Risa Awerbuck ^*

A partner and co-Chair of the firm’s Wills, Trusts & Estates Group, Risa is a trusted advisor to clients who rely on her extensive expertise on estate planning and administration, trusts, tax, preparation of wills, powers of attorney and business succession planning. Risa’s clients range from individuals to multi-generational families transitioning their assets to future generations, as well as financial institutions.

Given Risa’s sound judgment and strong interpersonal skills, clients entrust Risa and seek her advice at critical junctures in their lives. She advises on matters involving complicated family dynamics, family members with special needs, or families who have members living in the US or other foreign jurisdictions.

With a deep appreciation of the emotional toll and financial cost that can arise in the absence of a carefully considered estate plan, Risa takes a personal approach to her practice to ensure she fully understands her clients’ unique circumstances and concerns. Having frank conversations with her clients ideally positions her to help them achieve their personal, family, community and financial objectives. Risa also consults with clients’ other professional advisors to ensure they are all included in the planning process.

Risa works closely with the firm’s other practice groups, including the corporate, tax and family law lawyers, streamlining the planning process for her clients. She also collaborates with the firm’s estate litigation lawyers on various matters, such as will challenges, applications to the court, passing of accounts and appointment of guardians of property and personal care.

Risa is ranked as a leading lawyer in The Best Lawyers in Canada in Trusts & Estates. She has presented at seminars for the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Bar Association, financial institutions and professional advisors, and was on the faculty for the Osgoode Hall Law School Professional Development.