We are delighted to announce that Ivanna Iwasykiw of Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers has been selected as an Excellence Awardee in the annual Canadian Law Awards in the category of Female Trailblazer of the Year (Private Practice).
This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to Ivanna’s dedication, hard work, and exceptional legal advocacy. The Canadian Law Awards are highly competitive and recognize the best legal professionals in the industry. This recognition demonstrates Ivanna’s outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her commitment to excellence, both inside and out of the courtroom.
About Ivanna Iwasykiw
Ivanna Iwasykiw is an outstanding lawyer who obtained a J.D. from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (Cum Laude) in 2017. She specialized in trial advocacy, competed in advocacy competitions, and acted as a Public Defender and a Legal Aid Clinic caseworker.
Ivanna is committed to helping survivors of sexual abuse and assault through civil litigation. Her work primarily focuses on representing survivors of sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and institutional abuse. She also advocates on behalf of persons who have experienced discrimination, sexual harassment, , invasions of privacy, internet harassment, and cyberbullying related to the abuse. Ivanna is a compassionate, practical, relentless lawyer and a fierce advocate. She hopes that in assisting survivors in seeking justice and closure, she can help them regain their power.
Cyberbullying: A Recent Case
Ivanna drew national media attention due to her courageous efforts in a recent case that brought much-needed attention to the devastating effects of unrelenting online abuse towards sexual assault survivors. Ivanna has made waves across the nation through her hard work and dedication in legal advocacy, and this case further highlights that devotion.
With no response from social media giants, yet determined not to let anyone else suffer a similar fate silently, Ivanna inventively used a Norwich Order tool, a last resort measure, to take action with courage & conviction. In doing so, she pushed against impossible odds and stood up fearlessly against cyberbullies who used anonymity as their shield. In essence, Ivanna ensured that no other woman has to suffer from anonymous harassment from cyberbullies merely for coming forward with their stories.
Fighting Against Workplace Sexual Harassment
In 2019, Ivanna brought a case before the Human Rights Tribunal that opened new doors for those seeking to end workplace sexual harassment. Despite legislation seemingly standing in her way, she pushed forward with incredible determination and dedication--setting a shining example of what can be accomplished when advocacy is guided by courage. Her inspiring win in that case encouraged others to fight similar battles and continues to keep public discourse at the forefront until these injustices disappear.
Indigenous Advocate
Ivanna is a powerful force for change and justice, advocating for Indigenous people across Canada who have been adversely affected by the Sixties Scoop. Her compassionate work highlights this dark chapter in Canadian history that has left many survivors with deep emotional scars from abuse suffered at their adoptive homes. By educating lawyers about traditional knowledge and cultural values of legal representation of Indigenous clients, she ensures these voices are heard loud and clear in courtrooms throughout the country.
Advancing Gender Equality
Ivanna’s commitment to gender, racial, and social justice reform in the legal profession, is truly inspiring to us all. She provides meaningful work opportunities to students of all backgrounds, so they can hone their skills and eventually become trailblazers themselves someday. Ivanna is committed to empowering female lawyers through her mentorship, even as she simultaneously works against discrimination and to advocate for policy changes that ensure fairness and equal access to opportunity within the law.
Ivanna embodies excellence as she challenges outdated regulations while fighting for underserved communities with unwavering commitment.
We are proud to have Ivanna as a team member and are grateful for her contributions to our firm's success. She is an inspiration to all of us, and we are honoured to work alongside her.