Biography

Al Pace is the Founder and Principal of Pace Law Firm. He has practiced law for more than 30 years and has earned a stellar reputation for skill and outstanding client service. After completing his studies at the University of Toronto and the University of Windsor where he received his LL.B., Al was called to the Bar for the province of Ontario in 1980. Initially, Al developed his law practice in the areas of personal injury and civil litigation. In subsequent years, Al expanded the firm’s practice areas to include corporate and commercial litigation and immigration law and related services.

As CEO of Pace Law Firm, Al takes a personal interest in all of the firm’s cases to ensure the highest standards of service excellence are met consistently across the firm. In addition to his legal practice, Al supports community involvement, and has taken an active and prominent role in the Lithuanian community and the Trillium Health Centre.

Biography

After completing his BA with Honours in political science and economics at the University of Toronto, Robert went on to receive his LLB from the same institution and was called to the Bar in Ontario in 1972.

Robert’s experience ranges in a wide variety of insurance related litigation. His practice focuses on plaintiff personal injury litigation, mediations, arbitrations and insurance coverage disputes where he has handled a substantial number of jury and non-jury trials. He has successfully argued appeals before the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal.

Robert has presented papers at numerous continuing legal education seminars for lawyers and members of the medical community, dealing with serious personal injury and accident benefits.

Biography

Donald R. Fiske joined Pace Law Firm in April, 2008, in order to establish and head the firm’s Civil and Commercial Litigation department. The team which he has assembled addresses a variety of issues relating to corporate recovery, insolvency, partnership disputes, construction litigation, civil fraud, wrongful act conspiracy, Aboriginal commercial claims, breach of contract and claims against the Crown.

Don is a graduate of Dalhousie Law School and was called to the Ontario bar in 1977. In 2007 he was called to the bar in British Columbia. Don established his own litigation firm in 1982 and, over the course of the next 26 years, he specialized in matters pertaining to corporate collections, complex debtor/creditor litigation, insolvency, bankruptcy, and construction litigation matters.

Don’s roster of clients has included multinational corporations representing the manufacturing, financial, and communications sectors. In addition, he has also acted on behalf of numerous small business owners and entrepreneurs regarding various types of civil litigation, with a particular emphasis on debtor/creditor disputes. Recently he has also represented First Nations people in commercial disputes and currently provides consulting services with respect to First Nations commercial issues for members at Akwesasne, near Cornwall, and Whitesand First Nation in Northern Ontario.

Don has received his accreditation as a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation from the Law Society of Ontario. With over 40 years of experience in commercial litigation, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with a proven record of success, on which he draws in offering clients his unique expertise. Don is frequently consulted by lawyers in other law firms to provide advice as to approach and strategy and also to assist in ongoing litigation. He has extensive experience as a trial lawyer and also has conducted appeals at the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Two lawyers who worked with Don on trial matters have obtained their Certified Specialist status in Civil Litigation and another lawyer who worked with him has appeared as lead Counsel at the Supreme Court of Canada. Don possesses a unique skill set and resources to aid other lawyers who may wish to make a referral as a result of a conflict, or are seeking assistance in proceeding with an action which may require a more experienced hand. He often works with other law firms in preparing for trial and will assist at trial, if called upon.

The Civil Litigation Department believes in the words of retired Justice Joseph W. Quinn that “Trial lawyers try cases. Trial lawyers who settle their cases are social workers”.

Biography

Alexander M. Voudouris is a senior litigator with Pace Law Firm. Alex has a Specialized Honours B.A. from York University, and attended the University of Windsor and University of Detroit Mercy Law Schools. He has also Clerked for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal for the Northwest Territories. Since being called to the Bar in 1991, Alex’s practice has been in the Personal Injury field.

For the first 18 years of his practice, he represented numerous Canadian and American insurance companies including Allstate, Co-operators, Coseco, ING/Intact, RBC, Monnex/TD and Auto Owners (Michigan). For the past 9 years, Alex has exclusively represented accident victims. Alex has significant trial, arbitration and appeal experience in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Financial Services Commision of Ontario, the License Appeal Tribunal, and the Worker Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal.

Alexander has represented clients in a broad range of cases, including serious brain injuries, paraplegia, tetraplegia, chronic pain, fatalities, psychiatric and orthopaedic injuries, together with catastrophic impairments as defined in the SABS.

Alex lectures extensively, and has written and had published a number of articles for the Law Times, Lawyers Weekly/Daily, and The Litigator. He was a regular participant in the FSCO and ADR DRS Counsel Forums and is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (OTLA) Board of Directors. Recently, Alex was tasked with training the new License Appeal Tribunal (LAT) Adjudicators in SABS Law.

