Joseph J. Sheridan
Joe Sheridan, Senior Partner
Joe is an enthusiastic collaborative law practitioner. He has made children a priority of his practice from the outset. He is a panel lawyer for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee. In the past, he has sat on numerous boards of not-for-profit organizations, relating both to the promotion of arts in Canada and the support and advancement of vulnerable persons, and speaks regularly on family and estate matters.
Family law and estate matters are all related to family relationships and that is how Joe approaches them. His practice concentrates on offering creative and positive solutions in child- focused matters, complex property division, challenging child and spousal support files and issues involving the elderly, with a view to sustaining, maintaining and rebuilding essential family relationships in a respectful and cost effective manner.
Joe was called to the bar in 1994 and is a founding partner of Sheridan, Ippolito. He represents family law clients in negotiations, at mediation, and in the collaborative process. He works with estates law clients in Will preparation, estate administration and estate dispute resolution.
When not at work, Joe can be found with his family, in his greenhouse, at the gym or at his wine club.
email: joe@sheridanippolito.com
Bachelor of Science (1989), University of Toronto
J.D. (1992), Osgoode Hall Law School
Linda M. Ippolito
Linda Ippolito, Senior Partner
Linda is committed to providing her family and estate clients with practical, efficient, and cost-effective solutions. She holds a PhD in conflict resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School that focused on applying an ensemble approach to negotiation and problem-solving; she brings a team-oriented approach to her practice. Linda believes that relationships are the heart and bloodlines of conflict resolution. Whether those relationships are family, estate, or business-related, Linda believes that tending, mending and ending relationships with compassion and dignity are keys to durable and sustainable solutions.
Linda works with her family law clients in negotiating simple as well as complex agreements related to all aspects of family law, and she works with her estate clients in drafting Wills, Powers of Attorney and probate applications. Listening and responding to clients’ needs and helping them achieve their goals are Linda’s forte.
Called to the bar in 1994, Linda is a founding partner of Sheridan, Ippolito. A trained mediator and certified collaborative family practitioner, Linda has extensive expertise in all areas of alternative dispute resolution. She advocates for her clients in mediation, arbitration and collaborative negotiations.
In addition to practising law, Linda teaches negotiation, advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution at Queens University Law School and Osgoode Hall Law School. Linda writes and speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to conflict resolution and the arts.
A trained classical pianist, Linda enjoys a parallel career performing in concerts at home and abroad. She brings this spirit of creativity and artistry to her work as a lawyer.
email: linda@sheridanippolito.com
Mus Bach Perf (1989), University of Toronto
LL.B. (1992), Osgoode Hall Law School
LL.M. (ADR) (2009), Osgoode Hall Law School
Ph.D. (2015), Osgoode Hall Law School
"Musical Leadership and Society Transformation: Inspiration and Courage in Action":
"Shifting Metaphors, Shifting Mindsets: Using Music to Change the Key of Conflict":
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0148296317303934
Sonya Lazzer
Sonya Lazzer, Senior Law Clerk
Sonya is a natural problem-solver with a deeply empathetic approach. She helps our clients navigate the challenging waters of family law and supports both family and estate clients through difficult and emotional times.
Sonya joined the firm in 1999 and plays a central role at the firm, overseeing client services from initial client contact to file closure. She has extensive experience in all aspects of family law from drafting court documents and agreements to dealing with complex financial issues.
A graduate of Humber College, Sonya holds an Honours Diploma in Office Administration-Legal. She is certified as a Law Clerk by the Ontario Institute of Law Clerks. She was the 1997 recipient of the Epstein Cole Family Law Award given by the Ontario Institute of Law Clerks.
She is able to provide assistance to clients in both English and Italian.
Sonya and her family live in Toronto where she has been actively involved in Parent Counsel. She loves spending time with her children and being an active part of their lives.
email: sonya@sheridanippolito.com
Honours Diploma, Office Admin-Legal (1993), Humber College
Law Clerk Certification (1997), Ontario Institute of Law Clerks
Roswitha Pazer
Rose Pazer, Legal Assistant
Rose treats each client with care and respect from the initial call to file closure. A valued member of the team, Rose has been with the firm since March 2016.
Rose is responsible for greeting clients, handling front office reception and for performing various administrative duties. She assists Joe, Linda, and Sonya as a junior clerk in family law matters. She prepares uncontested divorces and assists with Will preparation and estate administration.
Rose graduated from Humber College in 2014 with a degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology. Prior to joining the firm, she held administrative positions in various fields including transportation and software distribution.
She is able to provide assistance to clients in both English and German.
Her interests include photography, travel, and her dog, "Princess."