Sarah E. Gilbert

Gesta Abols’ practice is focused on mergers & acquisitions (including private equity), strategic investments, corporate governance and shareholder activism. Gesta provides expert legal advice, superior service and structure to bring clarity to complex challenges. Gesta is the Co-Leader of the firm’s US Practice and on the executive of the firm’s Capital Markets and Mergers & Acquisitions (CM and M&A) Committee. Gesta is consistently recognized as a leader in the ...

Shane is co-leader of the firm's national Labour, Employment and Human Rights (LEHR) group and leader of the Ontario LEHR group. Shane advises employers on workplace issues and represents them in legal proceedings. Shane worked as a human resources professional before becoming a lawyer. He knows how workplace issues or changes can impact an organization. With this in mind, Shane works to find the most efficient way to resolve issues, or to support employers through major initiatives, includin...

Kelly Doctor has the smarts to see all possible solutions, and the heart and practical intuition to reach the best ones for her clients. She’s driven to fight for the rights of people experiencing disadvantage and discrimination in the workplace and elsewhere in their lives. While she loves to litigate, she also works quietly behind the scenes to advise clients on how to handle difficult situations in the workplace and negotiate resolutions to them. A former Supreme Court of Canada law ...

As a partner in the Firm, Sarah acts for employers in both the federal and provincial jurisdictions. Her clients operate in a range of industries, including manufacturing, telecommunications, retail, financial services and pharmaceutical. Before joining Filion, Sarah practiced management-side labour and employment law with a global firm. Sarah provides practical and strategic advice to employers on all aspects of labour and employment law. She regularly acts as counsel in wrongful dismissal l...

Graham leads the firm's Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Restructuring Group and also practices Corporate/Commercial law. As a result, he is at home, representing clients in the courtroom and the boardroom. In Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Restructuring scenarios, Graham's experience spans all sectors of business and industry. He represents and advises clients in litigation and corporate/commercial transactions in the context of formal and informal turnarounds , re-financings, reorganizations, secur...

John Yiokaris is a partner at Sotos LLP. John leads our firm’s Automotive Sector practice, drawing on his considerable experience working as lead counsel for several of Canada’s largest automotive manufacturers and numerous dealers. In addition to handling dealer development matters, he has extensive experience in acting in automobile dealership disputes and in proceedings under the National Automobile Dealer Arbitration Program. John is also the Head of our Trademark practice and...

Leor Margulies is a top lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Leor, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Leor is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area. Leor Margulies is Partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate & Development at Robins Appleby LLP, bringing over 40 years of experienc...

Bryan McLeese is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate and Commercial Litigation. Bryan, who practices law in Toronto, Ontario, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Biography George practices trial and appellate litigation. He has been lead counsel on cases before administrative tribunals, trial courts, and courts of appeal, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He represents parties in high-profile and reputation threatening cases, such as large-stakes labour and employment litigation, class actions, fraud (financial and otherwise), governance matters, shareholder and partnership disputes, and administrative and public law issues, including those invol...

Debi is a Partner at Sotos LLP and recognized as one of Canada’s leading franchise lawyers. With more than 30 years of experience, she advises Canadian and international franchisors across all industries on every aspect of Canadian franchise law, including franchise regulatory compliance and best practices for establishing and maintaining successful franchise systems and relationships. Debi also advises on managing cross-border transactions, supply and distribution agreements, corporate...