Pallett Valo: “Great Place, Great People”
Canadian Lawyer asked law firms and lawyers across Canada to comment on a wide range of topics, such as pay, benefits, diversity, and workplace culture, and published its findings on what makes a five-star workplace. This is what Canadian Lawyer had to say about Pallett Valo:
“The proof that Pallett Valo has the makings of a five-star firm are comments in the Canadian Lawyer survey that reflect a happy workplace culture, such as: ‘Very strong workplace culture. Welcoming to all lawyers with ample opportunity to engage with each other, even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Strong feeling of belonging and working together on common objectives and ensuring we pull together to meet client needs.’”
We’re pleased that the survey confirms we’re on the right track to becoming a five-star firm. Pallett Valo places great emphasis on creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging, and on mentoring young lawyers to help them progress in their careers.
Pallett Valo Recognized as an Exemplary Employer of Canadian Armed Forces Personnel
The Canadian Armed Forces recognizes employers from across Canada for outstanding support to their employees who serve as reservists. John Russo, Managing Partner, and Ted Evangelidis, Head of Commercial Litigation, were pleased to accept the award on behalf of Pallett Valo.
Pallett Valo provides flexibility to their reservists, which allows the Canadian Armed Forces to fulfill its commitment under Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, and generate full-time capability through a Reserve Force providing part-time service.
Pallett Valo is honoured to have Canadian Armed Forces reservists among our talented and experienced group of lawyers. The firm has three current and former Canadian Armed Forces members, including Eric Blay, Ray Mikkola, and Krystyne Rusek. The firm also supports the Last Post Fund, which delivers the Veterans Affairs Canada Funeral and Burial Program that provides funeral, burial and grave marking benefits for eligible Canadian and Allied Veterans.
New Partner
Steven Pordage was promoted to Partner and Head of Commercial Real Estate on January 1, 2022. He joined the firm in 2012 as an articling student and has been a member of its real estate practice since September 2013.
Steven’s practice covers all aspects of real estate transactions including land acquisitions, dispositions, development, and financing of real property. He also advises developers on condominium projects and acts for landowners in matters involving expropriation. His clients include multinationals, small businesses, municipalities and public bodies, pension funds, Schedule I banks, private lenders, real estate developers and individuals.
New Lawyers
New Business Law Lawyer
Nataliia Wu is a commercial lawyer who advises clients on sophisticated business transactions, focusing on reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. She has acted on cross-border transactions and assisted foreign businesses with expansion to Canada.
New Insurance Practice Lawyer
Christina Chiu has a broad insurance defence practice, representing insurance companies, corporations, and individuals. Her practice focuses on property claims, occupiers’ liability, professional negligence, motor vehicle accident claims, and product liability. Christina has appeared before various levels of courts and tribunals. She also represents clients in alternative dispute resolution, including mediations and arbitrations.
New Construction Litigation Lawyer
Matthew Greco represents owners, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, mortgagees, and other individuals and businesses in construction litigation matters. He has appeared before various levels of Ontario courts and tribunals. In addition, Matthew represents clients through various forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediations.
Awards
Pallett Valo Lawyers Recognized Again in the 2022 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
We are pleased to announce that three Pallett Valo lawyers are once again recognized as Lexpert-ranked lawyers in the 2022 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory.
The identification of leading practitioners is based on a comprehensive annual survey, ongoing since 1994. The selected lawyers are acknowledged as leaders in their respective fields, lawyers prominent in their practice areas and professional organizations, and professionals worthy of significant recognition from their colleagues.
Anna Esposito – Most Frequently Recommended in Construction Law. Anna is also listed in the Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure.
Craig Ross – Repeatedly Recommended in Estate and Personal Tax Planning – Estate and Tax Planning.
Maria Ruberto – Most Frequently Recommended in Construction Law. Maria is also listed in the Lexpert Special Edition: Infrastructure.
Six Pallett Valo Lawyers Recognized by Best LawyersTM
Pallett Valo is proud to announce that six of our lawyers have been included in the 2022 edition of The Best LawyersTM in Canada and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in CanadaTM. Best LawyersTM is a prestigious international publication, featuring the top legal talent from firms around the world.
This recognition is an honour for lawyers who are selected based on confidential peer review surveys from their counterparts. Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers® has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.
