Colin Lyon Colin Lyon joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP in 2022 as an associate lawyer in our real estate department. He completed his B.A. from the University of Toronto and holds a J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School. Prior to joining our firm, Colin worked for the City of Vaughan gaining years of experience in complex real estate matters. He has handled transactional real estate acquisition and disposition for the City as well as resolved historical title issues such as conflict of ownership and Land Title conversion issues. He also regularly drafted and reviewed leases, licenses and permissions to enter to support the objectives of client departments. As a real estate lawyer, Colin’s practice with WP Law encompasses a variety of real estate and land development matters with particular emphasis on condominium development and residential purchase and sale transactions. Realizing that the purchase of a home is probably the single largest investment most people will ever make, Colin takes the time to meet with the clients personally and carefully reviews how the process works and what the lawyer and the clients each need to do to ensure a successful closing of the transaction. He also regularly drafts and negotiates a wide range of real estate-related agreements and documents on behalf of purchasers, vendors, lenders, and borrowers, including agreements of purchase and sale, and loan and security documents. In his free time, Colin likes to work outdoors and on his own renovation projects. He also enjoys giving educational presentations on real estate legal issues to colleagues and industry associations. By Justin DominicFebruary 24, 2022August 9, 2022
Kelli Preston Kelli graduated from Osgoode Hall with an L.L.B. in 2002. She joined Devry Smith Frank LLP (DSF) in 2013, after being a partner in downtown Toronto law firm.Kelli’s practice is focused on professional negligence claims, real estate and mortgage litigation cases, recovery, bankruptcy, securities litigation and general corporate/commercial litigation. Working on cases at all levels of court in Canada, Kelli has co-counselled several significant cases at the trial and appellate level and has assisted with a multimillion-dollar arbitration. Kelli also is experienced in mortgage recovery, debtor-creditor, land severance applications and personal injury matters.Prior to her call to the bar in January 2003, Kelli was a law clerk for 13 years. In this capacity, she gained significant experience working with prominent senior lawyers in the commercial litigation field, with a special emphasis on solicitor negligence claims. Kelli credits this background to her pragmatic approach to her files.When not litigating Kelli can be found at hockey rinks and soccer fields across Ontario cheering on her two boys, or shopping with her daughter. In her spare time, Kelli enjoys travelling with her family, cooking, waterskiing, kickboxing, skiing and practicing yoga. By G63tEGnX1EFebruary 19, 2021December 7, 2021
Mark Woitzik Born and raised in Whitby, Ontario, Mark attended McMaster University in 1991. Five days into his first year of study, Mark was severely injured in a frosh week accident that left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down. After a year of physical rehabilitation, and with the tremendous support of his family, Mark returned to York University to study Economics, graduating with honours. Mark then attended Osgoode Hall, Canada’s oldest and most recognized law school.After being called to the Bar in 2000, Mark started his practice in his hometown of Whitby. Mark has been a commentator about accessibility issues for newspapers, done numerous public presentations for buyers, sellers, realtors and mortgage brokers, and has appeared live on CTV News as an expert commentator for interest rates and real estate related matters.Mark and his wife Amanda are actively involved in the community, supporting many local sports teams and countless charitable causes throughout the year. Annually, on behalf of Durham Region realtors and clients, Mark’s office supports St. Vincent’s kitchen to ensure those in need can enjoy free Christmas meals throughout December. Amanda and Mark are proud supporters of the military and have donated over 600 tickets to Canadian soldiers and their families for Blue Jays game to date. By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021January 19, 2022
Stephen Sforza Stephen joined Woitzik Polsinelli in 2019 as an associate in our Corporate/Commercial and Real Estate Groups. He holds a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and an undergraduate degree with honours from Queen’s University, graduating magnacum laude.Prior to joining the firm, he was an associate at another established Durham Region law firm, where he assisted a variety of clients with their business, real estate and wills & estates law matters. Stephen’s previous experience also includes working in downtown Toronto in the securities regulation industry and in the legal department of a public oil & gas company.Stephen’s clients include entrepreneurs, real estate investors, professionals, small to medium-sized businesses, commercial lenders and borrowers, credit unions, and commercial landlords and tenants. His client-focused approach, combined with his developed legal knowledge and expertise, enables him to provide individual and corporate clients with strategic, practical and tailored legal advice and cost-effective legal solutions.His broad corporate & commercial practice includes business formation, corporate reorganizations, purchasing and selling businesses, secured lending, commercial financing, tax