Our Team
Our team combines strategic advocacy with genuine care, guiding clients through separation, parenting arrangements, support, and complex financial matters. Based in Oakville and serving clients across the GTA, we focus exclusively on family law and private mediation.
Managing Partners
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Founder & Managing PartnerVincenzo is the founder and managing partner of Ruso & Associates, where he advises clients on complex family law matters — including separation and divorce, parenting disputes, support, and high-value property division.
He began his legal career in criminal defence, articling at a prominent Bay Street firm under the mentorship of John Rosen. That foundation shaped an approach to advocacy that is disciplined, strategic, and clear-eyed about risk. He later transitioned into family law, where he has spent over fifteen years building a practice focused on resolving complex, high-conflict disputes with precision and control.
Vincenzo has developed particular strength in matters involving business owners, complex compensation structures, and sophisticated financial issues — work that routinely requires careful coordination across legal, financial, and personal dimensions.
He also leads the firm's mediation practice, bringing structured, high-level dispute resolution to complex family law matters. A Harvard-trained mediator through the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School, Vincenzo works with parties and counsel to move beyond positional impasse toward informed, durable agreements. This aspect of his practice is regularly engaged in high-conflict and high-stakes matters where efficient, principled resolution is essential.
Vincenzo's practice is defined by responsiveness, discretion, and disciplined judgment. He works closely with clients to understand their priorities, manage risk, and bring clarity to situations that are often legally and emotionally complex.
Outside of work, Vincenzo is an avid skier, stays active year-round, and has a genuine appreciation for fine wine.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2010
Harvard Mediation Intensive, Program on Negotiation, Harvard Law School, 2025
Juris Doctor (J.D.), University of Ottawa, 2008
Specialized Honours Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Global Political Economy, York University, 2003
Community
Former Member, Policy Planning Committee (Provincial Government)
Additional Languages
Italian
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Managing PartnerLaura Oliver has practiced family law exclusively since her call to the Bar of Ontario in 1997. As a senior lawyer and managing partner at Ruso & Associates, she brings nearly three decades of experience in complex financial and parenting matters, settlement negotiation, and trial and appellate advocacy.
Laura began her career at the boutique family law firm Harper Jaskot, where she developed early expertise in high‑conflict separation and divorce. She founded her own practice in Oakville in 2000, combining rigorous advocacy with a practical, resolution‑driven approach that continues to anchor her work.
In addition to her litigation practice, Laura is deeply engaged in alternative dispute resolution. She is a Certified Collaborative Professional, a Certified Divorce Specialist, and holds advanced credentials in Domestic Violence Risk Assessment and Management as well as certification as a User of the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA). She has served as a Lead Dispute Resolution Officer in the Superior Court (Central West Region) since 2007 and as a Deputy Judge of the Small Claims Court since 2008. These appointments reflect her balanced, solutions‑focused perspective both inside and outside the courtroom.
Laura has been an instructor for the Law Society of Ontario’s Bar Admission Course, contributed to the Bar Examination Item Writing Team, and frequently lectures on issues related to family law and dispute resolution. She has also been instrumental in developing and expanding the Dispute Resolution Conference Program in both Milton and Hamilton.
Committed to her community and the profession, Laura has served as President of the Halton County Law Association, as a Central‑West Regional Representative and Family Law Co‑Chair for the Federation of Ontario Law Associations, and as a long‑time panel lawyer for both the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.
Outside of practice, Laura is an enthusiastic tennis player and an active supporter of local arts and youth initiatives in Oakville.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 1997
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Osgoode Hall Law School, 1995
◦ Intensive Program – First Nations Lands, Resources & Self‑Government
Honours Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science, McMaster University, 1992
◦ Honours Essay Multilateral Dynamics: A Study in Canadian Diplomacy
Certified Collaborative Professional (Basic and Advanced Skills)
Certified Divorce Specialist
Certificate of Achievement Domestic Violence Risk Assessment & Management, Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women and Children, Western University (2020)
Certified User Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment (ODARA), Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care (2020)
Professional Associations
Lead Dispute Resolution Officer, Superior Court (Central West Region)
Deputy Judge, Small Claims Court (Central West Region) President, Halton County Law Association
Family Law Co‑Chair & Central‑West Regional Representative, Federation of Ontario Law Associations
Member, Ontario Bar Association
Member, Canadian Bar Association
Member, Advocates’ Society
Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
Community
Former Pro Bono Duty Counsel, Advocates’ Society (2008 – 2012)
Counsel
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Associate Lawyer
Erica received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from McGill University and her J.D. from Queen's University Faculty of Law. Erica excelled in law school, winning course prizes in Information Privacy and Family and Children's Law, coaching the Walsh Family Law Appellate Moot, and working as a family law research assistant for Professor Mary Jane Mossman. Before joining Ruso & Associates, Erica summered and articled at a prominent family law firm in downtown Toronto.