Anna Esposito – Recognized in the area of Construction Law
Ray Mikkola – Recognized in the area of Real Estate Law
Scott Price – Recognized in the area of Construction Law
Craig Ross – Recognized in the area of Trusts and Estates
Maria Ruberto – Recognized in the area of Construction Law
We are also pleased to announce that Ann Twigg is recognized on the inaugural 2022 Best Lawyer: Ones to Watch list for Real Estate Law. The Ones to Watch list gives recognition to lawyers who have practiced law for three to eight years.
Pallett Valo Is Diamond Winner in Two Categories of Mississauga News 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards
Pallett Valo is delighted to once again be voted the Diamond Winner for Best Law Firm in the Mississauga News Readers’ Choice Awards. We are also a Diamond Winner in a new category – Legal Services.
Supporting and partnering with local businesses, not-for-profit-organizations and community agencies speaks to our organization’s values. To be recognized in this way by our clients and the community affirms our relationships and reciprocal goodwill.
Other News
Pallett Valo’s Alex Ilchenko Appointed as Associate Judge to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice
Alex Ilchenko, previously senior counsel at Pallett Valo, was appointed as Associate Judge to the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and sworn in on August 16, 2021.
In his new role Alex acts as Associate Judge and Registrar in Bankruptcy, drawing on over 25 years of experience as a litigator, with a strong insolvency and corporate restructuring commercial litigation practice. He joined Pallett Valo LLP in 2012 and was its practice group head for insolvency and restructuring for the last few years.
John Russo, Managing Partner at Pallett Valo LLP, said, “This is a great honour for Alex, and we congratulate him on his appointment and wish him much success in his new role and the next chapter in his legal career. We, as a firm, feel honoured to have participated in his career. And although we are sad to see him go, our loss is the legal community’s gain.”
Ray Mikkola Authors a “How To” Guide on Condominium Development in Ontario
Ray Mikkola, a partner in Pallett Valo’s Commercial Real Estate practice, just published his new book Condominium Development in Ontario: A Practical Guide.
A recognized authority in real estate with more than 30 years of experience, Ray shares his extensive insight into condominium development and administration. The book offers a comprehensive overview of this dynamic area of law with step-by-step direction on handling condominium development from acquisition of land to the sale of units, expert advice on identifying and overcoming troublesome scenarios, and much more. It can be purchased from LexisNexis.
In the acknowledgements Ray thanks his real estate colleagues at Pallett Valo (Steven Pordage, Alan Kay, Ann Twigg and Katherine Trigiani) and others who assisted in reviewing drafts of chapters of the book and who provided useful comments and suggestions.
Pallett Valo’s Website Has a New Look
Our website has a new look, and we invite you to explore our updated content at www.palletvalo.com.
In recognition of the traditional territory where Pallett Valo resides, we have included a land acknowledgement statement on our new website.
Among other updates, our website now includes a page dedicated to Thought Leadership. Through their wide range of knowledge and expertise, our lawyers are thought leaders in their practices.
We encourage innovative and creative perspectives, which are shared through written publications such as our in-depth articles and timely blogs, the insightful seminars and events we host and participate in, and through our PV Women’s Network.
Our website is fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
A Taste of our Popular Articles
Whether it’s for business or personal use, we all buy, sell, rent, or sublet property. Two of our most read articles concern real estate issues.
Why Do We Have Deposits outlines the purpose of deposits, how they work, and under which circumstances they are forfeited. Useful information for buyers and sellers.
So You Want to Sublease Premises covers the risks around subleasing premises.
Access these articles and more by visiting our Articles section.
PV Women’s Network
Corporate Citizenship for Gender Equality
The PV Women’s Network celebrated International Women’s Day 2022 by sponsoring the Canadian Women’s Foundation’s virtual event: Corporate Citizenship for Gender Equality.
This virtual event explored what it takes to build equitable workplace cultures and practices, followed by a panel discussion on how to support women and gender-diverse employees in pandemic-impacted corporate environments. Internally, we asked our staff to nominate women at Pallett Valo who demonstrate strong leadership qualities or whose contributions help break gender bias. Three of the nominees received a gift box from Present Day Gifts, a local women-owned business that we support.
Find out more about the PV Women’s Network on our website, where you can sign up to receive information about upcoming events. These events include informative webinars, fundraisers, or just fun get-togethers like our recent outdoor yoga session led by an instructor from a local studio, followed by networking over an al fresco breakfast.
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