Kathryn Balter
Biography
Kathryn is currently a partner at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP practicing in the areas of wills and estates. Kathryn has extensive experience in estate planning and estate administration. She drafts wills, powers of attorney and trusts for individuals with various financial and personal circumstances. Kathryn has contributed to several professional publications and has had her work published in the Trusts and Estates Section Newsletter. Kathryn is a recurring member of the Trusts and Estates Section Executive of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA), currently the Chair, and a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP). She received her Juris Doctor at the University of British Columbia and was called to the Ontario bar in 2012.
Demetre Vasilounis
Biography
Demetre is a thoughtful and detail-oriented lawyer who specializes in trusts, estates and tax law. He works closely with individuals and families to understand their unique circumstances, and crafts tailored plans to meet their goals. Whether guiding clients through complex tax and succession planning or helping them navigate sensitive personal matters, Demetre prioritizes clear communication and careful attention to detail. He also frequently collaborates with accountants, financial advisors and other professionals to develop comprehensive strategies, ensuring his clients receive well-rounded advice. Demetre’s ability to connect with people, listen attentively and offer clear, practical guidance makes him a trusted advisor in tax and estate planning. Demetre is a member of the firm’s Tax and Estates & Trusts Groups. He has a broad trusts and estates practice, working with clients to create and execute wills, powers of attorney and various trust instruments. Demetre develops customized tax planning strategies for his clients and regularly engages with their private holding and operating corporations when managing corporate reorganizations and estate freezes. His expertise spans a wide range of family wealth planning matters, including tax issues, cross-border and international estates, probate planning and disability planning. Demetre also advises on charitable gifting, asset protection strategies, personal privacy, intellectual property and domestic contracts. Demetre has extensive experience drafting and negotiating marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements, as well as advising executors and trustees with respect to all aspects of estate administration. He brings particular expertise in digital asset planning, helping clients navigate the complexities of social media accounts, cryptocurrency and other electronic assets within their estate plans. In addition to individuals and families, Demetre works with a diverse range of clients, including entrepreneurs, business owners, philanthropists, athletes, artists, authors, entertainers and social media influencers. Demetre is a recognized thought leader in estate planning. He regularly speaks and writes on topics such as digital assets in succession planning, and has shared his insights at conferences across Canada and internationally. Demetre’s work has also been cited by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.
Melissa Elmaleh
Biography
Melissa is an associate lawyer at Kimel Law Group practicing in estate, trust, and capacity litigation. She holds a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School with a specialization in Litigation, Dispute Resolution, and the Administration of Justice. She was a recipient of Osgoode’s Legal and Literary Society’s Graduating Student Award for Exceptional Leadership. Melissa is a lead member of the Teaching Team for the Lawyer as Negotiator course at Osgoode Hall Law School. She serves as the Co-Chair of the Medico-Legal Society of Toronto’s Young Practitioners Committee, the Vice Chair of the Women’s Legal Education and Action Fund (LEAF) Toronto, and is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. Melissa is a Member of the Advocates’ Society Estate Litigation Practice Group, and an Affiliate Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP.) Melissa is also a Coach for the Law Society of Ontario's Coach and Advisor Network, and serves on executive committees including STEP Toronto’s Membership Committee, and the Baycrest Foundation’s Professional Advisory Committee. Melissa holds a Master of Arts from York University, and an Honors Specialization Bachelor of Arts from Western University.
Karen Hagman
Biography
Karen is a principal lawyer at MayLex Litigation Professional Corporation. She practices in the areas of estates, trusts and capacity litigation as well as professional negligence. Karen also has a strong background in family law and civil litigation. Karen is a member of the Thunder Bay Law Association, The Advocates’ Society and the Ontario Bar Association. She is currently serving as Regional Representative on the Executive for the Ontario Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Law Section. When not practicing law, Karen enjoys cooking meals for family and friends. She also enjoys a variety of sports including running, hot yoga and recently, mountain biking.
Kathleen Louise Robichaud
Biography
Kathleen Robichaud is a sole practitioner practicing in Manotick, Ontario. Her practice is a solicitors practice meaning she works in the areas of Real Estate Law - both commercial and residential; Wills and Estates - including Estate Planning and she also practices Business Law including Incorporations; Partnerships; Buying and Selling a Business and Succession arrangements for businesses and business owners. She was called to the Ontario bar in 1999. Kathleen is an active member and volunteer with the Ontario Bar Association as well as the Canadian Bar Association. She has been working to help the Associations do better at providing programming and services that meets the needs of sole and small firm business lawyers and the kinds of clients and transactions they work with. Kathleen has worked primarily as a sole practitioner throughout her years of practice. Kathleen organizes, moderates and co-chairs Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs for lawyers regularly and has done so for several years. She has been a previous speaker at Law Society CPD programs as well. She is a member of the County of Carleton Law (CCLA) Association and an active volunteer with the CCLA as well including acting as co-chair of the organizing Committee for the East Region Solicitors Conference.
