2025 SALA Conference: Advancing Standards in Sexual Abuse Litigation

Cynthia moved her wrongful death and personal injury practice from the partnership of a large, national law firm in 2021, attracted by the reputation and strength of Weir Bowen’s medical negligence group. Surrounded by a team of bold litigators, and knowledgeable support staff, Cynthia has also extended her practice to historical sexual assault claims, as a member of the national Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance. 

No matter what the cause of harm, Cynthia brings a respectful and trauma-informed approach to her work. She combines experience and empathy when guiding clients through the legal maze, recognizing the deeply personal nature of losses arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, defective products, and even negligent schools, churches, or clubs. 

As a former broadcast journalist, Cynthia leans heavily on well honed investigative and presentation skills to advocate for clients with confidence and clarity. She developed the nationally accredited Legal Media Relations program for the Canadian Bar Association, and appears as a guest each month on the “Ask The Lawyer,” broadcast across Alberta on the Windspeaker Radio Network. 

Cynthia grew up in a small Central Alberta town, and has never forgotten her roots. She is a firm believer in the power of plain language and straight talk to make even the most complex legal principles understandable to all of her clients. She ensures her clients understand what is happening, and are well-prepared for each step of the process, from initial consultation to claim resolution. 

Cynthia has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury Litigation since 2021. Outside of law, Cynthia is the proud mother of two children, and two ridiculously spoiled doodle dogs.

Morgyn Chandler has been the Managing Partner of Hammerco Lawyers LLP since 2020. Hammerco is a boutique litigation firm in British Columbia with offices in Vancouver, Courtenay and Duncan. 

Morgyn leads Hammerco’s civil sexual assault practice group and works exclusively for survivors.  She has a reputation for successful resolution based on persuasive and astute legal strategies. 

Morgyn maintains a trauma-informed practice and is a powerful advocate for her clients against both individual and institutional defendants while prioritizing the needs and interests of survivors.  She has successfully represented clients in claims against professionals including lawyers and doctors, as well as religious institutions, Scouts Canada, and government institutions among others. Morgyn believes that survivors deserve to be heard, and respected, and deserve the opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. 

Morgyn was recognized by her peers for her work in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada from 2020 through 2023 and in 2024 was named as a Lexpert Ranked Lawyer for Personal Injury. She is a sought after speaker and presenter in the field of sexual assault litigation and regularly presents with the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and Continuing Legal Education BC, and is frequently asked to comment in the media on sexual assault cases in Canada. 

John dedicates his practice exclusively to representing persons who have suffered an injury or loss as a result of medical malpractice, car and truck accidents (or other serious personal injury claims), and institutional liability. He has a special interest in representing survivors in civil claims for childhood sexual abuse compensation claims.

John is particularly proud of the fact that he and the team at McKiggan Hebert have repeatedly been named  one of the  by Canadian Lawyer magazine. McKiggan Hebert was the only firm in Atlantic Canada to receive this prestigious recognition.

John’s colleagues have honoured his efforts and experience by electing him President of the .

John has been appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.), a designation used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.

John was nominated for an award for exemplary journalism covering issues related to the sexual exploitation of children by Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada, a national non-profit organization that advances the rights of children to be free from sexual exploitation, for his article published in The Lawyer Weekly: The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse: Is the Church’s response real action or window dressing?

John has regularly been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyer in Canada® in the field of Personal Injury Law. In 2022, he was named  in the field of personal injury litigation. Best Lawyer has been called “the most respected referral list of attorney in practice.”

Sadira is very knowledgeable in her focal practice areas of personal injury, sexual abuse and assault claims, medical malpractice, and disability insurance litigation. In acting for her clients, Sadira strives to approach each file in a trauma-informed and client-focused manner and aims to work with her clients, empowering them as they navigate through the civil claims systems in order to achieve their best possible outcomes.

Sadira also works with Tapper Cuddy’s workplace investigation unit, assisting organizations of all sizes in conducting investigations relating to complaints of harassment and other breaches of respectful workplace policies.  In conducting such investigations, Sadira works to engage an impartial and balanced approach where the principles of human rights and procedural fairness are of the utmost importance.

