Our Lawyers

Ontario’s trusted legal advisors.

Our diverse and experienced team of lawyers provides exceptional service and representation in a broad spectrum of legal fields including business law, real estate law, municipal law, family law, wills and estates, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, mortgage remedies and creditors rights. Our lawyers are also leaders in the communities in which they live and work, exemplifying our firm’s commitment to making a positive difference for our clients and our communities.

“The Barriston team is fast and attentive and never make it feel like it is just business. They genuinely care and want to do the best for you.” – Family Law Client

I need a lawyer with expertise in:

Counsel

John Alousis joined Barriston Law in 2026 (along with Melissa Conte), bringing with him a wealth of experience in corporate, commercial, and real estate law. His practice also focuses on development projects and wills and estates. John has been a fixture of the Barrie legal community since 1990, establishing his own firm in 1997. John earned […]

Senior Associate

Melissa Conte is a Senior Associate at Barriston Law practicing in the areas of Residential Real Estate & Mortgages, Commercial Real Estate & Financing, Business & Corporate Law, and Wills & Estates. Melissa joined Barriston in 2026 after practicing at Alousis Law Professional Corporation since her call to the Bar in 2015. She has practiced […]

Partner

Jodi practices in the area of family law and advises clients in matters relating to custody & access, child support, spousal support, and the division of family property. She also practices in the area of alternative dispute resolution and, as a mediator, works with clients to resolve their disputes cooperatively and outside of court. Jodi […]

Counsel

Guy is a senior lawyer practicing primarily in the areas of real estate, wills and estates and corporate law. Guy obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and studied Law at the University of Windsor where he received his LL.B. before being called to Bar in June of 2006. Prior […]

Counsel

Amanda Chapman is an experienced lawyer, mediator, and workplace investigator. She had the privilege of honing her skills at a local boutique firm as a young lawyer, and then managed her own firm for over ten years before joining Barriston LLP as Counsel in 2024. Amanda has a broad legal practice which encompasses employment law, civil […]

Associate

Alex is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of municipal law, corporate law and wills and estates. Alex joined Barriston in 2020 as a summer student prior to completing his articling term at the firm. His time at Barriston has allowed him to assist on a variety of complex municipal, corporate and estate planning […]

Retired

Since 1962, John Cockburn devoted the majority of his practice time to corporate and commercial matters. He acted for over 300 corporations (including provincial and federal corporations, charitable organizations and foundations) involving incorporations, joint ventures and partnership arrangements, reorganizations, amalgamations, estate/corporate tax planning, negotiation and documentation of complex commercial contracts, business sales and acquisitions by […]

Senior Associate

Nicole is a Senior Associate practicing predominantly in the areas of civil litigation, employment law and municipal prosecutions. Before joining the firm in February of 2022, Nicole began working for the Ministry of the Attorney General as an Assistant Crown Attorney upon her call to the bar in July 2020. Nicole has conducted many trials, […]

Retired

George Craig retired from practice as of December 31st 2023. George Craig graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in 1973 and from the University of Western Ontario with an LL.B. in 1978. Upon his call to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in 1980, George Craig began practicing […]

Mediator & Arbitrator

Tom was called to the bar in 1976. In the early stages of his career, he practiced as a criminal lawyer, a civil litigation lawyer and a family law lawyer. He focuses now entirely on mediation and arbitration of family disputes. He no longer represents private family law clients as he has retired from private […]

Associate

Shannon Dawson is an associate lawyer practicing in the area of family law. Shannon appreciates the uniquely personal and difficult nature of family law disputes, approaching these issues with not only the requisite sensitivity and respect, but fierce advocacy that such significant matters deserve. Shannon practices in all areas of family law, including separation, divorce, […]

Associate

Heather is an associate lawyer practicing primarily in the areas of wills and estates, real estate and corporate law. Heather was called to the Bar in June 2023 after completing her Articling and summers with Barriston. Heather graduated from Queen’s University’s Faculty of Law in 2022 after obtaining her Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid […]

Counsel

John is a lawyer in our Huntsville office, practicing real estate law, wills and estates, and commercial/corporate law. John applies his knowledge of Muskoka to assist clients in their cottage and residential transactions, land severances and original shore road allowance closures. He also advises clients on their estate planning, with an eye to minimizing potential […]

Counsel

Harold Elston has been providing legal advice to municipal, provincial and federal governments, boards and agencies for over 37 years. Drawing on his experience as a litigator before all levels of court in Ontario and many of the province’s tribunals, and as the former integrity commissioner to over 50 municipalities, Harold provides practical, effective and […]

