Selim James Levy's Background and Experience
Selim James Levy was raised in a multicultural and multilingual family, which values humanitarian and human rights work, to which he was exposed as a child. He earned his pre- and post-secondary education in Canada in both official languages, as well as in South-East Asia, where he learned Mandarin.
After completing his Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Mathematics, he worked for several years as a science researcher in both the public and private sectors, and then as an independent consultant.
Returning to his roots and passion of helping others, he attended law school and started his mediation and conciliation practice in 2004, which revolved around family and business disputes. He had the opportunity to work in Geneva, Switzerland, for an international organization aiming to eradicate child labour, in particular the worst forms of child labour.
Upon returning to Ottawa, the law firm he founded contributes to individuals and the community by offering services almost exclusively in family law and related fields.
Professional Affiliations and Community Commitment
Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the Barreau du Québec
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association
Member of the Ontario Family Law Limited Scope Services Project
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association's Technology Committee
Accepts Legal Aid Ontario Certificates
Pro bono lawyer at OCISO
Sangita Gandhi's Background and Experience
Sangita Gandhi practices primarily in family law and child protection. She also prepares Wills and Powers of Attorney. Before completing her Law Degree at City University, Sangita earned an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree with a minor in Marketing at McMaster University in Hamilton.
Sangita prides herself in keeping her clients fully informed as she progresses a file from start to finish. Whether she is discussing matters with opposing counsel, presenting in the courtroom or updating a client, Sangita is always thinking about how best to approach communicating with her audience.
Along with her role as a lawyer, Sangita is also a presenter for the Mandatory Information Program (MIP), where she provides information to individuals about their family court matters and alternatives to resolving their matters.
When not at work, Sangita can be found partaking in outdoors activities such as hiking, running or winter activities. She can also be found spending time with family and friends trying out new restaurants in the Ottawa area.
Professional Affiliations and Community Commitment
Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association
Accepts Legal Aid Ontario Certificates
Sara Carruthers's Background and Experience
Sara Carruthers practices family law and child protection. Prior to joining the firm, she worked at another boutique family law and child protection firm in Ottawa. Before completing her Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree, Sara earned an Honours Bachelor of Journalism, both at the University of Ottawa.
During law school, Sara worked for two consecutive years at the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic in the Community Legal Education department, and assisted individuals in making applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
Along with her role as a lawyer, Sara is a presenter for the Court’s Mandatory Information Program (MIP), where she provides valuable information about the legal process and alternatives to litigation, in the family law context.
Sara is passionate about people and about helping. For a number of years, Sara was a member of Toastmaster’s International, a public speaking group, which is aimed at refining communication skills and oral advocacy. Many of the skills she developed, she uses in her daily life, whether in court pursuing litigation or outside of court, pursuing negotiation or mediation.
In her spare time, Sara enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys staying active and you can often find her jogging by the Canal in downtown Ottawa or at her local spin studio.
Professional Affiliations and Community Commitment
Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association
Accepts Legal Aid Ontario Certificates
Jennifer Niyonzima's Background and Experience
Jennifer was blessed with the opportunity of living in many countries. She was born in Rwanda and moved to Guinea with her family before finishing her secondary education in Kenya.
She then immigrated to Canada to attend Carleton University, in large part because her father had pursued his post-graduate studies here, where she completed her Honours Bachelor in Law with a Minor in Psychology. She went on to obtain her Paralegal Graduate Certificate from Algonquin College. Her biggest regret upon moving to Canada was discovering that snow did not taste as good as it looked.
In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys listening to music, dancing and doing zumba. She also recently developed an unexpected passion for spin.
As a law clerk, Jennifer is happy to help clients in English and French, as well as in Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, and Kiswahili.
