Business Details
44 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Toronto
Ella L.J. Bernhard is a distinguished law firm based in Toronto, specializing in corporate, commercial, and family law. With over four decades of experience since 1982, the firm provides expert legal counsel to private and public corporations, charitable organizations, and individuals both in Canada and internationally. Renowned for handling complex financial proceedings arising from commercial and family breakdowns, the firm combines deep subject matter knowledge with a client-centric approach, emphasizing alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration.Recognized for excellence in legal practice, the firm's work spans high-value international jurisdictional disputes and advocacy in Ontario's Superior Court of Justice. Clients consistently praise the firm's exceptional judgment, first-rate client rapport, and strategic leadership in elite-level cases, while maintaining a commitment to transparency, ethical standards, and continuous legal education through prominent industry associations.
Services
Family Law
Commercial Law
Wills & Estates
Arbitration
Mediation
Cohabitation Agreements
Prenuptial Agreements
Child Custody
Financial Orders
Legal Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in corporate, commercial, and family law.
- Our team specializes in complex international jurisdictional disputes.
- We offer alternative dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration.
- Recognized as one of Toronto's most respected legal practitioners.
- Our founder ranks first in advanced family mediation training.
What people say
Deep subject matter knowledge
Excellent judgment
First-rate client rapport
Elite legal mind
Recognized excellence
Services
Family Law
Ella L.J. Bernhard provides comprehensive family law services addressing divorce, child custody, financial settlements, and prenuptial agreements. With expertise in complex international cases and alternative dispute resolution, the firm prioritizes client needs through mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Services benefit individuals navigating relationship breakdowns while protecting their rights and children's interests.
Commercial Law
The firm offers strategic corporate counsel to Canadian and international businesses, specializing in high-value financial proceedings and jurisdictional disputes. Services include contract negotiations, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance. Clients benefit from decades of experience handling complex commercial matters with a focus on minimizing litigation risks and protecting business interests.
Wills & Estates
Comprehensive estate planning services include will preparation, trusts, and powers of attorney. The firm ensures assets are distributed according to client wishes while minimizing tax implications. Expertise covers intestacy law, guardianship provisions, and complex estate administration, providing clients with tailored solutions to protect their legacy and family interests.
Arbitration
As a certified arbitrator, Ella L.J. Bernhard facilitates private, efficient conflict resolution for family and commercial disputes. The process offers binding decisions with greater flexibility than court proceedings. Clients benefit from expedited timelines, cost savings, and confidential resolutions tailored to their specific legal needs and circumstances.
Mediation Services
The firm provides trained mediation services for family law matters, focusing on cooperative solutions for child custody, financial settlements, and cohabitation agreements. With advanced mediation training and first-class client rapport, the practice helps parties reach mutually beneficial agreements while reducing adversarial tensions and litigation costs.
People
Ella Lily Janet Bernhard
Barrister & Solicitor
Ella Bernhard specializes in corporate, commercial, and family law with 40+ years of experience. Recognized for complex financial proceedings and international jurisdictional disputes, she serves as a Dispute Resolution Officer and trained arbitrator. Active in legal education, she lectures extensively and contributes to legal publications.
Assistant Law Clerk
Law Clerk
The law clerk manages daily office operations and client support, preparing financial materials and guiding clients through family law processes. With extensive experience in Ontario family law, they provide critical administrative and legal assistance to ensure efficient case management.
Questions
What areas of law does Ella L.J. Bernhard specialize in?
The firm specializes in family law, commercial law, and wills & estates, with expertise in complex financial proceedings and international jurisdictional disputes.
Can I get help with prenuptial agreements?
Yes, we draft and review prenuptial and postnuptial agreements to protect assets and clarify financial arrangements for couples planning marriage.
Do you handle child custody disputes?
Yes, we provide legal representation for child custody, visitation rights, and parenting arrangements, always prioritizing the child's best interests.
Are alternative dispute resolution services available?
Yes, we offer mediation and arbitration services as alternatives to traditional litigation for family and commercial disputes.
What makes your firm different from other law practices?
Our firm combines 40+ years of experience with personalized service, recognized expertise in complex cases, and a commitment to alternative dispute resolution methods.
