The HCLA maintains a reliable network of lawyers, judges and law students of Hellenic origin. In addition to creating professional opportunities, this network serves as a platform for members to knowledge share.
The HCLA provides and participates in ongoing educational programs, seminars and courses with a view to promote legal education in the Hellenic Canadian community.
The HCLA works to create, stimulate and increase public awareness of matters relating to the Hellenic Canadian community.
History
On November 9, 1990, lawyers of Hellenic heritage in Canada gathered at the Offices of the Canadian Bar Association in Toronto to revive and reinvigorate the Hellenic Canadian Law Association (now the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers’ Association), an association originally founded by Hellenic Canadian lawyers, including Tom Karvanis and Madame Justice Andromache Karakatsanis.
Ten lawyers were elected at that time to form the Board of Directors and, at their first meeting a month later, the Board appointed Constantine Grimanis as the first President. Serving as officers and directors were: Katherine Kavassalis (Vice-President), Louis Alexopoulos (Secretary), Greg Kanargelidis (Treasurer), Constantine Alexiou, Speros Kanellos, Bill Tsapralis, William Tatsiou and Rita Vassilopoulos.
The HCLA’s Constitution was drafted and ratified, and put into motion the Association’s goals of, among other things, strengthening bonds within the Hellenic Canadian legal community, promoting and advancing the well-being and education of the Hellenic Canadian legal community, increasing public understanding of the legal profession and bringing awareness to matters material to the Hellenic Canadian community at large.
Today
Since its inception, the HCLA has been dedicated to meeting its goals to network, educate and advocate. The HCLA has developed and maintained a number of annual social and educational events and programs, including the President’s Dinner, the Christmas Cheer, the Hellenic Professionals’ Gala (with our medical and dental colleagues), the Under 8 After 8 Socials, the Mentorship program, student events (including our student resume and interview workshops) and continuing professional development (CPD) seminars.
To further our commitment to supporting lawyers of Hellenic descent in Canada, the HCLA awards scholarships to law students, including our standing Justice Andromache Karakatsanis Student Scholarship and other special scholarships, including the First Year Law Student Scholarship.
The HCLA is an active member of the Roundtable of Diversity Associations (RODA), an umbrella organization founded in 2011 that brings together a coalition of equity-seeking Canadian legal associations with the goal of fostering dialogue and promoting initiatives relating to the advancement of diversity, equality and inclusion in the legal profession, the judiciary and within the broader legal community.
The HCLA remains committed to advancing and strengthening the Hellenic Canadian legal community so its members may continue to attain new heights of professional success and achievement.
Agapi Mavridis is Crown Counsel with the Ministry of the Attorney General, Criminal Law Division. Agapi attended law school at the University of Manitoba, and was called to the bar in 2018. She articled with the Policy Division at the Ministry of the Attorney General, and worked primarily on the Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, 2017. Outside of practicing law, Agapi volunteers with the Cretans Association of Toronto “Knossos”, implementing their scholarship program for post-secondary students. Prior to attending law school, Agapi worked with the Government of Ontario as a policy analyst, and is a graduate of the Masters of Public Policy and Administration program at Ryerson University.
James Trougakos is an associate at Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers in Vancouver. James’ practice focuses on personal and corporate tax planning. James routinely assists clients with corporate reorganizations, business succession planning, tax structuring on the acquisition and sale of businesses, and trust and estate planning. James also assists clients with resolving tax disputes before revenue authorities and voluntary disclosures.
Prior to joining Legacy Tax + Trust Lawyers, James practiced in the Montréal office of a national law firm and served as a judicial law clerk at the Tax Court of Canada. James has completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Course.
Sotiri earned his dual JD/MBA degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Toronto.
While at law school, Sotiri was deeply involved in advocacy competitions, winning Osgoode’s annual negotiation cup and securing third place in the national competition. He also competed internationally, placing as a finalist in the INADR mediation tournament in Bologna, Italy. Sotiri was an active leader within the Osgoode community, serving as Vice-President of Alumni Affairs & External Relations for the JD/MBA Students’ Association and as Co-President of the Osgoode Panhellenic Association.