Biography

Allan Chapnik is a Toronto litigation lawyer. Mr. Chapnik received his BA from York University in 1989. Three years later, he graduated as a Bachelor of Law from the University of British Columbia and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1994.

Practice areas include contract disputes, shareholder disputes including oppression remedies, real estate matters including mortgage enforcement, and applications for injunctive and other relief.

Mr. Chapnik has a wide ranging trial, application, arbitration and appeal practice, appearing in the Superior Court of Justice, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, the CPPRT, the CCRB, WSIAT, and in Federal Court.

Biography

Anu received her law degrees from both Delhi University and McGill University. Afterwards, she dedicated her legal practice to complex insurance-related litigation in plaintiff personal injury cases. These cases include motor vehicle accidents, product liability, long term disability and wrongful death. Her areas of experience and expertise include serious and catastrophic injuries, fatalities, and brain and spinal cord injuries.

Anu has a special interest in accident benefits law, and has appeared at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Ontario Superior Court, tribunal hearings and mediations.

Biography

Michelle attended York University, where she graduated with an Honours degree in Political Science in 1998. She distinguished herself academically by earning the Dean’s Scholarship, and by being selected as an Academic All-Canadian for excellence in academics and inter-university sports. Subsequently, Michelle attended Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto, graduating in 2001. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2002.

In 2003, Michelle joined the Pace Law Firm as personal injury lawyer. During the past fifteen years, she has represented her clients by litigating a variety of claims—including motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, product liability matters, long-term disability claims, and dog- bite actions. With respect to motor vehicle accidents, Michelle has a special interest in representing the victims of motorcycle accidents. Although she is based in the GTA, Michelle has represented clients residing throughout Ontario—from Kingston to Windsor, and from the Niagara Region to Collingwood and Owen Sound.

Michelle has served as arbitration counsel before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and the License and Appeals Tribunal. She has also appeared before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, successfully serving as trial co-counsel, as well as the Ontario Court of Appeal. As co-counsel, Michelle has conducted trials in both jury and judge alone proceedings. In 2015, Michelle served as trial co-counsel, representing a client who had sustained a severe brain injury as a result of a jail-house beating. In a landmark decision, the court ruled in Michelle’s client’s favour, awarding him $3.2 million dollars in damages. Michelle served as co-counsel in successfully defending the decision before the Ontario Court of Appeal.

In 2017, Michelle was awarded her accreditation as a Certified Specialist in Civil Litigation from the Law Society of Upper Canada; a distinction which fewer than 2% of Ontario’s lawyers have achieved. The Certified Specialist designation recognizes lawyers who have distinguished themselves—by virtue of their professional knowledge, expertise, and experience—in specific areas of law.

Biography

Renata has been practicing in the area of personal injury & insurance law since 2003.  She spent the first 7 years of her career working for many of the major insurance companies in defense of injury claims.

Realizing that helping injured victims was her true calling Renata then switched sides and has been working with accident victims and their families ever since.

In addition to managing her own thriving boutique law firm for the last 7 years, Renata is excited to work with Pace Law Firm as an affiliate lawyer so as to further broaden her field of expertise, and to share her knowledge, compassion and commitment to achieving top results with clients of this firm.
In addition to her busy practice Renata is passionate about mentoring others and has recently become a mentor with Women’s Law Association of Ontario, a 100 hundred year old association advocating for women lawyers. Here Renata helps guide young lawyers entering the legal profession. She also acts as guest speaker for the association. In addition Renata regularly offers internship placements for newly trained paralegals and law clerks, always on the look out for top new legal talent and in an effort to give back to the profession.

Biography

Elaine brings a background in both law and social work to her practice. Following her call to the Bar in 1989, Elaine practiced administrative and criminal law. She has appeared before a variety of administrative tribunals, before all levels of court in Ontario, and before the Federal Court of Canada. Currently, she brings Pace Law Firm’s extensive resources to assist clients throughout Northwestern Ontario as well as Southern Ontario.

Elaine's practice focuses on all aspects of personal injury, with a special emphasis on representing victims of sexual assault, and indigenous clients.
You can find Elaine Bright’s blog posts here.

Biography

Nancy attended the University of Toronto, Rotman School of Management from where she graduated in 2004 with Distinction, earning a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and was awarded the Harold B. Matchett Scholarship for academic achievement. Nancy received her law degree from Queen’s University in 2007 and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008.

While studying at Queen’s, Nancy was an active volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada and the Law Student Society. Prior to joining Pace Law Firm, Nancy articled at a prominent commercial firm in Toronto, and practiced at a plaintiff personal injury firm. She continues to focus her legal practice on plaintiff personal injury cases including Accident Benefits and Torts.