Erica maintains a diverse family law practice encompassing high-conflict parenting disputes, complex property division, support matters, and domestic contracts. She has appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and has assisted in matters before the Court of Appeal. In 2025, Erica completed her training in Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), further expanding her ability to guide clients through resolution outside of court.
Clients appreciate Erica's responsiveness and commitment to their cases. Persistent and precise in her approach, she is an energetic advocate who guides clients through the court process and persuasively articulates their positions to ensure their rights are protected.
In her free time, Erica enjoys downhill skiing, art exhibitions, and any film with an Ennio Morricone soundtrack.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2020
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Queen's University Faculty of Law, 2019
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Art History, McGill University, 2015
Certificate in Introductory Interdisciplinary Collaborative Practice, IACP, 2025
Awards
Queen's Law Prize — Highest Standing in Family and Children's Law Placement
Queen's Law Prize — Highest Standing in Information Privacy
Community
Former Volunteer and Caseworker, Queen's Family Law Clinic
Former Volunteer and Caseworker, Queen's Prison Law Clinic
Publications
Fertile Ground for Fearmongering: A Challenge of the Rhetoric Underlying the Canadian Ban on Commercial Surrogacy, Ontario Family Law Reporter, November 2019
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Associate Lawyer
Jordyn received her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology and her J.D. from Western University. Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Jordyn spent the first five years of her career practicing as criminal defence counsel at a reputable firm in downtown Toronto — an experience that sharpened her instincts in high-pressure, high-conflict situations. She has appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and has assisted on matters before the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Jordyn maintains a broad family law practice encompassing separation and divorce, parenting arrangements, support, property division, and domestic contracts. Her criminal law background gives her a distinctive edge — particularly in matters involving a high degree of parenting-related conflict. She has developed deep experience navigating issues of parental alienation, motions involving reunification therapy, and temporary transfers of care.
Outside of work, Jordyn is a hands-on mom to two daughters and two chocolate labs. In her spare time, she loves attending concerts and exploring the world.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2018
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Western University, 2017
Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Honours), Psychology, Western University, 2014
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Associate Lawyer
Gabriela brings a rare depth of institutional knowledge to her role — having joined Ruso & Associates in 2017 as an intern, progressing through a clerkship and articles, and now practicing as an Associate Lawyer with the firm. That continuity has given her an unusually well-rounded understanding of file management, client relationships, and the full arc of a family law matter from intake to resolution.
Gabriela received her Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and her Master of Public and International Affairs from York University before completing her Juris Doctor at Western University Faculty of Law. Her practice focuses on parenting and custody matters, support, property division, and complex financial structures.
Outside of work, Gabriela enjoys cooking, staying active, and spending time with friends and family. She is also involved in organizing the firm's annual holiday food and clothing drive.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2026
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Western University Faculty of Law, 2024
Master of Public and International Affairs, York University, 2020
Honours Bachelor of Arts (H.B.A.), University of Toronto, 2017
Community
Organizer, Ruso & Associates Annual Holiday Food and Clothing Drive
Additional Languages
Spanish and French
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Associate Lawyer
Michael received his Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from the University of Ottawa, followed by a Master's Degree in History, also from the University of Ottawa. He went on to earn his law degree from Queen's University Faculty of Law, and while there, obtained a Certificate in International Public Law from the Bader International Study Centre in the United Kingdom. He was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2018 and has been with Ruso & Associates since articling with the firm in 2017.
Michael maintains a broad family law practice covering parenting and custody matters, support, property division, complex financial structures, and alternative dispute resolution. He is particularly skilled at navigating high-conflict matters — bringing a composure and steadiness that clients find reassuring under pressure. Michael approaches each file with directness and solution-oriented clarity, ensuring clients remain informed, involved, and grounded in realistic expectations throughout the process.
Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, following hockey, and walking his Brittany Spaniel, Lolita.
EducationCalled to the Bar of Ontario, 2018
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Queen's University Faculty of Law, 2017
Certificate in International Public Law, Bader International Study Centre, United Kingdom
Master of Arts (M.A.), History, University of Ottawa, 2012
Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Joint Honours), Political Science and History, University of Ottawa, 2010
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Associate Lawyer
Daniel received his Honours Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University and his law degree from Queen's University Faculty of Law. After articling in the Litigation Services department at the Law Society of Ontario, he was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2020.