In his free time, Sotiri enjoys playing soccer, basketball and beach volleyball. He cherishes his summer visits to his family’s ancestral village on Mount Olympus, Greece. A dedicated sports fan, Sotiri supports all Toronto teams and is an avid follower of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Paola is a natural litigator and a multi-jurisdictional lawyer, admitted to practice in both Canada and Australia. As a Partner at ALF LLP, she assists families going through separation, primarily those facing jurisdictional issues, and requiring a trauma-informed approach. As the Head of the Condominium Group, she routinely assists newcomers and young professionals better understand community living and condominium ownership. With respect to condominium governance, Paola introduced the Levelled Rate to the condominium industry, an innovate monthly subscription service for tight knit condominium communities.
Passionate about supporting the next generation of young legal professionals, Paola is a dedicated tutor for EMOND. As a former NCA student herself, Paola is dedicated to minimizing stigma in the legal community and assists foreign trained lawyers integrate their legal practices here in Ontario.
Beyond her legal practice, Paola was a public servant for over 3 years, including advising the provincial government on NAFTA 2.0 renegotiations and processing applications on the OINP portfolio. Paola is deeply committed to her community and currently serves on the Boards of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa, GHI CCI, and DCPIC Parent Council.
Constantine obtained his J.D. from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Economics and Public Policy from the University of Toronto where he graduated with high distinction and was a Dean’s List scholar.
During his time at UofT Law, Constantine was the student representative for the Hellenic Canadian Lawyers Association and was involved in UofT’s Greek Students Association as the graduate student representative. He also represented UofT in the Walsh Family Law Moot in his final year of law school.
Outside of law, Constantine writes articles for his blog “Maladies & Remedies” on substack (Constantinek.substack.com) where he writes about various health related topics. He is also currently working towards being fluent in Greek and French.
Melinda is an associate at Think Green Law, practicing corporate/commercial, estate planning and real estate law. Her practice encompasses a broad range of business matters including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and corporation setup. She also assists individuals in preparing wills, powers of attorney, probate applications, and with various components of their real estate needs.
Melinda earned her J.D. (Cum Laude) from the University of Ottawa, where she served as a vice president of the Faculty of Law’s student government. Prior to law school, she obtained a Bachelor of Commerce (with Distinction) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). While completing her undergraduate studies, Melinda was a member of TMU’s varsity cross-country running team. Outside of school, Melinda developed significant business experience while working with her entrepreneurial family, allowing her to bring a legal and practical approach to assisting her clients.
Ria Sena has two passions in life; one is law which allows her to make a difference in people’s everyday life; and the other, is policy which allows her to make a difference in the community at large. Ria Sena is a senior public servant (GoC) with over 25 years of service whereby, she has led and supported various national and international files and issues impacting Canadians. In addition, Ria Sena is a strong advocate of Human Rights around the world. She has a strong academic background ranging from double Major Degree in History and Political Science, a Criminology degree, followed by a Masters from Boston University Criminal Justice (with distinction), Post Graduate Certificate in Human Rights from University of Dubrovnik), an LLB-QLD University of London (UK, EU with Honors), LLM from Osgoode Law School (Canadian Common Law and a Specialized LLM in Admin Law, ADR and Constitutional Law). Ria Sena has been a member of HCLA for over 5 years and is very proud and honoured to be appointed to the Board. She aims to support and advocate for HCLA on initiative that foster equality, inclusion and accessibility to justice for the Hellenic and Canadian community at large.
Gina began her membership with the HCLA as an articling student, served in various Executive roles, including President, and recently as Honorary Director. For 30 years, Gina has been inspiring and supporting individuals and organizations to strategically define their hopes and achieve their goals. She is currently a Speaker and Career Coach, certified with the International Coaching Federation. Her past innovative leadership roles include: Senior Program Director of the Law Practice Program at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson); Advisor for the development and launch of the Lincoln Alexander School of Law; Director, Strategic Planning and Knowledge Management for the Legal Services Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General of Ontario; Director of the Internationally Trained Lawyers Program at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Law; at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University, first as Director of Career Services, followed by nine years as the Assistant Dean of Student Services. Following her graduation from Osgoode Hall Law School, Gina began her legal career practicing family law and civil litigation in Toronto. Gina is passionate about personal and professional development, diversity and inclusion and developing strong relationships and networks.
