Valeria Ruoso

SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:
• 20 years experience in Criminal and Family law in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region; extensive knowledge of the Criminal Code, Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Rules of Evidence as well as family law legislation such as Children’s Law Reform Act, Family Law Act, and Child and Family Services Act.
• Well versed in managing both difficult clients and complex cases with a focus on resolving issues in an efficient, cost-effective manner
• Excellent analytical and judgment skills as well as listening skills with an objective and open mind to problem solving
• Strong working relationships with other members of the judicial system including the Judiciary, Crown Attorneys, other counsel, probation officers and other service providers
• Familiar with investigatory aspects of Criminal law
• To meeting all deadlines and to working within timeline schedules
• Approachable and reasonable
• Sole practitioner with full financial accountability for practice
• Member of the Bar of Ontario in good standing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

June 9, 1997 – present Sole Practitioner
• Focus of practice is in Criminal Law as defence counsel and Family law regarding matters of divorce, custody, access, support issues as well as cases involving Family and Children’s Services
• F&CS counsel on per diem basis since January 2001
• Agent for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer since April 2004
• Member of the Legal Aid Appeals Committee (2010 – present)
• Member of the Legal Aid Panel for both criminal and family matter as well as duty counsel for both family and criminal courts; on panel to represent third party interests in Third Party Records Applications; on panel to represent inmates in federal institutions for disciplinary hearings
• Have represented clients in Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Appeal
• Was co-counsel on Christopher’s Law constitutional appeal
• Completed Phase I of Introduction to Collaborative Practice (Family Law)

1995 – 1996 Articled with Thomas L. Brock, Barrister & Solicitor
• Focus only in area of Criminal Law
• Called to the Bar of Ontario on February 21, 1997