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Our Team Is What Sets Us Apart ​ 

At Wards Lawyers, the difference is the people behind the work. 
You’ll find a team that’s disciplined, prepared, and deeply invested in getting to the right outcome - without the runaround. 
 

We take your matter seriously, communicate clearly, and stay steady from first call to final resolution.

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Meet Our Team 

You don’t hire a law firm - you hire the people who will guide you through a decision, a dispute, or a major next step. 

Our team brings together decades of legal experience, paired with a modern, client-first approach: 

Practical advice, grounded in strategy

Timely, transparent communication 

Thoughtful preparation (no shortcuts)

A calm presence when stakes are high 

Leadership 

Experienced counsel. Clear direction. 


Our leadership team sets the standard for the firm: high expectations, careful strategy, and client care that feels human - not transactional. 

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Karissa Ward

Corporate & Estates Team Leader

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Melissa Wemyss

CEO

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Calvin Chan

Litigation Team Leader

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Hamid Asrar

Real Estate Team Leader

Your Complete Legal Team 

Great outcomes don’t happen by chance - they’re built through preparation, collaboration, and follow-through. 
 

Behind every file is a complete team supporting your work: lawyers, clerks, assistants, and administrative professionals who keep your matter moving forward with care and precision. 

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Hamid Asrar

Associate Lawyer

Real Estate Team Leader

Hamid received his Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa and his Bachelor of Arts focusing on Criminology and Psychology from the University of Oshawa Institute of Technology.

Meet Hamid
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claire atchison

Real Estate Law Clerk

With a solid foundation in Paralegal and Law Clerk studies from Sir Sanford Fleming College, I bring extensive experience in Real Estate Law, Civil Litigation, and Municipal Law.

Meet Claire
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Jessica Bolla

Senior Lawyer

Jessica maintains a broad corporate law practice, advising both for-profit and non-profit clients on all aspects of business formation, structuring, expansion, reorganization and restructuring, acquisitions, and exit strategies.

Meet Jessica
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Justin Broomfield

Junior Associate Lawyer

Justin graduated in 2023 from the Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University with his Juris Doctor and a specialization Certificate in Law and Technology.

Meet Justin
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Patti Cambers

Senior Estates Law Clerk

I have the privilege of working with dedicated colleagues who share my passion for helping families navigate through the loss of a loved one.

Meet Patti
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Calvin Chan

Senior Lawyer

Litigation Team Leader

Calvin graduated from Windsor Law in 2016 and began his legal career at a Legal Aid Ontario funded clinic supporting low-income workers in the area of employment law. 

Meet Calvin
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Melissa Carnegie

Legal Assistant

Throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to work at a few different firms, both in Toronto and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Meet Melissa
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Barb Carslake

Executive Assistant & Finance Clerk

As a lifelong City of Kawartha Lakes resident, I am proud to be a part of the WARDS LAWYERSPC team.

Meet Barb
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Avery fiorini

Legal Assistant

Avery joins the WARDS LAWYERS PC team as a Legal Assistant, bringing with her a blend of academic excellence and genuine people-first service. 

Meet Avery
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Maria Francis

Director of Client Experience

As the welcoming face of the Firm, Maria sets the tone for every client and guest experience. In her role as Director of Client Experience, Maria blends professionalism with genuine care, ensuring every interaction 

Meet Maria
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​Golda Greenspoon

Junior associate Lawyer

Golda began her legal career in the developmental services sector, where she assisted folks with disabilities and their families, as well as not for profits and charities. 

Meet Golda
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Ben Hickey

Student-At-Law

Ben is student-at-law at WARDS LAWYERS PC, supporting the team across a range of practice areas. He recently earned his LLB from Swansea University, graduating with Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

Meet Ben
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taylor McVie

Personal Injury Law Clerk

With a background in Health and Society and a specialization in Mental Health and Addiction, Taylor brings both academic insight and hands-on experience to her role as a Personal Injury Law Clerk with WARDS LAWYERS PC.

Meet Taylor
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Monique Meloche

Senior Lawyer

Monique pursues claims for compensation for personal injury victims and their families, as well as other insurance and litigation matters.

Meet Monique
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Shannon Nippard

Litigation Law Clerk

I joined WARDS LAWYERS PC as a litigation law clerk after graduating from Fleming College in the law clerk and paralegal programs.

Meet Shannon
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Ryan O'Neill

Principal Lawyer

Ryan graduated from the University of Western Ontario Law School in 2005. He returned to Lindsay after law school and has practiced at WARDS LAWYERS PC  for the last decade.

Meet Ryan
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Emily Reid

Corporate Law Clerk
Director Of Corporate Records

When I decided to leave the city and return home to Lindsay, I knew WARDS LAWYERS PC was where I wanted to be.

Meet Emily
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Kimberly Sewell

Senior Corporate Law Clerk

I joined WARDS LAWYERSPC in 2006, bringing with me over twenty years of experience in many areas of law.

Meet Kimberly
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Amina Shabeen

Junior Associate Lawyer

Amina received her Juris Doctor from University of Windsor Faculty of Law in 2022 and received an Honors Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Biology, and Cultural Anthropology from University of Toronto in 2017.

Meet Amina
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Victoria Smith

Junior Associate Lawyer

Victoria is a lawyer with experience in a wide range of practice areas. After completing the National Committee Accreditation (NCA) licensing program.

Meet Victoria
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Desiree Tomaselli

Student-At-Law

I am a post-secondary student enrolled in the Trent University Dual Degree program about to embark on my own law school journey. 

Meet Desiree
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Isabel Uja

Junior Associate Lawyer

Isabel is an internationally trained lawyer with a multijurisdictional background.

Meet Isabel
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Karissa Ward

Principal Lawyer & Owner

Corporate & Estates Team Leader

Karissa is a solutions-oriented business lawyer focused on supporting her clients through all legal aspects of business planning, from startup to exit.  

Meet Karissa
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Melissa Wemyss

CEO

Family Mediator, OAFM

Melissa joined the Firm in 2004 as a litigation and family law clerk. Over the past two decades, her career has evolved to include specializing in family law.

Meet Melissa
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Jason Ward

Founding Lawyer & Owner (Retired)

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Leonard Siegel

Senior Counsel (Retired)

What You Can Expect Working With Us 

Clarity despite 
complexity 

We explain what matters, plainly.

A plan you can follow

Strategy first, action second.

Responsive support

you’ll know where things stand.

Respect for your time

efficient, organized, prepared.

Interested in working with Wards?

We’re always happy to meet great people. 

Join Our Team
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Rooted Here. Built for What’s Next. 

We're proud to serve clients across central east Ontario and beyond - individuals, families, business owners, and nonprofits who want strong and effective legal services delivered locally, without compromise.

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