Meet the Team
We have a robust legal team of lawyers and staff situated within the Office of University Counsel, with a wide range of legal expertise required to address the complexities of the University’s landscape.
Kristin Taylor
Kristin Taylor is University Counsel and Chief Legal Officer for the University of Toronto. In January 2022, Kristin established the Office of University Counsel, swiftly fulfilling a cornerstone of her inaugural mandate. Prior to joining the University in 2021, Kristin served as Vice-President and Chief Legal & Risk Officer at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) for 12 years. Prior to CAMH, Kristin was a partner practicing litigation at Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG) LLP’s Health Law Group for 9 years. An alum of Laurentian University near her home in Northern Ontario, Kristin completed undergraduate studies in philosophy prior to obtaining her JD from Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law.
Julie McAlpine-Jeffries
Julie McAlpine-Jeffries is Associate University Counsel in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. In 2023, Julie received People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s Award of Distinction for Distinguished Contribution HR Team of the Year. Prior to joining OUC, Julie served as Senior Legal Counsel, Labour and Employment in the Office of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture. Prior to joining the University in 2004, Julie was an associate with a prominent labour and employment law firm in Toronto followed by a year as policy advisor in Ontario’s Ministry of Labour. Julie received her undergraduate degree in communication studies and economics and obtained a business diploma at Wilfrid Laurier University prior to obtaining her LL.B from Dalhousie University’s Schulich School of Law and LL.M from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law.
Andrew Ebejer
Andrew Ebejer is Senior Legal Counsel (People) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. In 2023, Andrew received People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s Award of Distinction for Distinguished Contribution HR Team of the Year. Prior to joining the OUC, Andrew served as Legal Counsel in the Office of the Vice-President & Provost and Office of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture. As a Career Mentor in New College’s Career Mentorship Program, Andrew was awarded the University of Toronto’s Arbor Award for his longstanding volunteer service in 2022. Prior to joining the University in 2018, Andrew practiced law at a leading labour and employment law firm for several years. A proud University of Toronto alum, Andrew completed undergraduate studies in history before obtaining his MA from York University and JD from Queen’s University.
Jason Bechtel
Jason Bechtel is Senior Legal Counsel in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Research Oversight & Compliance Office in the Division of the Vice-President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 1997, Jason completed articles at Gowling, Strathy & Henderson LLP (now Gowling WLG) before holding progressively senior appointments in the Division of the Vice-President, Research, Innovation & Strategic Initiatives for over 25 years. Jason completed undergraduate studies in english and history prior to obtaining his LL.B at Western University.
Christine Kellowan
Christine Kellowan is Senior Legal Counsel in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Division of the Vice-President, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2021, Christine served as an associate in a local construction law firm where she received the Sean P. McKenna Young Construction Leaders Award from the Toronto Construction Association. An alum of York University, Christine completed undergraduate studies in political science prior to obtaining her JD from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Sarah Lowy
Sarah Lowy is Legal Counsel (Corporate) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Director of the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Office at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Sarah served as Interim Vice-President and Chief Legal & Risk Officer at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) after nearly a decade as Director of Corporate Legal Services. Sarah began her legal career as an associate in the Business Law Group at Miller Thomson LLP after receiving her BSc from Dalhousie University and LL.B from Queen’s University.
John Parsons
John Parsons is Legal Counsel in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Innovations & Partnerships Office in the Division of the Vice-President, Research, Innovation, and Strategic Initiatives at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2018, John served as Manager, Industry Liaison and Business Development at George Brown College. John obtained his LL.M from the University of Hong Kong after receiving his BA and LL.B from the University of Saskatchewan where he served as in-house counsel for nearly a decade.
Kendra Naidoo
Kendra Naidoo is Legal Counsel (People) in Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Kendra served as Senior Legal Counsel, Clinical Legal Services at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Kendra has instructed extensively on health law and mental health law in addition to representing healthcare institutions and clinicians before the Consent and Capacity Board, Ontario Review Board, Health Professions Appeal and Review Board, Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, Superior Court of Justice, and Ontario Court of Appeal. A proud University of Toronto alum, Kendra completed undergraduate studies in health and disease and received her HBSc prior to obtaining her JD from the University of British Columbia’s Peter A. Allard School of Law.
Sarah Iaconis
Sarah Iaconis is Legal Counsel (People) in the Office of University Counsel at the University of Toronto, with a practice focused on Labour and Employment law. In 2023, Sarah received People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s Award of Distinction for Distinguished Contribution HR Team of the Year. Prior to joining the University in 2021, Sarah practiced at a prominent labour and employment law firm for several years. A proud University of Toronto alum, Sarah completed her undergraduate studies in English Literature, French, and Political Science prior to obtaining her JD from Western University.