rollovers, commercial leasing and general contract review and drafting.Stephen is also an integral part of the firm’s Real Estate Group, where he assists clients with residential and commercial purchases, sales, assignments, and mortgage transactions.When out of the office, Stephen enjoys maintaining a highly active and healthy lifestyle. He played competitive level soccer most of his life and continues playing to this day. He is also an avid Toronto sports fan, actively following Toronto FC and the Toronto Maple Leafs.Feel free to contact Stephen at stephen@durhamlawyer.ca TESTIMONIALS “I have been using Woitzik Polsinelli for many years. Their service and professionalism is next to none. A special thank you to Stephen Sforza for all of his outstanding work and assistance over the years!” – Domenic.C“Stephen helped us out with the sale of our business, as well as the purchase/sale of our homes – His team were very knowledgeable and quick to answer any questions that came up – we would 100% recommend them to anyone!” – Jessica. L“I have used this firm for several real estate transactions, wills and now to sell my business. Stephen was great to deal with. He responded to my concerns in a quick, supportive and professional way. the advice was good and rates fair. I strongly recommend the use of this firm for all professional needs.” Johnny. N By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021December 7, 2021
Vanessa Romanino Vanessa joined Woitzik Polsinelli in 2016. 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 an associate 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.Feel free to contact Vanessa at vanessa@durhamlawyer.ca By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021January 14, 2022
Paria Rad Paria is a partner and real estate lawyer at Woitzik Polsinelli LLP. Paria has extensive experience in all aspects of the real estate transaction, she is experienced in dealing with complex legal issues and she has closed numerous real estate transactions. Prior to joining Woitzik Polsinelli, Paria practiced real estate law at a boutique and well respected law firm in Toronto. Thereafter, she returned to her home town to continue her passion for real estate law at a law firm in Pickering. Paria often speaks and hosts webinars to discuss emerging real-estate law issues and enjoys mentoring other lawyers. Paria has an “open door” policy and is pleased to assist with any real-estate law inquiries. With a strong network of family and friends in Durham and York Regions, Paria enjoys supporting her community and is a firm believer in positive thinking. Feel free to contact Paria at paria@durhamlawyer.ca Testimonials “I have nothing but positive things to say about Woitzik Polsinelli. They were so good and helpful in getting my elderly parents house sold. They answered all our questions and made sure we clearly understood every part of the deal. Paria Rad was professional, informative and very caring. I will use these lawyers again.” – Craig.Z “Paria and her team went above and beyond for me. I had a very complicated and stressful situation with the closing of my house and Paria was very easy to get a hold of. She was always ready to answer my questions and was always honest and prompt with her responses. I was referred to her office after I was unable to reach my previous real estate lawyer for over two months. I felt the effort and work she put in for me and I can now say I am happily living in my dream home. I highly recommend Paria and her team!” – Kateryna.F By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021July 26, 2022
Marco Polsinelli Marco obtained his undergraduate degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and his law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in 1999.Mr. Polsinelli was called to the Bar in Ontario in 2001. He began practicing law in Vaughan focusing exclusively on residential and commercial real estate. His immersion in ‘all things real estate’ continued at Stewart Title Guaranty Company – where he managed title claims, legal and regulatory affairs and ultimately oversaw Stewart Title’s entire operation in Canada in the role of Senior Vice President. Marco joined Woitzik Polsinelli in 2016 to work with his good friend, Mark Woitzik. Marco is a partner emeritus at WP. He remains actively engaged and interested in current real estate industry issues, though he no longer practices law.His experiences have made him an authority on current trends in the real estate closing process and he is recognized as a leader in this area. It is Marco’s view that with technology and the current regulatory environment, more change is coming in this space and he has helped to ensure that Woitzik Polsinelli, Barristers & Solicitors, remains at the leading edge of law firms in Ontario.Marco grew up in Pickering and York Region. He has a keen interest in philanthropy and supporting great local causes. Marco has been a Director on the Foundation Board of Providence Healthcare in Scarborough. As well, Woitzik Polsinelli, Barristers and Solicitors has proudly supported numerous local charities in Durham Region, including Lakeridge Health Foundation. By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021January 19, 2022
