Our People
A Successful Legal Team
Superior client care and service begins with a team of highly qualified and experienced lawyers able to provide valuable legal advice and strong representation. At Waterous, we have the legal experience, expertise and resources and work hard to obtain the solutions that you need, as well as the personal attention you deserve.
We work together sharing a long-standing common culture of shared values and with a dedication toward professional excellence in the work that we do. Most importantly, we like and respect each other and we believe that this is reflected in the quality of our work and in the lasting relationships that we maintain with our clients.
We invest in our lawyers and our staff by encouraging them to continue learning and developing their knowledge base. As we see it, combining talent with a supportive environment and first class resources ensures that our clients have access to the best legal representation available.
Patrick Corless
Partner
Pat has many years of experience assisting numerous business clients with various aspects of corporate commercial law including incorporations, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, construction liens, intellectual property and other business related agreements and transactions. Pat also assists clients with commercial and residential real estate and wills and estates.
Peter Quinlan
Partner
Peter grew up in Brantford and has over 37 years of experience assisting clients in the resolution of disputes. Peter’s practice involves advising clients on all aspects of litigation with an emphasis on employment law and personal injury claims. He uses a client-centered approach, working to achieve a resolution that is of the greatest benefit to his clients.
Deborah Ditchfield
Partner
For over thirty years, Deborah Ditchfield has worked tirelessly to give her clients back their lives, their families and, in many cases, their voice.
Deborah’s unwavering belief in the power of family law to enhance lives along with her unyielding support of one’s right to the very best legal representation have earned her a stellar reputation as an exceptional advocate as well as a compassionate, forward-thinking person.
Brian Finnigan
Partner
Brian’s practice focuses on business and organization law, as well as estate planning and administration and real estate. Incorporating for profit and not-for-profit corporations and charities, dealing with business purchases and sales, establishing partnerships, and dealing with the day to day issues that affect businesses and organizations, such as employment issues, contracts, and records maintenance are all part of his practice.
David Clement
Partner
David offers his clients comprehensive assistance in the areas of corporate-commercial law, wills and estates, and all facets of real estate, including condominium development and land development. David has extensive experience in profit and not-for-profit incorporations, amalgamations, reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions as well as a wealth of experience with business related agreements and transactions.
Sharon Binning
Partner
Sharon practices exclusively family law and has in depth experience in custody, access, adoption, support, divorce and property issues. Sharon is committed to resolving matters for her clients in the most cost-efficient manner. Sharon has extensive experience in negotiating separation agreements, marriage contracts and other domestic contracts. Sharon strives to resolve disputes in an amicable manner, using her skills to negotiate “win-win” agreements for her clients.
Sondra Gibbons
Partner
Sondra Gibbons is a partner at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP, in Brantford, Ontario. Sondra’s area of practice is family and matrimonial matters. Sondra has a broad range of experience handling pre-marital, marital, co-habitation and separation-related issues. Sondra is a passionate, thoughtful, and sympathetic lawyer who cares about people and their families.
Not all families can stay together, so when they come apart, Sondra is a strong advocate for her clients, working hard to achieve negotiated settlements whenever practicable. In situations where a negotiated settlement is not possible, Sondra is equally experienced in guiding her clients through the court process.
Steven Portelli
Partner
Steven Portelli was born and raised in Brantford. After leaving Brantford to pursue his education and early career, he was drawn back to his hometown in 2004 to practice at Waterous Holden as an associate, becoming a partner in 2008. He is deeply committed to the success of Brantford and has demonstrated this through his involvement in the community of Brantford and Brant, serving on a number of boards, providing pro bono legal services to several non profits, and participating in curling and golf leagues.
Dennis Touesnard
Partner
Dennis, a Brantford native, was called to the Ontario Bar in 2006. Dennis’ practice encompasses all areas of civil and commercial litigation, including employment law, personal injury law, estate litigation and construction law.
In the area of employment law Dennis assists employees in obtaining fair compensation when terminated and assists employers in identifying sound, practical business solutions with a results-oriented approach.
Andrew Nicholls
Partner
Andrew only practices family law. He specializes in complex property disputes and has the experience and knowledge required to help his clients protect their financial interests while going through a separation.
Following a separation, it is crucial that you receive accurate advice in order to protect your legal rights. Andrew will vigorously represent your interests in court, but understands that every client’s needs are unique.
Allan Lovett
Partner
Allan specializes in Corporate and Commercial law including the development of various business structures, incorporations, preparing and reviewing partnership and shareholder agreements, the purchase, sale, reorganization and financing of businesses and reviewing commercial leases and franchise agreements. Allan also practices in commercial and residential real estate, wills and estate planning and estate administration.