Joseph Marcus
Joseph Marcus is Legal Counsel (People) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. In 2023, Joe received People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s Award of Distinction for Distinguished Contribution HR Team of the Year. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Joseph practiced at a prominent labour and employment law firm and served as a senior advisor to Ontario’s Minister of Education. Joseph completed undergraduate studies in criminal justice and public policy before receiving his MPA from the University of Victoria and JD from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Leora Jackson
Leora Jackson is Legal Counsel (People) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Leora practiced civil litigation at all levels of court at Torys LLP. A former Pro Bono Ontario volunteer, Leora served on the Ontario Bar Association’s Civil Litigation Executive. An alum of Queen’s University, Leora completed undergraduate studies in mathematics before receiving an MA in gender studies and obtaining her JD from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law.
Patrick Dyke
Patrick Dyke is Legal Counsel (Corporate) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2024, Patrick served as Acting Director of Legal Operations for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) following 7 years as Legal Counsel. Prior to WSIB, Patrick was an Associate at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP and Gilbert’s LLP. A proud University of Toronto alum, Patrick completed undergraduate and graduate studies in chemical physics and applied mathematics and received his HBSc and MSc prior to obtaining his JD from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law.
Emily Ng
Emily Ng is Legal Counsel (Corporate) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2025, Emily served as Legal Counsel at York University and Senior Legal Counsel at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH). Prior to moving inhouse, Emily practiced in the Business Law group at McCarthy Tétrault LLP. A proud University of Toronto alum, Emily received her BSc from the Faculty of Arts & Science and BScPhm from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy prior to obtaining her JD from Queen’s University.
Ryan Brown
Ryan Brown is Legal Counsel (Corporate) in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2024, Ryan served as Acting Associate General Counsel for the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) following 9 years as Legal Counsel. Prior to WSIB, Ryan was Legal Counsel for Softchoice LP and an Associate at WeirFoulds LLP. Ryan completed undergraduate studies in finance prior to obtaining his LL.B from Western University.
Brent Duguid
Brent Duguid is Legal Counsel in the Office of University (OUC) and Director of Partnerships in the Office of Business, Operations & Strategic Affairs at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Prior to joining the University in 2012, Brent worked in municipal and land use planning law at Cassels LLP. Brent serves as Board Secretary for the Toronto Pan-Am Sports Centre at the University of Toronto Scarborough and formerly served on the boards of Rouge Valley Hospital Foundation, West Hill Community Services, and the Scarborough Business Association. A proud University of Toronto Scarborough alum, Brent completed undergraduate studies in political science and history prior to obtaining his LL.B from Western University.
Tad Brown
Tad Brown is Counsel, Business Affairs & Advancement for the Division of University Advancement (DUA) and Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. He also serves as Vice-President, U of T Hong Kong Foundation, and Secretary, Associates of the University of Toronto Inc. Prior to joining the University in 1996, Tad practiced corporate, tax, trusts and estate law at McMillan LLP. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). He served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada (Ontario Division) and Chair of AFP’s National Government Relations Committee. Tad is a member of the Minister of National Revenue’s Charities Advisory Committee, a member of the Executive Committee of the Ontario Bar Association (Charity and Not-For-Profit Law Section), and a Director of the AFP’s Canada Council.
Stacie Kolpak
Stacie Kolpak is Office Manager in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Stacie served as Senior Legal Assistant in the Office of the President & Office of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture. Prior to joining the University in 2017, Stacie worked for a boutique human rights law firm before serving as Legal Assistant and Law Clerk for a global law firm. An alum of York University, Stacie completed undergraduate studies in political science before pursuing legal and corporate administration post-graduate studies at Seneca College.
Sky Fairchild-Waller
Sky Fairchild-Waller is Strategic Project Coordinator to the Chief Legal Officer in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Sky served as Senior Legal Assistant in the Office of the Vice-President & Provost where he received an Excellence Through Innovation Award in 2021. Prior to joining the University in 2014, Sky was a development manager for a national arts service organization following appointments at York University, The Harriet Tubman Institute, Harbourfront Centre, and Canadian Opera Company. A former Metcalf Foundation Intern, Sky was a Miller Thomson Foundation National Scholarship recipient and served on York University’s Senate prior to receiving his HBA and HBFA and pursuing graduate study at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education in the University of Toronto.