After obtaining her Bachelors and Masters degrees at the University of Winnipeg and Wilfrid Laurier University respectively, Sadira attended the Faculty of Law at the University of Manitoba, obtaining her Juris Doctorate in 2013.  Sadira then completed her articles with Tapper Cuddy LLP and has remained with the firm since her call to the Bar in 2014.

Sadira is actively engaged with the Manitoba Bar Association, having served as the chairs of both the Young Lawyers section and the Women Lawyers Forum, and currently sits on the MBA council.

Sadira is an associate member of the Birth Injury Lawyers’ Alliance and is currently engaged in the formation of a national alliance of lawyers who act for survivors of sexual abuse as a means of sharing resources and information and engaging in advocacy.

Kevin McLaren has practiced as a civil litigator for over 18 years. He has helped hundreds of clients settle personal injury claims, both simple and complex. He is an experienced trial lawyer and heads the firm’s Class Action practice. Kevin is a partner at the firm and joined Hammerco in 2013.

Kevin advocates for effective and efficient results for his clients. He represents individuals and business owners, never insurance companies. He accepts cases for clients and causes he believes in.

Connecting with my clients and their families is extremely important to me, so that I can make sure they feel respected, protected and supported. There is no better feeling than knowing I've helped someone like you receive the compensation and access the resources they need to move forward through adversity towards living their best possible life. 

John dedicates his practice exclusively to representing persons who have suffered an injury or loss as a result of medical malpractice, car and truck accidents (or other serious personal injury claims), and institutional liability. He has a special interest in representing survivors in civil claims for childhood sexual abuse compensation claims.

John is particularly proud of the fact that he and the team at McKiggan Hebert have repeatedly been named  one of the  by Canadian Lawyer magazine. McKiggan Hebert was the only firm in Atlantic Canada to receive this prestigious recognition.

John’s colleagues have honoured his efforts and experience by electing him President of the .

John has been appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.), a designation used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.

John was nominated for an award for exemplary journalism covering issues related to the sexual exploitation of children by Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada, a national non-profit organization that advances the rights of children to be free from sexual exploitation, for his article published in The Lawyer Weekly: The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse: Is the Church’s response real action or window dressing?

John has regularly been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyer in Canada® in the field of Personal Injury Law. In 2022, he was named  in the field of personal injury litigation. Best Lawyer has been called “the most respected referral list of attorney in practice.”

Linda, a partner at Stieber Berlach LLP, current practice focuses upon claims involving coverage (CGL, D&O), products liability, abuse, and defence of institutional and municipal claims.  Linda has been involved in defending and sensitively resolving abuse claims for institutions since the 1990s, including native residential claims, Children’s Aid Society claims, School Boards, and claims advanced against various religious organizations and denominations. Linda has also defended class actions since their inception, including claims involving abuse, municipal public health, product recalls, gas explosions, medical devices and implants, insurance and securities trading. Linda regularly appears at all levels of Ontario courts and has represented clients at the Federal Court (trial) and the Supreme Court of Canada. Linda is a graduate of Dalhousie University and the University of Toronto where she now also teaches.

Cynthia moved her wrongful death and personal injury practice from the partnership of a large, national law firm in 2021, attracted by the reputation and strength of Weir Bowen’s medical negligence group. Surrounded by a team of bold litigators, and knowledgeable support staff, Cynthia has also extended her practice to historical sexual assault claims, as a member of the national Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance. 

No matter what the cause of harm, Cynthia brings a respectful and trauma-informed approach to her work. She combines experience and empathy when guiding clients through the legal maze, recognizing the deeply personal nature of losses arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, defective products, and even negligent schools, churches, or clubs. 

As a former broadcast journalist, Cynthia leans heavily on well honed investigative and presentation skills to advocate for clients with confidence and clarity. She developed the nationally accredited Legal Media Relations program for the Canadian Bar Association, and appears as a guest each month on the “Ask The Lawyer,” broadcast across Alberta on the Windspeaker Radio Network. 

Cynthia grew up in a small Central Alberta town, and has never forgotten her roots. She is a firm believer in the power of plain language and straight talk to make even the most complex legal principles understandable to all of her clients. She ensures her clients understand what is happening, and are well-prepared for each step of the process, from initial consultation to claim resolution. 