Daniel maintains a broad family law practice with a particular focus on matters involving complex financial structures and high-net-worth files. He is deeply involved in the financial dimensions of family law — gathering and analyzing financial disclosure, determining income for support where sources are complicated, and tracing assets to establish attribution and value across business interests and other complex property. Detail-oriented and analytically rigorous, Daniel approaches every matter with a critical eye and a genuine commitment to the people he represents.
Outside of work, Daniel is an avid road cyclist and a self-described average home cook. He serves as a youth leader at his church and has a deep appreciation for a good story — equally at home in a novel, a film, or a video game.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2020
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Queen's University Faculty of Law, 2019
Honours Bachelor of Arts (H.B.A.), Philosophy, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2016
Professional Associations
Member, Ontario Bar Association
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Associate Lawyer
Max Katz is an associate lawyer at Ruso & Associates, where he advises clients on all aspects of family law, including separation and divorce, parenting and support matters, and property division.
Before joining Ruso & Associates, Max practiced as Duty Counsel with Legal Aid Ontario, appearing daily before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice on motions, conferences, and urgent child‑protection and parenting matters. His prior experience in civil litigation with several Toronto firms gives him a measured, pragmatic approach to risk and resolution — skills clients value in contested family cases.
Max’s background in social work and youth services also informs his perspective as counsel. He has worked extensively with youth and families in crisis, equipping him with a rare understanding of conflict dynamics and the human dimension of family breakdown.
Dedicated, prepared, and empathetic in his advocacy, Max helps clients navigate complex issues with clarity and care.
Education
Called to the Bar of Ontario, 2021
Juris Doctor (J.D.), Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, 2020
Honours Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), Minor in Indigenous Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, 2017
◦ Dean’s Honour Roll (2014–2015)
Social Service Worker Diploma, Sheridan College, 2014 — Graduated with High Honours
Professional Associations
Member, Law Society of Ontario
Community
Former Volunteer, Pro Bono Students Canada — Family Law Project (2018 – 2019)
Client Support & Operations
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Receptionist
Amanda is the first point of contact at Ruso & Associates, bringing warmth, organization, and genuine care to every client interaction. She manages incoming calls, welcomes clients and guests, and provides administrative support across the team to ensure the firm's day-to-day operations run smoothly. Amanda completed her Law Clerk Diploma at Seneca College, where she completed her field placement at a family law firm, an experience that confirmed her passion for this area of practice and the clients it serves.
Education
Law Clerk Diploma, Seneca College
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FounderIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.
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Junior Law Clerk
Natalia is a Law Clerk at Ruso & Associates, where she has spent four years developing a well-rounded understanding of family law practice and procedure. She serves as a primary liaison between the firm and its clients, ensuring clients are kept informed of all case developments in a timely and compassionate manner. Natalia also manages and reviews client files, assembles case materials, researches matter-specific issues, and provides day-to-day administrative support across the team.
Outside of work, Natalia enjoys hiking, skiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Education
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Criminology, with Minors in Psychology and Sociology, Toronto Metropolitan University
Additional Languages
Ukrainian
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Controller
Julia is the Financial Controller at Ruso & Associates, where she has spent five years building and overseeing the financial infrastructure that has helped drive the firm's growth into the largest family law firm in Halton Region. She manages not only the firm's financial health but oversees its broader strategic direction, operations, and hiring. Julia manages all aspects of firm finance, and works closely with clients and lawyers to ensure financial matters are handled with precision.
Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Julia began her career at a large accounting firm in Toronto, where she gained extensive experience in audit and financial reporting.
Outside of work, Julia enjoys theatre, skiing, and exploring new restaurants.
Education
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), 2021
Graduate Diploma in Accounting, Wilfrid Laurier University
Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (with Co-op, with Distinction), Wilfrid Laurier University
Professional Associations
CPA Ontario
CPA Canada
WLU Alumni Association
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Paralegal | Law Clerk
Fareesha is a Law Clerk and Licensed Paralegal at Ruso & Associates, with over ten years of experience in the legal field. She manages and reviews client files and disclosure, prepares and files court documents, researches matter-specific issues, and handles a broad range of administrative tasks that support the firm's lawyers and clients. Prior to joining Ruso & Associates, Fareesha worked at boutique personal injury firms, where she developed substantial experience in accident benefits and client-facing file management across a wide range of cases.
Beyond her legal work, Fareesha is an active contributor to the firm's culture, helping to organize firm events and leading charitable initiatives that give back to the community.
Education
Paralegal License (P1), Law Society of Ontario, 2017
Diploma in Paralegal Studies, Humber College, 2016
Community
Organizer of firm charitable initiatives and community giving programs