Our Students

The student team at DWF is motivated and dynamic. Meet these talented professionals as they take early steps in their legal careers.

Jacob Benson, Articling Student

Jacob joined DWF as a Summer Student in 2025 and is excited to return to the firm to complete his articles. He recently graduated from Thompson Rivers University in June 2026, earning Dean's List recognition. Jacob also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Victoria.
During law school, Jacob was known for his community involvement and legal advocacy. Jacob served as President of OUTLaws (the National Law Student Pride Network), Senior Executive of the Oral Advocacy Club and Human Rights Law Club, and served as Clinic Lead for Pro Bono Students Canada. He also competed in the 2025 Jessup International Law Moot in Ottawa and the 2026 Davies Corporate/Securities Law Moot in Toronto.

Outside of work, Jacob enjoys snowboarding, staying active at the gym, and running along Vancouver's seawall in search of the city's best beaches.

Bhavneet Parmar, Articling Student

Bhavneet joins the firm as a graduate of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of the Fraser Valley.
During her undergraduate studies, Bhavneet gained hands-on legal experience through practicum opportunities at a full-service law firm and with in-house university counsel. These experiences fueled her commitment to bridging the gap between complex legal issues and everyday access to justice.
Throughout law school, Bhavneet served her community by actively supporting marginalized clients through Student Legal Services of Edmonton and promoting diversity in the profession as an executive member of the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers. She also worked part-time as a research assistant tasked with examining human trafficking prosecutions.
Beyond her legal studies, Bhavneet is a co-founder of a local community initiative supporting unhoused individuals in the Fraser Valley. She is passionate about increasing access to justice, equity-driven advocacy, and building stronger communities.

In her spare time, you’ll find her channeling her energy into running, experimenting with new recipes, and getting lost in a good book.

Jacob D'Andrea, Articling Student

Jacob completed his Juris Doctor at Thompson Rivers University, graduating with distinction. Jacob was on the Dean’s List for all three years at law school and received the Dean’s Course Prize in Elder Law. Jacob received a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from Simon Fraser University with a major in History.
During law school, Jacob participated in the 2026 Wilson Moot Competition, where his team received third best factum. This experience developed Jacob’s research and oral advocacy skills, which he is excited to continue developing at DWF Canada.
Before law school, Jacob worked in insurance for several years, where he developed strong skills in client relations and risk management. As a renewal underwriter, Jacob reviewed complex policy wordings for brokers, assessed changing risks, and negotiated policy premiums. Jacob looks forward to using and further developing these skills.

In his spare time, Jacob enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing video games, reading books, watching Sunday soccer, and staying active.

Jocelyn Toledo, Articling Student

Jocelyn joined DWF as a summer student in 2025 and is looking forward to returning to the firm to complete her articles. Jocelyn graduated from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law in December 2025 and spent her last term as a visiting student at Peter A. Allard School of Law. Jocelyn obtained her Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of British Columbia with a major in Sociology and a minor in Law and Society.

During law school, Jocelyn worked as a Public Legal Educator for the Justice Education Society and as a Peer Tutor for UVic Law's Amicus Peer Tutor Program for first-year law students. Jocelyn also volunteered as an Editor for Appeal Law Journal for three years. Jocelyn also competed in Ottawa in the Canadian Client Consultation Competition Moot and was placed as a semi-finalist.

Jocelyn is currently a volunteer on the Trial Lawyers' Association of British Columbia's New Lawyers' Committee and as a Legal Advocate at Access Pro Bono's Residential Tenancy Branch Program. Jocelyn is looking forward to expanding on her litigation skills with the firm.

Amanda Krantz, Articling Student

Amanda recently graduated from the Dual JD Program at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (cum laude), earning both Canadian and American law degrees. Before law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies with a Minor in Human Rights at the University of Waterloo, graduating with distinction.
Throughout law school, Amanda gained experience in corporate and municipal law and worked as a research assistant at the University of Windsor. She also enjoyed being involved in the law school community as a student mentor and volunteered with the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, where she assisted clients with a variety of family law matters.
After spending the summer of 2025 with DWF's Toronto office, Amanda is excited to return as an articling student. She is eager to continue learning from the firm's knowledgeable and supportive team while building meaningful relationships with colleagues and clients as she begins her legal career.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys staying active through running and working out. She also enjoys thrifting, exploring the city, and spending time with friends, family, and her cat, Olive.

Mark Ibrahim, Articling Student

Mark is a recent JD graduate from Osgoode Hall Law School. He holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph's Lang School of Business, where he worked as a research assistant in the Department of Consumer Behaviour.