Associate

Carly is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of municipal, planning and expropriation law. Carly was called to the Bar in 2022 after completing her Articling term with Barriston. Carly provides advice and representation to municipalities and private clients on a variety of municipal issues including land-use planning, development, freedom of information and privacy, […]

Senior Associate

Nadine is a family law associate in our Collingwood office. Nadine seeks to provide efficient and effective counsel to clients in matters relating to separation, custody and access, child support, spousal support and division of family property. One of Nadine’s most enjoyable areas to practice within family law is adoption law. Nadine was raised in […]

Associate

Alison is an associate lawyer practicing in civil litigation and employment law. She was called to the Bar in June 2025 after completing her Articling term with Barriston. Alison earned her Juris Doctor degree from Bond University in Australia where she graduated with First Class Distinction. While in law school, Alison was a student editor […]

Partner

Hilary is a Partner practising in the Family department. Hilary assists clients in all areas of family law including separation, divorce, custody and access, spousal support, child support and division of property. Hilary earned an LL.B. (Honours) from the Faculty of Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom, an Advanced Certificate in […]

Associate

Marni is an associate lawyer practicing in the Family Law department advising on issues of parenting, child and spousal support and property division. Marni enjoys the opportunity to guide people through what can otherwise be a very emotional and trying time. Marni Goodman earned an LL.B. from the Faculty of Law at the University of […]

Associate

Angela is an associate lawyer practicing in the civil litigation department. She was called to the Bar in June 2025 after completing her articles with Barriston. Angela earned both her Canadian and American Juris Doctor degrees in 2024 through the Dual JD program at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law and Detroit Mercy School […]

Partner

Tim is a Partner practicing in the Family department. Tim assists clients in all areas of family law, including separation, divorce, custody and access, spousal support, child support, and division of property. Tim obtained his LL.B. (Honours) from the Faculty of Law at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom and has a Certificate […]

Associate

Tessa-Marie Grossi is an associate lawyer practicing in all areas of family law, including separation, divorce, parenting, child and spousal support, property division, and the negotiation of cohabitation, marriage and separation agreements. Tessa-Marie graduated from Queen’s University Belfast, School of Law in 2020. While in law school, Tessa-Marie’s achievements include placing first in the Queen’s […]

Associate

Nicolas is an associate in the civil litigation department. He has a broad civil litigation practice with a particular focus on employment law. Nicolas was called to the bar in 2023 after completing his articles with Barriston. He advises parties regarding their legal rights and remedies and guides them through the dispute resolution and litigation […]

Partner

Sarah’s practice is focused on municipal litigation including municipal law, land-use planning, development, administrative and expropriation law. She regularly appears before the Ontario Land Tribunal “OLT” and all levels of court in Ontario acting for municipalities, private landowners and developers. Some of the specific issues that Sarah deals with include: appeals and motions at the […]

Partner

David Harris-Lowe advises clients in all areas of family law and estate litigation, in particular relating to property and support disputes. He has represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario and has worked as a Dispute Resolution Officer in the Superior Court of Justice. He is also an accredited mediator and provides mediation […]

Partner

Barrie Hayes graduated from the University of Windsor law school in 1979. Since graduation Barrie has been providing legal services and representation in the Simcoe County area. Barrie practices mainly in the areas of family law and estates litigation. Barrie is a certified mediator and was a dispute resolution officer for the Superior Court Of […]

Partner

Gillian Hayes is a Partner practicing in the Family Law department. Gillian assists clients in all areas of family law, including parenting issues, child support, spousal support, division of property, and the negotiation domestic contracts. Gillian is a Member of the Personal Legal Rights Panel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. Gillian represents parents […]

Associate

Pamela is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of corporate/commercial law, and intellectual property law, with a focus on trademarks. Pamela was called to the Bar in June 2023 after completing her Articling term with Barriston. Pamela completed her Juris Doctor degree from Bond University in Australia in 2021. Pamela received a Bachelor of […]

Senior Associate

Matt practices in the areas of municipal law and public sector litigation. He represents and advises local governments, First Nations, public entities, and private clients on a wide range of civil and regulatory matters, including insurance defence and applications for judicial review. He also regularly appears before the Ontario Land Tribunal. Called to the Bar […]

Counsel

Chris Holmes is a lawyer based in our Huntsville office whose practice is focused on real estate law, including land development, condominium law, and both residential and commercial purchase and sale transactions. Chris also has substantial experience acting on behalf of private lenders in relation to both residential and commercial mortgage financing transactions. In addition […]