Nancy regularly appears before the Superior Court of Justice and has conducted numerous arbitrations, appeals and expense hearings at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario. She has also appeared before the Landlord Tenant Board.

In 2012, Nancy established a free legal clinic with the Chinese Family Services of Ontario. Nancy is fluent in English and Cantonese.

Biography

“It is a tremendous privilege to guide and support my clients as we navigate, together, through personal tragedies towards making their lives whole again.  Although this work is often challenging, it is extremely gratifying – on a daily basis.  I am honoured to play a pivotal role in advocating for fair and practical solutions for my clients and their families.”
 
Steven Arie Glowinsky joined the Pace team in September 2015 after working for two prominent personal injury law firms following his admission to the Law Society of Ontario in 2010.  He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in Psychology in 2004, and obtained his law degree from the University of Calgary in 2009.
 
Steven’s practice is devoted to all areas of personal injury litigation on behalf of plaintiffs, including motor vehicle accident claims, accident benefits claims, slip and falls, medical malpractice claims, and other tort claims and disability-related matters.  He takes tremendous personal gratification in working with a diverse range of personalities, making interpersonal connections, and helping accident victims and their families navigate through a life crisis and litigate insurance claims.  For these reasons, he has a proven track record of advocating aggressively and attaining favourable results on behalf of his clients.
 
Please feel free to contact Steven at (416) 734-0431 or email him at sglowinsky@pacelawfirm.com.

Biography

Joshua Goldberg went to law school at both the University of Toronto and the University of Ottawa. He also completed a semester of law school at Peking University in China. Prior to that, Joshua spent several years in China studying Chinese, teaching English, volunteering and travelling.

Since his call to the bar in 2011, Joshua has been practicing mainly civil and commercial litigation. He handles a variety of cases, including personal injury/car accident and insurance claims, contract disputes, administrative appeals and real estate, employment and defamation matters. He regularly appears before the Superior Court of Ontario, the Ontario Small Claims Court and various tribunals.  In addition to working at Pace Law Firm, Joshua volunteers at a Toronto legal clinic and does some research and writing work for Westlaw/Thomson Reuters.

Joshua provides legal services in English and Chinese.

Biography

Shortly after joining Pace Law Firm in 2014, Adam assumed the role of a team leader, where he leads a team of dedicated legal professionals. Prior to joining Pace Law Firm, Adam practiced at another prominent personal injury law firm for a number of years. His entire career has been devoted to helping injured clients get favourable results.

Adam has represented clients before the Ontario Divisional Court, the Superior Court of Justice, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario and the License Appeals Tribunal. His practice covers all areas of personal injury litigation including motor vehicle accidents and slip/trip and falls as well as accident benefits and disability claims. Adam prides himself in being accessible to all clients and in always doing what is best for his client, given their own unique circumstance.

Adam reads extensively and keeps up to date on new developments in the law. He has been asked by the Ontario Bar Association to present on changes in the law. He has in the past been mentored by some of the best lawyers in the field of personal injury law and now offers mentorship to junior lawyers, having served as an articling principle.

Adam is certified as an advanced open water diver. He and his wife have scuba dived on four continents.

Biography

Aleksa attended the University of Toronto and graduated with an honours degree in Foreign Languages and Literature.

She went on to attend law school at the University of Ottawa, where she obtained degrees in both Common Law and Civil Law (cum laude).

Having articled at an insurance defense firm in downtown Toronto, Aleksa understands both sides of personal injury law issues.

With an interest in travel and culture, Aleksa is fluent in English, French, Italian, Spanish and Lithuanian

Biography

Alisha attended Carleton University in Ottawa and graduated on the Dean's list with an honours degree in Law and Women Studies.

She went on to attend law school at the University of Ottawa and was called to the bar in 2013.

Prior to coming to PACE in 2015, Alisha worked as an Associate at reputable Insurance Defence Firm. Having practiced in Insurance Defence, she understands both sides and is able to effectively and efficiently advocate for her clients needs. She believes in a client-centred approach that is both efficient and effective, she encourages early resolution where appropriate and always puts the needs of her clients first.

Biography

Kiran completed her articling at Pace Law Firm, and became an associate at the firm after being called to the Bar in 2014. She received her law degree from the University of Birmingham, and graduated from York University with an Honours degree in Law and Society and Political Science.

Kiran’s legal practice focuses on Plaintiff personal injury cases, including motor vehicle accidents, occupiers’ liability, and disability claims. She has advocated and appeared on motions and hearings before the Superior Court of Justice, as well as the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and the Licence Appeal Tribunal.