Cheryl Wobito
Cheryl Wobito is Legal & Faculty Relations Coordinator in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Cheryl served as Legal Associate in the Office of the Vice-President & Provost and Office of the Vice-President, People Strategy, Equity & Culture. Prior to joining the University in 2005, Cheryl spent two decades working in legal administration after completing studies and certification at Centennial College.
Heather Skelton
Heather Skelton is Legal Coordinator in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Heather served as Legal Coordinator in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Office of the Vice-Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions. Prior to joining the University in 2017, Heather worked in the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman and Ontario Energy Board after completing undergraduate studies in sociology and psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University.
Geeta Sehgal
Geeta Sehgal is Legal and Contracts Coordinator in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Geeta served in the Office of the Vice-Provost, Relations with Health Care Institutions. Prior to joining the University in 2020, Geeta worked in higher education administration, policy, and governance for the Province of Alberta’s Ministry of Advanced Education, University of Alberta, and a global non-profit organization. A proud University of Toronto alum, Geeta completed undergraduate studies in history prior to obtaining her LL.B from the University of Alberta.
Nadia Bruno
Nadia Bruno is Legal Coordinator in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining OUC, Nadia served as Special Projects Officer in the Office of Appeals, Discipline, and Faculty Grievances in the Office of the Governing Council. Prior to joining the University in 2021, Nadia co-owned a paralegal practice for 8 years and appearing before the Landlord and Tenant Board, Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, Social Benefits Tribunal, Social Security Tribunal of Canada, and Ontario Small Claims Court. An alum of York University, Nadia completed undergraduate studies in law society and sociology before pursuing post-graduate paralegal studies at Seneca College.
Jasmine Hunsrao
Jasmine Hunsrao is Legal Assistant in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) and Office of Business, Operations & Strategic Affairs at the University of Toronto Scarborough. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Jasmine served as Legal Assistant for Howie Sacks & Henry LLP after working for Avanessy Giordano LLP. An alum of the University of Guelph, Jasmine completed undergraduate studies in law and security administration followed by paralegal studies at Seneca College.
Ashley Sookdeo
Ashley Sookdeo is Legal Assistant in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2021, Ashley served as Legal Assistant at the University of Toronto Mississauga after 7 years as a Legal Assistant for Miller Thomson LLP. A proud University of Toronto alum, Ashley completed undergraduate studies in criminology and has volunteered for Halton Regional Police Victim Services Unit and Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton.
Keziah Ferreira-Ally
Keziah Ferreira-Ally is Legal Assistant in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. In 2023, Keziah received People Strategy, Equity & Culture’s Award of Distinction for Distinguished Contribution HR Team of the Year. Prior to joining the University in 2022, Keziah served as Legal Assistant at a boutique employment and labour law firm in Toronto followed by a decade of service with Hicks Morley Stewart Storie LLP. A proud alum of University of Toronto’s University of St. Michael’s College, Keziah completed undergraduate studies in political science prior to obtaining her paralegal diploma from Yorkville College.
Stephanie Wallace
Stephanie Wallace is Legal Assistant in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. Prior to joining the University in 2023, Stephanie served as Legal Assistant for McCarthy Tétrault LLP following four years with Hull & Hull LLP. An alum of Ontario Tech University, Stephanie completed undergraduate studies in legal studies after graduating from Durham College as a Law Clerk.
Sarah Thomas
An alum of the University of British Columbia, Sarah completed undergraduate studies in political science and received her BA prior to pursuing a JD in the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. Sarah spent three years in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister & Minister of Finance, Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, and Office of the Prime Minister.
Alex King
A proud University of Toronto and Varsity Blues alum, Alex completed undergraduate studies in political science and history followed by graduate studies in political economy, obtaining a MA from Carleton University prior to pursuing a JD in the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto.
Sara Sohail
Sara Sohail is completing articles as Student-at-Law in the Office of University Counsel (OUC) at the University of Toronto. A proud University of Toronto Scarborough alum, Sara completed undergraduate studies in psychology and biology and received her HBSc prior to obtaining her JD from the University of Windsor. During her final year of law school, Sara lived abroad and completed graduate coursework in international business law at the Université Jean Moulin Lyon III.
Abigail Gorrell
Student-at-Law 2023 – 2024
Meg Jianing Zhang
Summer Law Student 2024
Celine Tsai
Summer Law Student 2024Contact Us
OUC provides a wide array of in-house legal services to members of the University of Toronto community. Learn more about what we do and how we can help.