ivanna is a compassionate, practical, relentless lawyer, and a fierce advocate. She hopes that in assisting survivors in seeking justice and closure, she can help them find their power again. When not practicing law, Ivanna enjoys traveling, canoeing, hiking with her German Shepherd, fantasy books, and exploring new foods.

Linda O’Brien

Linda joined the Gluckstein family from a boutique litigation firm where she focused exclusively on civil litigation, defending tort litigants. She is now a key member of our Sexual Abuse group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team advocating solely for survivors of sexual abuse.

Over her almost 30 years of practice, Linda has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, along with appearances before numerous boards and at private arbitrations. She has been a speaker at many legal events and seminars.

She is a graduate of the University of Guelph (Honours B.A. 1991) and the University of Windsor (LL.B. 1994). She was called to the bar in 1996.

Linda is proud to be involved in initiatives to promote policies and practices to retain and advance women in law and to continue to serve as a mentor for many students and lawyers.

In an effort to continuously give back to the communities she serves, Linda sits on the Board of The Gatehouse and SACHA, two organizations committed to supporting survivors.

Simona Jellinek

Simona Jellinek leads the Sexual Abuse and Assault team as counsel. Simona has more than 25 years of representing survivors of childhood abuse as well as adult assaults. She has litigated against religious institutions, Childrens’ Aid Societies, all levels of government, Big Brothers, Scouts, school boards, and many other institutions where people are placed in harm’s way. Simona has litigated hundreds of cases and has helped her clients achieve some of the highest settlements for sexual abuse cases in Canada.

Simona is one of Canada’s most experienced and successful lawyers in the complex and unique area of sexual abuse and assault litigation. Her experience in the area allows her to provide effective legal advice with knowledge and compassion. She has dedicated her life to helping survivors of sexual trauma in their journey towards healing.

Simona has also been instrumental in changing important pieces of legislation including the removal of the limitation period in sexual abuse and assault cases. As well, she also assisted the government in amending legislation to allow survivors who are on ODSP to remain on ODSP even after receiving compensation from a judgment or settlement.

Simona’s expertise in the area has been recognized by her peers and she is listed in Best Lawyers and Lexpert. She has been honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Zenith Lexpert award. Simona is sought after by media outlets to provide insight and commentary on sexual abuse and assaults in Canada and abroad. As well, she has lectured at universities and presented papers on sexual violence litigation at Canadian and international conferences.

Simona was on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Directors for almost a decade. She also served on the Toronto Police Sexual Assault committee for many years. She co-drafted the Sexual Abuse Guidelines applicable to all Ontario lawyers by the Law Society of Ontario.