Jason Lane Jason Lane joined Woitzik Polsinelli LLP, Lawyers and Mediators in 2018 as a summer law student. Jason obtained his Juris Doctor from The University of Western Ontario in 2019 and is now an associate in our Family and Real Estate Groups. During his time at WP, Jason has gained extensive knowledge regarding a variety of real property matters such as the purchase and sale of new homes, condominiums, re-sales, and assignments. 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 closing process is made simple and straightforward. As an associate of our Family Law Group, Jason places great emphasis upon finding client-focused, sustainable resolutions to family law matters and he works towards preserving relationships to the greatest extent possible. Jason has aided many clients by providing advice on and drafting marriage contracts (pre-nuptial), separation agreements and cohabitation agreements. 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 the Toronto Raptors. Feel free to contact Jason at jason@durhamlawyer.ca TESTIMONIALS “Our experience of buying our first home was seamless with the law firm of Woitzik Polisinelli LLP. The team, from our file being opened to closing day, were great! They held appointments virtually to ensure safety for all parties. We were always updated in a timely manner and spoken to with great professionalism and care, especially Cheryle, Jason L., and Jennifer C. Thank you for helping us start our new adventure! We will not hesitate to recommend you to others!” – Sarah.R “I had a great experience working with Woitzik Polsinelli LLP for a recent home purchase. As a first-time homebuyer, they made the entire experience informative, comfortable, and stress-free. With a closing of only two weeks, the team went above and beyond to ensure I was able to close on time. The entire process was quick and seamless. The team at Woitzik Polsinelli LLP has also provided excellent follow-up. They have answered all of my questions related to my home, and they’ve continued to be my go-to for any legal matters. I’d like to give a special thanks to Jason, Charlene, Marco, and Cheryle for their wonderful customer support. They have my highest recommendation.” – Nate By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021July 26, 2022
Jonathan Dippolito A member of the Firm’s Real Estate Group, Jonathan centers his efforts on an array of real estate ventures, inclusive of acquisitions, refinances, estate matters, dispositions, pre-construction and newly built property matters. Admitted to practice in the province of Ontario and the State of New York, Jonathan first began his practice in creditor’s rights and residential mortgage foreclosure litigation. Shifting his practice to commercial and predominantly residential acquisitions and dispositions, Jonathan addresses the uncertainties, financial implications and legal challenges clients may face from the outset of a transaction, offering practical solutions to a client’s narrowly tailored situation.Impassioned about helping clients secure their targeted outcome while ensuring accessibility to address all uncertainties in what can often feel like a frenetic, yet incredibly exciting process, feel free to contact Jonathan at jonathan@durhamlawyer.ca.Feel free to contact Jonathan at jonathan@durhamlawyer.c Testimonials Jon, Paria, Marco and the team have always been my 'go-to' real estate law firm whom I refer my clients to. Jon is diligent, quick and so on top of things. I have used him for my personal business as well. If you have a contract that needs to be proofed, you must have Jon go through it. He ensures to look after your best interest and to keep you protected. Woitzik Polsinelli are part of my team of professionals and I consider it a privilege to work them. Leila Khan & Associates Real Estate My experience started back in March 2020 when I put a down payment on a condo not yet built in Huntsville, Ontario. My husband is not well so I asked my son in law to use his lawyer who he has had excellent support closing his house. The team was very accommodating researching the pre buying of the condo right through to the few changes of move in date and final closing Oct15,2021. They worked with both of us, especially at the end when my home closing wasn’t aligning with my condo closing. In my zoom meeting with Jonathon, he was very thorough asking me if I understood each part of the signing pages. Paria and Jason were working in the background. Jennifer made sure that all correspondence was sent quickly and efficiently always reminding me “not to worry” I was in good hands! Working with this firm which is 3 hours away from where I live was amazing! Thank you again! I truly recommend this firm. Eileen Cox By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021January 14, 2023
Ashley Almeida Ashley Almeida joined our real estate department as an associate lawyer in December 2020. She holds a Juris Doctor from Bond University and an undergraduate degree from McGill University. Prior to joining our firm, Ashley articled at a real estate and corporate law firm in North York and spent 3.5 years as an associate at a well-known commercial and residential real estate firm in the same area. Thereafter, she founded her own practice and for four years advised her clients on all aspects of real estate, wills and estates, and corporate law. She next joined a boutique law firm in Ajax, focusing her practice on all aspects of real estate including new build and resale homes and condominium properties throughout Ontario. Ashley has been the recipient of exceptional client loyalty and is known for her client-focused service and outstanding legal guidance. While the core focus of her practice remains in real estate, Ashley assists the firm in each of its practice areas of wills and estates and corporate law. In her space-time, Ashley enjoys cooking, travelling, hiking with her yellow labrador and staying active in the community. For more information about real estate and wills and estates please contact Durham lawyer Ashley Almeida at ashley@durhamlawyer.ca By G63tEGnX1EJanuary 21, 2021July 26, 2022