Cynthia has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury Litigation since 2021. Outside of law, Cynthia is the proud mother of two children, and two ridiculously spoiled doodle dogs.

John dedicates his practice exclusively to representing persons who have suffered an injury or loss as a result of medical malpractice, car and truck accidents (or other serious personal injury claims), and institutional liability. He has a special interest in representing survivors in civil claims for childhood sexual abuse compensation claims.

John is particularly proud of the fact that he and the team at McKiggan Hebert have repeatedly been named  one of the  by Canadian Lawyer magazine. McKiggan Hebert was the only firm in Atlantic Canada to receive this prestigious recognition.

John’s colleagues have honoured his efforts and experience by electing him President of the .

John has been appointed King’s Counsel (K.C.), a designation used to recognize Canadian lawyers for exceptional merit and contribution to the legal profession.

John was nominated for an award for exemplary journalism covering issues related to the sexual exploitation of children by Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada, a national non-profit organization that advances the rights of children to be free from sexual exploitation, for his article published in The Lawyer Weekly: The Catholic Church and Sexual Abuse: Is the Church’s response real action or window dressing?

John has regularly been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyer in Canada® in the field of Personal Injury Law. In 2022, he was named  in the field of personal injury litigation. Best Lawyer has been called “the most respected referral list of attorney in practice.”

Carole Jenkins is the Principal Lawyer and Founder of Carole Jenkins Law Professional Corporation, where she focuses on civil litigation with a particular emphasis on defending child protection agencies and health care organizations. She regularly represents clients in civil actions and applications before the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. In addition to her litigation practice, Carole is an experienced mediator, frequently called upon to mediate complex and sensitive matters involving allegations of sexual assault and professional negligence. She is also a qualified workplace investigator, with experience in conducting trauma-informed investigations into complex harassment and misconduct allegations.

Beyond her legal work, Carole is an aspiring chef, currently refining her technique for the perfect duck confit. An avid hiker, she is one-third of the way through her third end-to-end journey of the Bruce Trail. 

Craig J. Stehr is a partner in Gowling WLG’s Ottawa office, and member of the firm's Employment, Labour & Equalities Group.  Craig advises employers in all areas of employment and labour law, including workforce reduction, workplace conflict, performance management, human rights, confidentiality and the protection of intellectual property. 

Craig also advises both youth organizations and na tional and provincial sports organizations on a range of legal issues involving youth safety and safe sport, as well as organizational risk mitigation. He assists clients in this area with policy development, training and implementation, complaint investigations and appeals, crisis management and litigation involving historical abuse claims.

Craig has spoken on a wide variety of youth safety , sport law, employment and human rights topics for the Law Society of Upper Canada, the Ontario Bar Association, the Canadian Bar Association, the County of Carleton Law Association, Lancaster House and the Centre for Labour Management Development.  He currently serves on the Ontario Bar Association’s provincial Council representing the East Region.

Generation Safe Founder, Allison Forsyth is the leader in ground-breaking education and awareness in the Canadian Safe Sport landscape. Allison’s ‘real-talk’ educational approach has resonated with over 50 sport organizations and 5,000 people nationwide. Recently named ‘Top 25 Women of Influence in Canada in 2023’, Allison’s guiding principles have been instrumental in helping organizations turn their Safe Sport policies into practice. Allison previously co-founded ITP Sport, Canada’s only full-service Safe Sport programming and consulting agency. The 2-time Olympian and 8-time National Champion (alpine skiing) offers a unique and critical perspective, as a survivor of sexual abuse in the sport system. Recently haven taken a role with Canada Soccer as their Safe Sport Officer, Allison will serve to ensure a trauma-informed systemic implementation of Safe Sport practices and procedures from the National to grass roots level. Allison currently lives in Oakville, Ontario with her 3 active children – her inspiration for a future 'Generation Safe'.

Morgyn Chandler has been the Managing Partner of Hammerco Lawyers LLP since 2020. Hammerco is a boutique litigation firm in British Columbia with offices in Vancouver, Courtenay and Duncan. 

Morgyn leads Hammerco’s civil sexual assault practice group and works exclusively for survivors.  She has a reputation for successful resolution based on persuasive and astute legal strategies. 

