Growing up as the first-generation son of two Italian immigrants gave me a glimpse into some unfairness of life – how some people, through no fault of their own are at a disadvantage. By grade 9 I knew I wanted to be a lawyer as a way to help address some of the unfairness that I had seen. Watching Paper Chase and Witness for the Prosecution certainly confirmed my life’s path. Of course, I soon discovered that practicing law is not exactly like the movies; it has been enormously rewarding, and I am grateful that it has given me the tools to be able to help some people who are facing their own injustices.
As most young Canadian boys growing up in Canada, I had a dream of one day playing professional hockey. In my final year of High School, an Ivy League University approached me and asked if I would be interested in playing in their hockey program. What an opportunity! And given how much I loved the game, family and friends were more than surprised when I turned down the invitation. While I never did go on to play professional hockey, the game taught me about the kinds of values, behaviour and attitude, and sacrifices that are needed to be successful in life and law.
My academic path is pretty straight forward: I completed an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration B.B.A. degree from Schulich School of Business, York University, in 1984 and then went on to earn my law degree from the University of Ottawa. Today, I am a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Canadian Bar Association, Ontario Bar Association and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association. and a former New York State Bar member.
So is there anything “off the beaten path” on my road to becoming a lawyer? Well, actually yes. In the summer of 1987, I found myself in Perugia, Italy, studying in a setting, which was unique compared to my Canadian education. It was exciting to meet and learn with people
from different cultures in an atmosphere of open mindedness and tolerance and a meeting point for people of various cultures. Classes were spread over a few buildings, but I distinctly recall Palazzo Gallenga, built between 1748 and 1758. Many years later, when I’m leaving some undistinguished southern Ontario Courthouse building on a bleak winter day, I entertain a fleeting wish that I’m emerging from Palazzo Gallenga into the Tuscan sunshine, hearing the roar of a cab driver “Palazzo Gallenga, Pronto Pronto.”
I would say my summer in Italy helped shaped me into the person I am today.
Joni Eareckson Tada once said that “perspective is everything when you are experiencing the challenges of life.” As a lawyer, I am constantly faced with the task of resolving the challenges that others face in their lives. For me to be effective I look through various lenses and try to examine the situation from various perspectives. Being fluent in two languages actually helps me to see things from several viewpoints, which can be helpful in conflict resolution. In order for me to effectively complete this task, I am required to look through many lenses. Maintaining dual Canadian and Italian Citizenship and fluency in a second language helps me to see things from several viewpoints, which can be helpful in conflict resolution. It has proven to be one of my greatest foundational assets throughout my career and life.
Business (I worked for 10 years in manufacturing) and law has proven to be a valuable combination for my clients. I understand the real-world constraints and challenges of running a business. I am highly business-minded, transaction oriented and thrive in both a legal and entrepreneurial environment.
My legal background includes advising clients on insurance claims, wrongful death claims, personal injury claims, commercial contracts and leases, commercial litigation, business law and business acquisitions, shareholder agreements and disputes, labour and employment matters, residential and commercial real estate litigation, expropriation matters, collection and insolvency, wills and estates.
In my practice, I have helped small to medium size business owners establish, grow and invest in their business. I have acted for families in wrongful death actions. I have appeared for clients in Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Divisional Court. No file is too large or too small. The client always comes first.
Although I have worked for larger firms, there is no question that I prefer running my own small, boutique law office. I handle every file, meet every client, hear their story, assess their situation and truly feel I know about each and every one. I am their advocate. I know that the legal system can be confusing and, frankly, sometimes daunting. It’s my job to put my clients at ease and ensure that they understand the system and agree with the plan to move their file forward. My door is always open and I am accessible at any time to answer any and all client questions.
These days when I’m not immersed in a client’s file, I enjoy weekend expeditions, gardening, photography, chess, cycling, making wine from grapes imported from California (Zinfandel blended with Barbera is my favourite) and most of all, cooking for friends.