Biography

Kiet was called to the Ontario Bar in 2014 after completing his articles in a prominent down-town law firm prior to joining Pace Law Firm as an associate lawyer.  His area of practice include motor vehicle accidents, occupier’s liability, product liability and Employment law claims. On behalf of his clients, Kiet has advocated and appeared before the Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court and FSCO.

Kiet is a member of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, the Ontario Bar Association and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers.

In his spare time, Kiet enjoys photography and outdoor activities such as camping, biking, and snowboarding. He is also a long standing volunteer at the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Hospital.

Biography

Umair Shaikh is a junior lawyer who initially articled with Pace Law and was hired back. He graduated from the University of Leicester in 2015 and was called to the bar in 2018. Umair’s practice has been devoted to civil and commercial litigation. He has advocated and appeared on motions and hearings before the Superior Court of Justice, Small Claims Court and tribunals.

Biography

Susanne is a Licensed Paralegal and a Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

Susanne Young has been an insurance industry adjuster and Accident Benefit Specialist for the past 18 years. Susanne’s extensive knowledge of insurance law (both pre- and post-No Fault) and her experience as a Technical Specialist in the Accident Benefit field, gives her superior insight into catastrophic injury cases.

Susanne is a well-known writer and speaker on insurance and the law and has been involved in many mediations, arbitrations and trials.

A graduate of the University of Toronto, Susanne received an Honours B.A. with a double major in English and Sociology. She has also completed Rehabilitation Courses at Seneca College including Rehabilitation I & II, Community Resources, and Reintegration into the Community. Susanne continues her studies through courses and conferences on serious injuries and their effects on the human body and mind.

Biography

Patricia is a Senior Claims Manager/Paralegal at Pace Law Firm and provides legal services that are permissible accorhttps://www.dropbox.com/sh/9mtldx3g0hntypw/AACbCLHYw7otfrEPzPnpx3Aka?dl=0ding to the Law Society of Upper Canada. She initially joined Pace in January 2010 and took a brief hiatus in 2013 to work for a leading insurance defence firm. Patricia returned to Pace in 2013 with an extensive legal background having worked on the Plaintiff's side for many years.

Patricia specializes in the management of No-Fault Accident Benefit Claims on behalf of the accident victim. She is committed to ensuring that the clientele at Pace receive individual attention, guidance, care and compassion.

Involved with the most complex catastrophic and chronic pain cases, Patricia's dedication to Pace Law Firm is invaluable in helping accident victims manage their disability claims. She is diligent when building clients' files to ensure the best possible results for them and their families at the end of the road.

Patricia regularly attends mediations and pre-hearings before the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

Before Patricia's entry into the legal realm, she was a health care aid, working in various healthcare organizations. Patricia is fluent in the Greek language and is a member of the Paralegal Society of Ontario.

On a personal note, Patricia lives in Toronto and enjoys spending time with her husband and two teenage sons. She is a very passionate "soccer mom".

Biography

Pauline studied at Humber College and graduated from the Law Clerk program in 2003. During her time as a co-op student, she interned at a downtown law firm where she was exposed to commercial law, wills and estates and litigation. In addition to her certification as a Law Clerk, Pauline is also a licensed insurance agent.

Upon graduation, she joined Pace Law Firm and became a member of Team Conforzi. Pauline is an invaluable team member, with expertise in preparing Affidavit of Documents, undertakings and assisting with all slip and fall matters. Her responsibilities include interviewing witnesses, preparing their statements, and occasional "fieldwork" to investigate slip and fall locations for the file.

Pauline is a caring individual who provides quality service to her clients.

Biography

Theresa joined Pace Law Firm in 2003 with Albert Conforzi from a large downtown Toronto law firm specializing in civil litigation. She has worked with Albert Conforzi since 1990 and initially joined him as his legal assistant.

Theresa has over 24 years experience in law office settings following her graduation from the Legal Assistant’s Program at Sheridan College. While maintaining full-time employment, she also undertook and completed the Law Clerk Certificate Program at Humber College in 1991.

With Theresa’s years of service in the legal field combined with her in-depth knowledge of law, she is able to provide a wide range of assistance to many of our lawyers. She is a conscientious and attentive person who is very supportive to our clients, consistently providing them with outstanding service.

In addition to her responsibilities to Team Conforzi, Theresa is an active soccer and hockey mom who is involved in numerous community activities including her son’s hockey team and her daughter’s soccer teams. In addition, Theresa has become accomplished at and developed a passion for snowmobiling over the years.

Biography

Nadira graduated from York University in 1992 with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree, and a double major in English and Political Science.

She pursued a Post-Graduate Diploma in Regulatory Law Administration, graduating with High Honours in 1993. Nadira holds a Certificate as a Law Clerk from the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario.

Nadira worked at a number of prominent plaintiff personal injury law firms before joining Pace Law Firm in 2001.