Toronto lawyers focusing on plaintiff-side personal injury and insurance litigation

July 1, 2007

Grand Opening of the Clonfero Law Firm. We will continue to provide prompt and effective service with results. Happy and Safe Canada Day!

Simon Samad joins the firm for the work-placement component of the Law Clerk program at Centennial College - he brings significant experience and commitment to help each client's case succeed.

Jennifer Madden joined the Firm following her successful completion of all requirements for the 2-year Law Clerk Program at Centennial College. Jennifer approaches each client’s case with strategic skill and dedication.

Mr. Clonfero’s article on the claims by family members of a person who suffers serious personal injury appears in the Spring 2007 edition of The Litigator, the publication of the Ontario Trial Lawyer’s Association.

Our office will be closed on Friday, December 15, 2006 as our lawyers and staff spend the day helping out, and preparing dinner for other volunteers, at the food bank at St. Monica's Parish in Toronto.  In addition to volunteering, the firm has donated cash and has provided childrens' presents and a new microwave oven for the St. Monica's kitchen.

November 21, 2006

Inspired by Stephen Lewis' call to action at a recent Ontario Bar Association event, René Clonfero and John Johnson have donated $1,000.00 to the Stephen Lewis Foundation as part of the Give a Day to World Aids campaign.  To learn about the campaign, founded by Dr. Jane Philpott, an Ontario physician, go to www.giveaday.ca.  "Kurum ma, magana ce."  Silence, too, is speech.

November 10, 2006

Victory!  René Clonfero received the decision from Arbitrator Robert Bujold today in the case of D.W. v. Lombard General Insurance Company , in which Rene acted for the successful applicant, D.W.  The decision concerned the preliminary issue of whether D.W. had been injured in an “accident,” within the meaning of the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule.

February 22, 2006

René Clonfero is quoted in the Winter, 2005 issue of Jasmine magazine (www.jasminemagazine.com), currently on newsstands.  In an article entitled "Fear Factor: Skyrocketing Auto Insurance Premiums" by Karen Kwan, René talks about the unfairness of Ontario's current automobile insurance scheme.

February 15, 2006

As part of our ongoing in-house continuing legal education efforts, René Clonfero delivered a presentation today on the new Statutory Accident Benefit Schedule amendments that come into effect on March 1, 2006.  Among other changes, the new regulations abolish Designated Assessment Centres (DACs).  The amendments also impose absurdly short deadlines and add even more procedural complexity to a system that is already ridiculously complex and unfair to injured consumers. Nonetheless, we are committed to ensuring that our lawyers and legal professionals are up to speed on the new system to ensure that our clients obtain the accident benefits they deserve.

February 11, 2006

René attended the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario’s MAD About You & Inspiration Awards Gala Celebration this evening.

The MAD About You dinner is the MDAO’s main fundraising event of the year and allows the organization to continue its important work in support of those suffering from mood disorders, and in raising awareness about the toll that these illnesses exact.

October 7, 2005

René and John were on hand at Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre in Toronto today to celebrate the launch of the "Flowers of Friendship/We Care Kits" program. Coordinated through the efforts of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario, the Flowers of Friendship program provides a free personal care package, sponsored in part by us, to patients admitted to hospital with a psychiatric illness.  The kits, which are assembled by us staff, are also being handed out at St. Michael's Hospital and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, both in downtown Toronto.

July 23-27, 2005

Our firm will be operating with a skeleton staff from July 23 through July 27, 2005 while we attend the Association of Trial Lawyers of America Annual Convention in Toronto.  As part of our investment in continuing legal education, our entire staff  -- legal assistants, law clerks, and lawyers -- will be attending the convention.

May 27, 2005

John, René and guests attended the Third Annual Canadian Crime Victim Foundation Gala and Fundraiser in support of victims of crime at the Delta Chelsea hotel. The CCVF continues its hard work to advance the rights of those who have been hurt, or whose loved ones have been hurt, as a result of violent crime. You can learn more about the foundation from its web site: www.ccvf.net .

March 2, 2005

We are pleased to announce that Jasmin Drew will be joining the firm as a Junior Law Clerk as of April 15, 2005. Currently completing her Centennial College co-op placement with us, Jasmin will begin full-time employment as soon as her co-op placement is completed.

December 23, 2004

Our office will close at 1:00 pm on December 24 and will remain closed on December 27 and 28 for the Christmas holiday.  We will close at 1:00 pm on December 31 and remain closed on January 3, 2005, for New Year's Day.

On behalf of everyone at the firm, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season.

December 2, 2004

The Canadian Italian Advocates Organization (CIAO) “Festa Di Natale” was a huge success this year with more than 140 lawyers and judges, including our very own René Clonfero, in attendance. Held at Grano Restaurant in north Toronto, both the plaintiff and defence bars enjoyed a fabulous traditional Italian meal together in a cordial environment.  In the New Year, look for our firm advertisement in the “Lo Specchio” Italian newspaper.

September 24, 2004

On Friday, September 24, 2004, René Clonfero attended the Second Annual Canadian Crime Victims Foundation Gala Fundraising Dinner at the Delta Chelsea Hotel, in downtown Toronto.  Founded by Joseph and Lozanne Wamback in 2002 following a brutal attack on their son, Jonathan, the CCVF works to support victims of crime.  More information about the organization can be found at www.ccvf.net.

Whether through advancing a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board, or through a civil lawsuit, or both, we have obtained compensation for victims of crime on several occasions.  The civil justice system can play an important role in the prevention and deterrence of violent crime, and in providing compensation to victims and their families.  Civil lawsuits brought by victims of violent crime also have a positive social impact by targeting not only the perpetrators but others who encouraged or could have prevented the crime in the first place.

August 23, 2004

We have now completed our move to Suite 600, at 360 Bay Street, Toronto.  We look forward to serving existing and future clients in our spacious new quarters.

June 30, 2004

Our office will be closed on Friday, July 2, 2004 to allow our staff to enjoy the Canada Day long weekend.  Happy Canada Day!