Morgyn maintains a trauma-informed practice and is a powerful advocate for her clients against both individual and institutional defendants while prioritizing the needs and interests of survivors.  She has successfully represented clients in claims against professionals including lawyers and doctors, as well as religious institutions, Scouts Canada, and government institutions among others. Morgyn believes that survivors deserve to be heard, and respected, and deserve the opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. 

Morgyn was recognized by her peers for her work in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada from 2020 through 2023 and in 2024 was named as a Lexpert Ranked Lawyer for Personal Injury. She is a sought after speaker and presenter in the field of sexual assault litigation and regularly presents with the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and Continuing Legal Education BC, and is frequently asked to comment in the media on sexual assault cases in Canada. 

Erin received her Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University (2003) and her law degree from Queen’s University (2007).  She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2008.

Erin has over a decade of experience and a proven track record of success advocating for survivors of both recent and historical sexual and physical abuse. She represents plaintiffs from across Canada, demanding acknowledgment and compensation for the harms perpetrated or facilitated by individuals and institutions, including abuse by teachers, coaches, relatives, foster parents, doctors, and clergy.  Erin has a deep understanding of civil abuse litigation.  Her extensive experience allows her to work effectively with her clients to determine the best approach for each individual case. Erin is passionate about representing survivors and uses compassion, dedication, and strong advocacy skills to assist her clients.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English from Dalhousie University, a Juris Doctor from Dalhousie Law School, and a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School (York University). I was called to the Ontario Bar in 1990 and also hold calls to the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Bars.   

I have been a senior partner with Blakeney Henneberry & Murphy (now Blakeney Henneberry Murphy & Rance) for 25 years.

My litigation experience spans provincial and federal courts, including the Courts of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada, focusing on financial institutions, human rights, and insurance. My work on historical sexual abuse investigations began with cases related to the Alexandra Cornwall Inquiry, the Diocese of London, and Cape Croker. 

In the early 1990s, I was involved in investigations into Indian Day Schools, and later, Indian Residential Schools at Wikwemikong and Spanish, Ontario. My experience also includes litigation involving the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and the St. John's Training School for Boys in Uxbridge, Ontario. 

From 1994 to 2019, I collaborated with the federal government and stakeholders to develop dispute resolution mechanisms, culminating in the negotiation of the Spanish IRSSA, which served as a model for the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.

With my colleague David Patterson, I co-authored the final "Lessons Learned" paper on the Common Experience Payment (CEP) for the federal government following the program's conclusion in 2019. I served as a delegate and counsel to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission from its inception to its completion.

I recently collaborated with Kim Murray's Office of the Special Interlocutor on the Residential School Cemeteries report. My work involves liaising with affected Ojibwe and Mohawk First Nations concerning the St. Joseph's, St. Peter Claver, Garnier, and Wikwemikong cemetery investigations.

I also work with John McKiggan on matters related to the late Fr. George Epoch in Halifax.

Paul Torrie is the founder and president of Global Resolutions, a nationally recognized mediation and arbitration firm. Paul is one of the pioneers in alternative dispute resolution in Canada and is a leading expert in the field.

Paul has mediated cases in several different subject areas either as individual claims, class actions or mass torts. Since 1995 he has mediated cases involving sexual assault in most jurisdictions across Canada. Recently, Paul and his colleagues at Global Resolutions were appointed by the Court as Claims Officer for the adjudication of over 350 cases involving sexual assault.

Paul has chaired numerous speaking panels, professional development programs and conferences on mediation, arbitration and dispute resolution. He has been a guest lecturer at law schools, law firms, the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, the Canadian Bar Association and

the Law Society of Ontario. He has also written extensively on mediation technique and ethics.

Paul is a graduate of McGill University, Montreal and Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1982.

Linda joined the Gluckstein family from a boutique litigation firm where she focused exclusively on civil litigation, defending tort litigants. She is now a key member of our Sexual Abuse group with the Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein team advocating solely for survivors of sexual abuse.

Over her almost 30 years of practice, Linda has appeared before all levels of courts in Ontario, along with appearances before numerous boards and at private arbitrations. She has been a speaker at many legal events and seminars.

She is a graduate of the University of Guelph (Honours B.A. 1991) and the University of Windsor (LL.B. 1994). She was called to the bar in 1996.

