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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‘A sexually mature young woman’: Toronto lawyer reprimanded over argument 14-year-old girl ‘not a child’ - Simona Jellinek Comments
Simona Jellinek, a Toronto-based lawyer dedicated to advocating for survivors of sexual abuse and assault, was recently quoted in the Toronto Star. She commented on the reprimand of another Toronto la...Read Full Story -
When Inflicting Pain And Suffering Is Intentional: The Cap on General Damages Does Not and Should Not Apply for Survivors of Sexual Misconduct
You've probably heard the expression "as American as apple pie." When our public broadcaster ran a contest asking its audience to come up with a similar expression for Canada, the CBC aptly chose "as ...Read Full Story -
Preventing and Responding to Sexual Abuse At Camps
If you ever attended a camp as a child or youth, what do you remember about the experience? Some people recall camp life fondly. The friendships made at these facilities sometimes last a l...Read Full Story -
We Need To Be Better Than 'Good': When Lawyers Dishonour the Profession Through Sexual Abuse
Can someone be of "good character" and also be "an ongoing risk to children"? Many people would find it difficult to square that circle. But the independent Law Society Tribunal appeared to find...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Quoted in New York Times Article: "How an Officer’s Social Media Posts About Work Harassment Led to Her Firing"
Simona Jellinek, a Toronto-based lawyer who represents survivors of sexual assault, is quoted in an article that was published in the New York Times, regarding a Toronto police officer's firing follow...Read Full Story -
Supporting LGBTQ2S+ Pride With More Than Just Empty Words: Why a Personal Injury Lawyer Should Understand You and Your Community
For decades, the LGBTQ2S+ community has understood the value of the old saying: "Put your money where your mouth is." If a business supported bigoted policies or personalities, withholding community p...Read Full Story
Events.
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Past
Understanding Your Legal Options as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
If you've experienced sexual abuse, we're here to help. We will discuss legal options for individuals who have experienced abuse in: Children's Aid, Foster and/or Adoptive HomesSchool C...Continue Reading -
Past
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
Guides & Papers.
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Guide
A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Girls, boys, women and men can all be the victims of sexual predators. Often the very people you’re supposed to trust are the perpetrators of these horrible crim...Continue Reading