Counsel

Ross recently joined Barriston Law having practiced with a prominent London, Ontario law firm. His practice is focused on business law and real estate. Ross has been a trusted advisor to individuals, financial and educational institutions and owner-operators businesses. Ross graduated from Western University and was called to the bar in 1987. He practiced law […]

Associate

Cassandra is an Associate lawyer who practices in the areas of corporate law, real estate law, and wills and estate. Cassandra was called to the Bar in January 2021 after completing her Articling term with Barriston. Cassandra completed her Juris Doctor Degree from Bond University in Australia in 2019. Prior to law school, Cassandra received […]

Retired

Jim Ironside made the decision to retire from the practice of law effective June 28th 2024. Barriston retains carriage of Jim’s active files, as well as existing corporation and Wills and Powers of Attorney’s. Please call our office for more information. Jim practiced Law in Collingwood for over 38 years. A graduate of Collingwood’s St. […]

Associate

Andra is an associate practicing primarily in the areas of corporate law, real estate, and wills and estates. Before joining Barriston in the spring of 2025, Andra worked at a national business law firm, serving as a Corporate and Regulatory Associate in the Health Industry Group. Her practice focused on corporate structuring, commercial agreements, and […]

Counsel

Graham offers sound and timely advice on corporate acquisitions and dispositions, corporate financial services, with an emphasis on secured financing and mortgage lending, and incorporations, shareholder and partnership agreements, mergers, leasing and franchising. His real estate practice addresses both private and corporate conveyancing and financing. Graham has practiced trade mark and copyright law since 1983. […]

Mediator and Arbitrator, Consultant

After too many years fighting for clients in a slow, expensive and user-unfriendly court system, Doug decided there was a better way to solve their family law problems. So, since 1998 a significant part of Doug’s practice has been providing representation for clients in mediation and arbitration processes and acting as a mediator or arbitrator […]

Associate

Erica is an associate lawyer practicing Family Law. Erica was called to the Bar and has been a member of the Law Society of Ontario since January 2020. Erica began her legal career at a general practice firm in Timmins, Ontario where she primarily practiced Family Law and Wills and Estates. Erica obtained her undergraduate […]

Associate

Garnik is an Associate Lawyer licensed to practice in both Canada and Australia. He earned his JD at Bond University in Queensland, completing his articling with Virgin Australia Airlines and International Aerospace Law & Policy Group. Garnik began his career in Brisbane, where he represented clients before tribunals, the Magistrates Court, District Court, Supreme Court […]

Counsel

Scott has been practicing a wide range of solicitor work since his call to the Ontario Bar in 2002. He spent his first four years in a small firm dealing with corporate and commercial, wills and estates, and real estate matters. He also assisted various municipalities with their legal challenges and then went on to […]

Partner

Jim graduated from York University in 1982 having attained an Honours Degree in Political Science and Philosophy. He attended University of Ottawa Law School graduating in 1986 and was called to the Bar in 1988. During his initial years of practice, Jim obtained broad experience in several practice areas including real estate, corporate/commercial and litigation. […]

Senior Associate

Heather is a senior associate lawyer at our Collingwood office. Heather has been practicing law in Collingwood since 2011. She has experience in a variety of practice areas including Family Law, Wills, Estates and Real Estate. Heather aims to alleviate stress and uncertainty for clients by focusing on client priorities and effectively communicating about rights, […]

Managing Partner

Joanne is a business and real estate lawyer with a wealth of entrepreneurial experience behind her, providing her with a unique and practical perspective. Her common sense approach and her understanding of the business side of matters helps her work well as part of a team with her clients, to get the deal done. Joanne […]

Partner

Janice Mumberson provides counsel to clients in the areas of corporate and commercial law, wills and estates, and real estate. Janice focuses on understanding her clients’ business and goals to ensure they receive the best possible advice. Janice was called to the Bar of the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) in June 2013 after earning […]

In Memory of

It is with incredible sadness that we share the news of the passing of Alexandra Paul, Associate Lawyer at Barriston Law. Alex was a dedicated mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She joined our firm in 2019 as a summer student before completing her articles and being called to the bar in 2021. Alex was […]

Multiple Locations
apaul@barristonlaw.com

Counsel

Jean Polak is an experienced litigator who also enjoys assisting clients with estate planning. Her practice focuses on wills and estates, estate and commercial litigation, and municipal prosecutions. Jean was called to the bar in 1989, and began her legal career in Toronto at what was then Tory Tory DesLauriers & Binnington. She took a […]