Linda is proud to be involved in initiatives to promote policies and practices to retain and advance women in law and to continue to serve as a mentor for many students and lawyers.

In an effort to continuously give back to the communities she serves, Linda sits on the Board of The Gatehouse and SACHA, two organizations committed to supporting survivors.

Dr. Michael Robertson is the International Chief Psychiatrist for the MindSense Centre of Psychiatry, the first trauma informed IME practice of it’s kind now serving Australia and Canada. Dr. Robertson is a Clinical Associate Professor at the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney and works predominantly in occupational and civil forensic psychiatric practice. He has published widely in many areas in the discipline of psychiatry and mental health. Through his role at MindSense, he has overseen development of clinical governance, evidence based best practice in clinical and medicolegal fields and evolving trauma informed practices throughout the assessment process as well as novel services such as nutritional and exercise interventions for high prevalence psychiatric disorder and early intervention in workplace mental health.

Dr. Jennifer Fernie is a registered Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience across Canada and the UK. Currently practicing at Gilmour Psychological Services in Ottawa, she provides psychotherapy and psycho-diagnostic assessments for individuals experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, PTSD, complex trauma and personality disorders. She also conducts independent psychological evaluations for civil lawsuits.

Dr. Fernie holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Edinburgh and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Nottingham. Her diverse training includes certifications in Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

Before relocating to Canada, Dr. Fernie worked in secondary care services within NHS Scotland, where she worked with people who were suffering from severe and enduring mental health issues. Her research background and numerous peer-reviewed publications include neuroimaging studies on the effects of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and how hormones influence on brain structure.

Dr. Fernie is deeply committed to trauma-informed, evidence-based care that integrates compassion with clinical expertise.

Cynthia moved her wrongful death and personal injury practice from the partnership of a large, national law firm in 2021, attracted by the reputation and strength of Weir Bowen’s medical negligence group. Surrounded by a team of bold litigators, and knowledgeable support staff, Cynthia has also extended her practice to historical sexual assault claims, as a member of the national Sexual Abuse Lawyers Alliance. 

No matter what the cause of harm, Cynthia brings a respectful and trauma-informed approach to her work. She combines experience and empathy when guiding clients through the legal maze, recognizing the deeply personal nature of losses arising from motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, unsafe premises, defective products, and even negligent schools, churches, or clubs. 

As a former broadcast journalist, Cynthia leans heavily on well honed investigative and presentation skills to advocate for clients with confidence and clarity. She developed the nationally accredited Legal Media Relations program for the Canadian Bar Association, and appears as a guest each month on the “Ask The Lawyer,” broadcast across Alberta on the Windspeaker Radio Network. 

Cynthia grew up in a small Central Alberta town, and has never forgotten her roots. She is a firm believer in the power of plain language and straight talk to make even the most complex legal principles understandable to all of her clients. She ensures her clients understand what is happening, and are well-prepared for each step of the process, from initial consultation to claim resolution. 

Cynthia has been consistently named to the Best Lawyers in Canada for Personal Injury Litigation since 2021. Outside of law, Cynthia is the proud mother of two children, and two ridiculously spoiled doodle dogs.

Morgyn Chandler has been the Managing Partner of Hammerco Lawyers LLP since 2020. Hammerco is a boutique litigation firm in British Columbia with offices in Vancouver, Courtenay and Duncan. 

Morgyn leads Hammerco’s civil sexual assault practice group and works exclusively for survivors.  She has a reputation for successful resolution based on persuasive and astute legal strategies. 

Morgyn maintains a trauma-informed practice and is a powerful advocate for her clients against both individual and institutional defendants while prioritizing the needs and interests of survivors.  She has successfully represented clients in claims against professionals including lawyers and doctors, as well as religious institutions, Scouts Canada, and government institutions among others. Morgyn believes that survivors deserve to be heard, and respected, and deserve the opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable. 

Morgyn was recognized by her peers for her work in Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada from 2020 through 2023 and in 2024 was named as a Lexpert Ranked Lawyer for Personal Injury. She is a sought after speaker and presenter in the field of sexual assault litigation and regularly presents with the Trial Lawyers Association of BC and Continuing Legal Education BC, and is frequently asked to comment in the media on sexual assault cases in Canada.