Stephanie Hermans
Partner
Stephanie joined WHAH as an associate in 2011 after summering and articling with the Firm. Stephanie obtained her law degree from Queen’s University in 2010 and her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science degree (with distinction) from the University of Guelph in 2007. Stephanie is also a graduate of Assumption College School in Brantford.
Eddy Vance
Partner
Eddy specializes in many aspects of real estate, estate planning and corporate/business law.
Born and raised in Brantford and having spent years in the Brantford business community prior to obtaining his law degree, Eddy understands the needs of business owners whether they operate a small family run business, or a business with national interests. Eddy will strive to meet the specific needs of each client in a cost-effective, timely manner, while ensuring that each client's legal obligations are adhered to in every instance.
Derek Sinko
Associate
Derek Sinko practices within the civil litigation group at Waterous Holden. Derek focuses on a range of areas including business and commercial litigation, construction liens, municipal law, and employment and human rights representing both employers and employees.
Derek has represented clients at various levels of court and before several administrative tribunals, including the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Ontario Divisional Court, the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (formerly the Ontario Municipal Board), the Human Rights Tribunal, the Labour Relations Board, Small Claims Court, and the Landlord and Tenant Board.
Scott DeGroot
Associate
Scott practices exclusively in the area of Family Law, representing clients for all of their Family Law needs including property division, child support, spousal support, and custody and access issues. Scott regularly appears in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court to advocate for his clients. However, Scott also understands that many family issues are best dealt with outside the walls of a courtroom, and is equally prepared and equipped to negotiate a resolution. Where possible, Scott also assists his clients in avoiding the stress and costs that can be associated with a relationship breakdown by preparing marriage contracts or cohabitation agreements.
Caitlin Turner
Associate
Caitlin Turner has been a civil litigation lawyer since her call to the bar in 2011. While working in all areas of civil litigation, she focuses on employment, personal injury, and commercial litigation. Caitlin also works with clients to develop contracts and policies to create certainty in employment relationships to reduce the risk of future litigation.
Nolan Wilson
Associate
Specializing in family law, Nolan Wilson is focused on providing the advice and legal advocacy required to achieve the best outcome for his clients and their families. Every case is different and Nolan believes in the importance of understanding each client’s needs in order to be an effective legal representative.
Resolution of issues such as support obligations, parenting rights, and equalization of family property requires careful consideration of the nuances of a family’s specific circumstances. Nolan understands the need to listen to clients and provide pragmatic guidance as part of navigating this process.
Courtney Boyd
Associate
Courtney Boyd is a litigation associate practicing in all areas within civil and commercial litigation, including business and contractual disputes, municipal law, employment and human rights, and real estate issues.
Brandon Adili
Associate
Brandon is an associate lawyer at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP practicing in the areas of business & corporate law, real estate, and wills and estates.
Madelaine Douglas
Associate
Maddie is an associate lawyer at Waterous Holden Amey Hitchon LLP practicing in the areas of business & corporate law, real estate, and wills and estates.
Additional Team Members
Clerks:
Carol Rendle-Robb
Estate Clerk
T: 519.759.6220 ext. 359
F: 519.759.8360
E: crendle@waterousholden.com
Kathy Robinson
Estate Clerk
T: 519.759.6220 ext. 361
F: 519.759.8360
E: krobinson@waterousholden.com
Beth Edwards
Estate Clerk
T: 519.759.6220 ext. 367
E: bedwards@waterousholden.com
Summer Cashmore
Litigation Clerk
T: 519.759.6220 ext. 362
F: 519.759.8360
E: scashmore@waterousholden.com
Victoria Zylstra
Real Estate Law Clerk
P: 519.759.6220 ext. 346
E: vzylstra@waterousholden.com
Counsel:
H. Clark Holden
Counsel
Phone: 519.759.6220 ext. 326 Fax: 519.759.8360
Email: cholden@waterousholden.com
Retired:
Timothy Sheldon
Phone: 519.759.6220 Fax: 519.759.8360
Email: law@waterousholden.com
Peter Forbes Q.C.
Phone: 519.759.6220 Fax: 519.759.8360
Email: law@waterousholden.com
Lorne Parkhill
Phone: 519.759.6220 Fax: 519.759.8360
Email: law@waterousholden.com
D. Kevin Davis
Phone: 519.759.6220 Fax: 519.759.8360
Email: law@waterousholden.com