Called to the Bar in 1984, Stephen studied for his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy at University of Toronto and York University, there winning a scholarship for his academic performance, graduating in 1979. He then read law at Ottawa University and graduated in 1982 with his Baccalaureate of Laws. Stephen is a former instructor for the Bar Admission Course in trial tactics, negotiation and ethics.
Graduating from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2010, Melissa completed an intensive clinical program in mediation and served as duty counsel to the Osgoode Legal Aid Clinic as part of her legal study. She articled with a major government tribunal and subsequently completed her Masters degree at the University of Toronto. After practicing in downtown Toronto for some years, Melissa returned to her hometown of Oakville, Ontario to practice exclusively in the areas of family law and estates litigation.
Zeba was educated in England and has traveled extensively and lived in many countries. In 1997 Zeba gained her LLB from the London School of Economics, University of London, England. Zeba went on to earn the Legal Practice Certification from the Law Society of England. Zeba subsequently moved to Canada and earned an LLB from the University of Windsor in 2000. Zeba was called to the Ontario Bar in 2001 and is licensed to practice law in both the UK and Canada.
Prior to joining Stephen Durbin & Associates Karen articled with the Family Responsibility Office and thus has particular insight available to assist clients in navigating the complex area of support enforcement in Ontario.
While obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Toronto, Karen volunteered with the Family Law Project and Advocates for Injured Workers. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Karen attended McGill University, obtaining a Baccalaureate of Arts with Great Distinction.
Kevin completed his Juris Doctorate in 2004 in Michigan and was called to the bar in Ontario in 2006. He is a member of the both the New York State Bar and the Law Society of Upper Canada.
Kevin has an extensive and has proven himself as an highly effective family lawyer, managing and advocating for a wide variety of matters for clients, negotiating and drafting separation agreements, preparing pleadings, and arguing at motion and trial.
Whitney Smith is an associate lawyer with Stephen Durbin and Associates, practicing exclusively in the area family law.
Whitney obtained her law degree from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law, where she held a leadership role with the Family Law Project, an award-winning pro bono initiative that provides family law services to low-income, self-represented litigants. Prior to earning her law degree, Whitney earned an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies from McGill University.
Jeffrey Petermann attended Carleton University where he completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology (with Distinction), obtaining, among other honourariums, a Senate Medal for academic achievement.
After an additional year studying Business, in 2010 Jeffrey completed his law degree at Osgoode Hall, and was recognized for achieving the highest grades in Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law, and in Debtor/Creditor Law.
Jodi Feldman is Senior Counsel to Stephen Durbin and Associates.
Ms. Feldman possesses expertise in many complex financial aspects of family law including formation, regulation, estate planning and dissolution of familial relationships, as well as income and business asset reports and valuation issues of parties with shares or ownership in corporations, trusts, business enterprises and closely held family organizations.
Claire was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She studied Psychology and Criminology at the University of Windsor, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts.�She continued her education at the Humber Institute of Advanced Learning and Technology, graduating in 2006, with Honours.�
Claire has been concentrating in family law since 2007, joining Stephen Durbin in 2010. She is currently an Associate Member of the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario and also a Commissioner of Oaths.