Simona Jellinek
- Emailjellinek@gluckstein.com
- Phone(416) 955-4800 ext. 285
- Mobile(416) 972-9506
- Fax(416) 972-1499
Bio.
Simona Jellinek leads the Sexual Abuse and Assault team as counsel. Simona has more than 25 years of representing survivors of childhood abuse as well as adult assaults. She has litigated against religious institutions, Childrens’ Aid Societies, all levels of government, Big Brothers, Scouts, school boards, and many other institutions where people are placed in harm's way. Simona has litigated hundreds of cases and has helped her clients achieve some of the highest settlements for sexual abuse cases in Canada.
Simona is one of Canada’s most experienced and successful lawyers in the complex and unique area of sexual abuse and assault litigation. Her experience in the area allows her to provide effective legal advice with knowledge and compassion. She has dedicated her life to helping survivors of sexual trauma in their journey towards healing.
Simona has also been instrumental in changing important pieces of legislation including the removal of the limitation period in sexual abuse and assault cases. As well, she also assisted the government in amending legislation to allow survivors who are on ODSP to remain on ODSP even after receiving compensation from a judgment or settlement.
Simona’s expertise in the area has been recognized by her peers and she is listed in Best Lawyers and Lexpert. She has been honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Zenith Lexpert award. Simona is sought after by media outlets to provide insight and commentary on sexual abuse and assaults in Canada and abroad. As well, she has lectured at universities and presented papers on sexual violence litigation at Canadian and international conferences.
Simona was on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Directors for almost a decade. She also served on the Toronto Police Sexual Assault committee for many years. She co-drafted the Sexual Abuse Guidelines applicable to all Ontario lawyers by the Law Society of Ontario.
Expertise.
Education.
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto, 1991
- Bachelor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1994
Professional Involvement.
- Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
- The Canadian Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Board of Directors, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (2004-2007, 2009-2016, 2019)
Testimonials.
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Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor
"Simona: My thanks for affirming that the principles of integrity are still very much alive." -
Robert B. Munroe, Ross & McBride LLP, OTLA Past President
"In my opinion, Simona is one of Ontario's leading lawyers in helping sexual assault survivors obtain proper compensation."
Blog & News.
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Shedding Light On Sexual Abuse - What Are A Survivor’s Options
Sexual abuse and sexual assaults are crimes where one or more perpetrators engage in unwanted sexual activity with a person who does not or cannot consent to it. It can happen to anyone. And it does h...Read Full Story -
What Crown Ward Sexual Abuse Survivors Need to Know
As a lawyer with practice focussed on sexual abuse and sexual assault, I’m used to feeling angry. Usually that anger is born out of hearing how an individual and/or institutional abuser has harmed a s...Read Full Story -
Navigating the Aftermath of Sexual Abuse in Sports
In the realm of sports, where the focus often centers around discipline, achievement, and camaraderie, there lies a darker side that remains tucked away far too often—abuse. It's a sobering reality th...Read Full Story -
16 Gluckstein Lawyers Nominated for 2025 Best Lawyers® List
We're delighted to share that Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers has received a total of twelve nominations in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2025 edition, along with four in The Best Lawyers in Canada: ...Read Full Story -
Deshaun Watson Suspended for 6 Games - Simona Jellinek Comments
Simona Jellinek, sexual abuse assault lawyer at Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers, discusses the Deshaun Watson sexual misconduct cases on CTV News.Watch the video here.Read Full Story -
An Open Secret: Rabbi Heshi Nussbaum's abuse of boys in Toronto's Jewish community
This is a troubling story of a Toronto rabbi who assaulted young boys in his care and how--despite allegations and rumours in the Jewish community--it took decades to bring him to justice.Note: this d...Read Full Story
Events.
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Upcoming
Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journeys: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury
Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein presents "Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journey: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury."This is a free event fo...Continue Reading -
Past
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Conference 2023 - Innovative and Emerging Pathways to Healing
"Innovative and Emerging Pathways to Healing"At Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers we employ a survivor-centered approach, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by survivors. We work hard e...Continue Reading -
Past
Supporting Survivors of the 60's Scoop Town Hall - Edmonton
Do you have questions about the childhood abuse you experienced? If you have questions about the childhood abuse you suffered, we can help. This information session primarily focuses on 60s Scoop...Continue Reading
Guides & Papers.
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Guide
A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Please fill out the form to the right to download this free guide.Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Girls, boys, women and men can all be the victims of sexual predators. Often the very people yo...Continue Reading