Need help with a family law issue but can't afford a lawyer? Call our intake line at 647-952-3354.​​
MEET THE FJC TEAM
LEADERSHIP
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Stephanie Giannandrea
Director, Family Justice
As Director, Family Justice, Stephanie manages all aspects of the Family Justice Centre (FJC), including its operations, continued development, and strategic planning.
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Stephanie is a graduate of the University Toronto Faculty of Law and spent over a decade practicing family and child protection law in Toronto. Throughout her time in private practice, Stephanie worked to make family legal services more accessible in diverse ways, including managing pro bono programs and volunteering herself as a volunteer lawyer with the Family Justice Centre. She was also a panel lawyer for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, representing children in family law disputes. Prior to joining PBSC, Stephanie worked at Justice for Children and Youth, a non-profit legal aid clinic that specializes in protecting the rights of children and young people facing conflicts with the legal system, education, social service or mental health systems.
Outside of work, Stephanie loves to travel in her camper van.
Kaja Marinic
Program Manager, Family Justice
As a Program Manager with PBSC, Kaja is focused on expanding and assisting in managing our Family Justice Centre.
Kaja is a former family lawyer. She obtained her J.D. from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC and was called to the BC bar in 2017. She practiced law privately in Vancouver (first civil litigation, then family law exclusively), before joining Access Pro Bono BC as a supervising lawyer for their Everyone Legal Clinic. Throughout her career, Kaja has worked and volunteered extensively with various non-profit community organizations to provide much-needed free legal services. She is grateful to continue working on the access to justice crisis in her role with PBSC.
In her spare time, Kaja enjoys watching and performing improv, comedy, and theatre, including in the annual Lawyer Show musical!
VOLUNTEER LAWYERS
​The FJC is grateful for its roster of volunteer lawyers who provide mentorship and legal guidance to law students while helping families access critical legal support. Lawyers interested in volunteering with the FJC can find more information on our Get Involved page.
LAW STUDENT CASEWORKERS
Each year, the Family Justice Centre welcomes applications from upper-year law students enrolled at Ontario law schools. Recruitment typically occurs in early spring and late summer. Be sure to check your law school’s job board or career portal for postings and application details.
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Eden Berhanu
Lincoln Alexander School of Law
Toronto Metropolitan University
Eden Berhanu is an incoming 2L at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law who brings warmth and curiosity to everything she does. In her 2L year she will serve as VP of Marketing & Communications for the Family Law Students’ Society, participate in the LASL Legal Clinic, and plans to support Black Law Students’ Association initiatives. Prior to law school, Eden spent two years working at LASL and volunteered at an immigration firm in Dallas while also supporting Black youth mentorship initiatives. She is passionate about supporting Black and immigrant families and outside of school she enjoys personality psychology, R&B music, and time with loved ones.
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Chika Duru
Osgoode Hall
York University
Chika is an incoming third-year student at Osgoode Hall Law School. She previously completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts at the University of Toronto, where she double-majored in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies and in Women and Gender Studies. Following her first year of law school, Chika worked as a caseworker at Parkdale Community Legal Services in the Social Assistance, Anti-Violence, and Health division. There, she developed hands-on legal experience while assisting community members who could not afford a lawyer with social assistance matters. She is excited to join the Family Justice Centre and support families through the family justice process. Outside of law school, Chika enjoys painting, reading, and photography.
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Natasha Gill
Queen's University
Faculty of Law
Natasha is an incoming third-year law student at Queen's University. Prior to attending law school, Natasha completed a bachelor’s degree in English literature at York University. During her first year of law school, Natasha worked for the PBSC Domestic Violence in Family Law Project. In her second year of Law school, Natasha continued to grow her passion for family law by completing placements with the Rideau Street Family Law Firm and with the Family and Children's Services of Frontenac Addington and Lennox. Natasha will also be working as a student caseworker for the Queen's Family Law Clinic next year. Natasha is very passionate about family and child protection law and helping to create a more equitable legal system where all individuals are able to access legal services. Outside of law school, Natasha enjoys painting, reading, and spending time with her friends and shih tzu.
Nikky Hakimi
University of Windsor
Faculty of Law
Nikky Hakimi is an incoming 2L at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She previously studied Cognitive Science at McGill University, with a minor in Cellular and Molecular Biology. Nikky has worked in family litigation and as a caseworker at Community Legal Aid Windsor, where she supported individuals navigating complex legal processes. Additionally, her role as a Production Editor for the Windsor Review of Legal and Social Issues has allowed her to advance access to justice by helping publish clear, accessible legal scholarship. Outside of law school, Nikky enjoys hot yoga and attending live music sets.
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Adelaide McIntyre
Western University
Faculty of Law
Adelaide has just completed her second year at Western University, Faculty of Law. Prior to attending law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Environmental Sciences at McGill University. In her summer after first year, Adelaide worked as a caseworker with Community Legal Services at Western Law, where she gained hands-on experience assisting community members who could not afford a lawyer. While working at the clinic, she developed an interest in family law and a passion for access to justice. Adelaide is excited to continue learning about family law and to contribute to the Family Justice Centre this summer. In her free time, Adelaide enjoys spending time outdoors on walks, reading fiction novels, and swimming.
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Derek Nguyen
Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law
University of Toronto
Derek is an incoming 3L student at the University of Toronto Henry N. R. Jackman Faculty of Law. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Western Ontario. During his 2L year, he worked at the Family Law Division of the Downtown Legal Services clinic, developing his passion for family law. He is excited to support individuals experiencing barriers to access to justice in the family law context. Outside of law, he enjoys dance, concerts, and visual arts.
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Mirusha Ramaj
Bora Laskin Faculty of Law
Lakehead University
Mirusha Ramaj is an incoming second-year law student at Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, Lakehead University. She completed a Master of Public Policy, Administration, and Law at York University, where she received the Ian Greene Book Prize Award. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Dalhousie University. Mirusha brings professional experience in both the federal and provincial governments, along with a strong background in public policy, research, and community engagement. Fluent in English and Albanian, she is passionate about access to justice and helping individuals feel informed, respected, and empowered when navigating legal systems. Outside of law school, Mirusha enjoys cooking new meals, running, travelling, and sharing good laughs with family and friends.
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Anna Tsoura
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Common Law
Anna Tsoura is an incoming second-year student at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Sociolegal Studies from the University of Toronto. During her first year of law school, she served as a VP for her faculty’s Women and the Law Association and completed a Family Law Mentorship Program, which solidified her passion for working on increasing access to justice for vulnerable populations. As a Student Caseworker, she is looking forward to supporting families navigating the legal system. Outside of law school, Anna enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.
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Rylie Welds
University of Ottawa
Faculty of Common Law
Rylie is an incoming second-year law student at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Common Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Studies and a Certificate in Law from Queen’s University. In her first year of law school, Rylie developed a strong interest in family law. She was a First-Year Representative of the Family Law Student Society and participated in the Family Law Mentorship Program, where she shadowed a Superior Court Justice and observed court proceedings. These experiences provided insight into the realities of the family justice system. Outside of law school, Rylie enjoys travelling, being outdoors, and spending time with her friends and family.