George is an experienced civil trial lawyer and founding partner of the downtown Toronto litigation boutique: Bougadis, Chang LLP Barristers. George joined HCLA as a student member, served on the Board of Directors for eight years, was elected as President from 2004 to 2006, volunteers in the Mentor Program, participates in the National Lawyer Referral Program, and was invited to act as an Honourary Director in 2013. He has also been a member of the Hellenic Canadian Board of Trade for more than a decade.
Tom was a founding member of the law firm of Sotos, Karvanis (now known as Sotos LLP) in downtown Toronto on his call to the bar in 1982. His legal practice concentrated on commercial and matrimonial litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He was recognized by L’Expert as a leading practitioner in franchise litigation. He led the litigation team of Sotos Karvanis and was responsible for the recruiting and mentoring of associate lawyers. Tom was a frequent speaker to community and legal groups on a range of subjects such as litigation, corporate governance and the latest developments in technology for lawyers. Tom has a strong commitment to participating in the community. Among other activities, he helped establish the Hellenic Canadian Federation of Ontario and the Hellenic Canadian Congress. After his retirement in 1999 due to multiple sclerosis, he volunteered in organizations such as Centennial College of Applied Arts and Technology where he served in various capacities including Chair of its Board of Governors during a critical period for the organization. Since 2005, Tom has served as an Honourary Director of the HCLA. He was one of the founders of the HCLA in its original form in the 1980’s and was responsible for reviving it in 1990. Tom is a strong believer in the HCLA and a strong advocate of its mentorship program.
George is an experienced advocate. He represents clients in litigation and arbitration (domestic and international) on a wide range of complex and high-stake business disputes, including class actions, and regularly works with foreign counsel on cross-border issues. Prior to joining Clyde & Co Canada LLP as a partner in 2014, he was the head of the Toronto litigation department of a leading national Canadian law firm. Since his call to the bar in 1986, he has represented various businesses, leading multinational companies, individuals, and government bodies in the financial, energy, transportation, telecommunications, manufacturing, infrastructure, and construction sectors.
George has been recognized by Lexpert® as a leading corporate and commercial litigator, and as a leading practitioner by Best Lawyers in the following categories: corporate and commercial litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He has also been recognized by Lexpert® as a leading US/Canada cross-border litigator and infrastructure lawyer. George holds a Qualified Arbitrator designation from the ADR Institute of Canada. He is a frequent speaker on emerging legal issues, as well as an advocacy skills instructor. George currently sits on Clyde & Co’s Canadian Board and on the Executive Committee of the Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society.
George Ellinidis is Vice-President and General Counsel, International, for the J.M. Smucker Co. (Canada) and has been with the company since 2009.
Prior to joining Smucker, George was the General Counsel & Secretary, National Manager for Toyota / Lexus Financial Services. George started his legal career as a corporate associate with Blake, Cassels & Graydon in 1997.
In addition, George teaches various Business Law related courses at Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto Metropolitan University, the Lincoln Alexander School of Law and the Hellenic American College (Athens, Greece).
Currently, George is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Hellenic Heritage Foundation.
George received his B.A. from the University of Toronto (University College), his LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and his LL.M. from Georgetown University Law Center.
| 2022-2024
2019-2022 |
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– |
Christine Arruda
Francie Smirnakis |
| 2017-2019 | – | Kosta Kalogiros |
| 2014-2017 | – | Angela Nikolakakos |
| 2012-2014 | – | Nikiforos Iatrou |
| 2010-2012 | – | Eleni Damianakis |
| 2008-2010 | – | Jim Vavitsas |
| 2006-2008 | – | John J Salmas |
| 2004-2006 | – | George Bougadis |
| 2001-2003 | – | John Polyzogopoulos |
| 1999-2001 | – | Peter Carayiannis |
| 1998-1999 | – | John Papadakis |
| 1997-1998 | – | John Sotirakos |
| 1995-1997 | – | Gina Alexandris |
| 1993-1995 | – | Greg Kanargelidis |
| 1991-1993 | – | Louis Alexopoulos |
| 1990-1991 | – | Constantine Grimanis |
