Press, Awards & Published Articles

Krystyne Rusek Quoted in Investment Executive’s Article “Invalid wills: How far is too far?”

Krystyne Rusek, counsel with Speigel Nichols Fox LLP, is quoted in Rudy Mezzetta’s article, “Invalid wills: How far is too far?” for Investment Executive published March 11, 2024.

Access the full article here.

Krystyne Rusek’s Article: Evidence of Incapacity in Contested Guardianship Applications

Krystyne Rusek, counsel with Speigel Nichols Fox LLP, prepared the article, “Evidence of Incapacity in Contested Guardianship Applications” for the Law Society of Ontario’s 25^th Annual Estates and Trusts Summit in October 2022.

Access the full article here.

Krystyne Rusek co-authors article, “You’re Going to Court In Person?!! An update on courtroom technology from your Section Technology Liaisons”

Krystyne Rusek, counsel with Speigel Nichols Fox LLP, and with the assistance of Matthew Bradley, co-authored the article, “You’re Going to Court In Person?!! An update on courtroom technology from your Section Technology Liaisons” for the Ontario Bar Association. The article explores the gradual return back to in-person hearings and how lawyers are expected to use technology, with pointers on how to avoid disruptions and pitfalls.

Dora Konomi Selected as Greek America’s Forty Under 40

Dora Konomi, an associate at SNF, was named as one of Greek America’s Forty Under 40 for the year of 2020. Greek America is an international foundation that recognizes, honours, and celebrates the brightest and most successful members of the Greek diaspora who excel not only professionally but also philanthropically. As a member of the Forty Under 40 Class of 2020, Dora is in the company of fellow young professionals, changemakers, and community leaders.

Dora is an active member of Canada’s Hellenic community. Notably, she hosts an award-winning radio show and spearheads the Agape Greek Radio Music & Fashion Show, which fundraises for charities and promotes local Greek-Canadian artists. Dora is also an ambassador for the Hellenic Heritage Foundation (HHF).

Dora Konomi Named Young Advocates Standing Committee Member

Dora Konomi, an associate at SNF, was selected as a Young Advocates Standing Committee (YASC) member for 2022-2023. Dubbed “The Voice for Young Advocates,” the committee’s mandate is to represent advocates ten years of call or fewer by providing them with access to a community of peers and colleagues, and a platform within the society. As part of YASC, Dora looks forward to planning interactive events for young counsel to engage with the bench, senior lawyers, and their peers.

Kim Ferreira Wins Professional Excellence Award from Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business Professionals

Kim Ferreira, a partner at SNF, received the Federation of Portuguese Canadian Business & Professionals’ (FPCBP) Professional Excellence Award. For this award, Kim was celebrated at a gala dinner that recognized Portuguese heritage and success. The award honours an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the provision of services while contributing to the Portuguese-Canadian community.

Vanguard Legal Magazine’s Article: “Chris Moran — Maple Reinders: Building the Foundation of Trust in Order to Rise”

SNF is proud to partner with and recognize the achievements of Chris Moran and the whole Maple Reinders team.

Read the article here.

Allison Speigel’s Articles: Tips for Preventing Employee Fraud

An economic downturn, an existence based on disconnection, and the prevalence of working remotely have created the perfect storm for employee fraud during COVID-19.

It’s not hard to understand why: your employees may be under intense financial pressure; are more disconnected from you and your business (making it easier to rationalize hurting you); and are likely less supervised than ever before. The convergence of financial pressure, the ability to rationalize fraud, and the opportunity to commit employee fraud, is a recipe for disaster for business owners.

There are endless ways in which employee fraud can be perpetrated: skimming cash, submitting fake expenses, processing payments to non-existent suppliers, stealing inventory, or cooking the books (in some way or another).

The consequences of employee fraud can be devastating, particularly for a small business and its owners. I have seen my clients learn some of the following lessons the hard way.

Dora Konomi Wins Canadian Ethnic Media Association’s Best Radio Show Award for 2020

Dora Konomi, an associate with Speigel Nichols Fox LLP, is the recipient, for a second consecutive year, of the prestigious Canadian Ethnic Media Awards for Journalist Excellence in the radio category for 2020 on her story “Saving Baby Michael.” In addition to being a dedicated commercial litigator, Dora is also a community advocate who supports local causes and highlights stories of interest through her radio show, the Doralicious Show, airing in Toronto and Ottawa. Saving Baby Michael is the story of Michael, an 18-months old boy, who was diagnosed with an ultra-rare disease, SPG50, and his parents’ struggle to raise funds for a cure.

The video is available here (starting at 17:27).

Read the press release here.

The podcast is available here.

Susanne Balpataky’s Article: Keys to Emerging from the COVID-19 “She-Cession”

Susanne Balpataky, partner at Speigel Nichols Fox and MBOT Chair 2020, wrote MBOT Magazine’s opening message for its fall 2020 edition. In this article, Susanne addresses the disproportionate impact the pandemic has had on women in the workforce, sometimes referred to as a “she-cession”. Susanne also highlights key elements of a “she-recovery” to ensure women’s success during the pandemic, such as access to childcare and flexible workhours.

If you are interested in the full article, you can access it here.