Paralegal

Lauren is a dedicated paralegal who graduated, with honours, from the Paralegal program at Georgian College in December 2024. She brings over a decade of legal experience, having started her career at the age of 14 as a filing clerk with Purser Dooley Cockburn Smith LLP. Prior to completing her paralegal studies, Lauren worked for […]

Counsel

Cayley is a trusted legal advisor to business owners and their families and she values the opportunities she’s had to work with multiple generations of business owners, assisting in the ongoing success of their ventures. Cayley’s clients trust her legal and business insights and are confident in the quality of her legal services. They value […]

Partner

Lisa joined Barriston LLP in May, 2016. She advises clients in the areas of real estate, business law, and wills and estate planning. Lisa approaches her practice with enthusiasm and a strong attention to detail. She strives to provide excellent client service. Lisa is an active member of the Simcoe County Law Association and the […]

Associate

Tushar Sharma is an associate lawyer practicing in the area of municipal law. Before entering private practice, Tushar served as in-house legal counsel for two large Ontario municipalities, where he provided advice on a range of complex municipal and regulatory matters. In these roles, he worked closely with municipal staff and council members, advising on […]

In Memory of

It is with incredible sadness that we share the news of the passing of Tori Skot, Associate at Barriston Law. Tori was a beloved daughter, sister, and friend. She joined Barriston in 2023 after graduating from Dalhousie University Schulich School of Law and starting her legal career at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Tori found […]

Multiple Locations
reception@barristonlaw.com

Counsel/Co-Founder

David Smith graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1974,and was called to the Ontario bar in 1976. On graduation, he joined the Barrie law firm of Livingston Myers & Cockburn as an associate. He became a partner of the firm and subsequently became a founding partner of Cockburn & Smith in 1990, and of […]

Associate

Nathan is an associate lawyer practicing in the areas of civil litigation and construction law out of both Barrie and Collingwood. Born and raised in Collingwood, Nathan summered and completed his Articles with Barriston prior to being called to the Bar in June 2023. Nathan has been involved in and conducted various trials, adjudications, negotiations, […]

Associate

Aundrea is an associate lawyer practicing in the area of family law. She was called to the Bar in October of 2025 following the completion of her practice placement at Cheadles LLP in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Aundrea earned her Juris Doctor from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in Thunder Bay, Ontario, graduating on the […]

Senior Associate

Jacklyn practices in the area of civil/commercial litigation with a particular focus on construction law. Jacklyn has experience obtaining favourable outcomes for her clients through negotiation, litigation, mediation, arbitration and adjudication. Jacklyn summered with Barriston throughout her law degree, and completed her Articles with the firm before being called to the Bar in June of […]

Partner

Joshua completed his articles at a local law firm in Barrie and worked there as an associate upon his call to the Ontario Bar. Joshua practices in the areas of general civil litigation and employment law. Born and raised in Barrie, Joshua graduated with honours from the J.D. program at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. Joshua previously obtained a Bachelor […]

Associate

Emerson is an Associate lawyer who practices in the areas of general civil litigation and employment law. He started at Barriston in 2022, after practicing as an associate and articling at a prominent management-side labour and employment law firm. He obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Western University in 2020, where he graduated on the […]

Associate

Adrianna Warmelink is an associate lawyer practicing in family law and estate litigation. Adrianna assists individuals through some of the most sensitive and challenging periods in their lives with compassion and a deep understanding of the emotional and financial stakes involved. Prior to joining the firm in March of 2024, Adrianna worked at a boutique […]

Our Lawyers

Ontario’s trusted legal advisors.

I need a lawyer with expertise in:

Counsel

Senior Associate

Partner

Counsel

Counsel

Associate

Retired

Senior Associate

Retired

Mediator & Arbitrator

Associate

Associate

Counsel

Counsel

Associate

Senior Associate

Associate

Partner

Associate

Associate

Partner

Associate

Associate

Partner

Partner

Partner

Partner

Associate

Senior Associate

Counsel

Counsel

Associate

Retired

Associate

Counsel

Mediator and Arbitrator, Consultant

Associate

Associate

Counsel

Partner

Senior Associate

Managing Partner

Partner

In Memory of

Counsel

Paralegal

Counsel

Partner

Associate

In Memory of

Counsel/Co-Founder

Associate

Associate

Senior Associate

Partner

Associate

Associate

Community Leadership. Results-driven Legal Advice. Delivering Peace of Mind.