Prior to law school, Mark served as a Real Estate Officer for the Government of Ontario, where he handled property acquisitions, disposals, procurement, and negotiations for the Ministry of Transportation.

During law school, Mark gained hands-on expertise in employment law while working with a boutique firm, where he was involved in litigation matters before the Small Claims Court. As a caseworker with Osgoode's Venture Capital Clinic, he advised founders and early-stage companies on corporate and commercial matters, and he competed in a securities law moot that deepened his interest in commercial litigation. Mark also worked as a research assistant studying class action and civil litigation matters. He is excited to continue developing his skills with the team at DWF.

Outside the office, Mark enjoys running marathons, playing table tennis, and cooking for friends and family.

Kate Wiznura, Summer Student

Kate is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Alberta and is excited to join DWF as a 2025 summer student. Prior to law school, Kate completed a Bachelor of Arts at McGill University, majoring in English Literature and Philosophy, and another Bachelor of Arts, this time in Psychology, at the University of Alberta.
Throughout her legal education, Kate has fostered her commitment to law and her community through her work with Student Legal Services and the Women’s Law Forum. Through Student Legal Services, Kate has been able to work with low-income individuals to resolve their criminal matters through her role as a criminal project dayleader. This experience has allowed Kate to hone her advocacy skills, gain court and litigation experience, connect with other legal professionals, and learn how to manage client files. Kate’s role as co-Chair of the Women’s Law Forum has allowed her to directly contribute to the law school community by coordinating speaker events to tackle the issues facing women in the law among various other community initiatives.
Kate is looking forward to joining the Calgary team at DWF. She is excited to get to develop her practical legal experience and skills in such a collegial environment.
In her spare time, Kate enjoys competing in show jumping with her horses and spending time with her Great Pyrenees, Scarlett.

Victor Yoon, Summer Student

Victor is currently pursuing his JD at the University of Alberta.

Prior to law school, he completed an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Western Ontario.
During law school, Victor has actively engaged with the legal community through his volunteer work with Student Legal Services, an organization that provides legal services to the low-income community. In his second year, he returned to the organization as a Day leader, taking on a leadership role supervising and mentoring student volunteers. Through this role, Victor gained practical experience both inside and outside the courtroom, assisting individuals charged with a range of criminal and regulatory offences.

In his spare time, Victor enjoys playing basketball and golf, skiing, trying new ice cream flavours, and spending time with his dog, Luna.

Brandon Johnson, Summer Student

Brandon Johnson is currently pursuing his JD at the University of Saskatchewan, building on a B. Comm (distinction) and a Philosophy Certificate both from the University of Saskatchewan.

During law school, Brandon placed second at the Canadian National Negotiation Competition (CNNC) and will now represent Team Canada at the International Negotiation Competition (INC) in London, England, in July 2025. He was a member of the 2024 University of Saskatchewan Law Games Team, winning the Law Games Cup, and placing second in the Moot Cup.

Prior to law school, Brandon pursued his passion for business and entrepreneurship by founding a digital marketing consultancy, and leading Junior Achievement of Saskatchewan's Company Program, a nonprofit organization helping students build real-world skills in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.
In his spare time, Brandon enjoys backcountry camping, cooking, and perfecting his slo-pitch swing.

Brandon looks forward to contributing to the DWF team, expanding his knowledge of litigation and negotiation, and building lasting connections.

Amneet Saimbi, Articling Student

Amneet is a graduate of the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia and joins DWF as an Articling Student for the 2026–2027 term. Prior to law school, she completed a Bachelor of Science at UBC and earned a place on the Dean’s Honour Roll.
During law school, Amneet was actively involved in the student community. She served as Vice President of the Social Welfare Law and Policy Society, volunteered with Legal Education Outreach to deliver workshops to local high school students, and acted as a 1L Buddy to incoming students. She also contributed to the Canadian Journal of Family Law as an editor, further developing her legal research and writing skills.
Amneet developed practical advocacy and litigation skills through her work with the UBC Innocence Project, where she assisted with client communication, critical file review, legal research, and drafting materials in support of wrongful-conviction claims. In her final year, she further developed her oral advocacy skills by participating in a trial-level moot.

Outside of the office, Amneet enjoys hot yoga, reading mystery novels, and spending time at the dog park with her golden retriever, Daisy.

Lynley Gordon-Mason, Summer Student

Lynley is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Victoria, Faculty of Law. Prior to attending law school, she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.

During law school, Lynley has developed a strong interest in litigation and client advocacy. She has gained practical experience through her work at The Law Centre, where she assists clients with a range of legal issues, including tenancy, human rights, and civil matters. She also completed a co-op term with the Ministry of Health, where she contributed to policy and legal research initiatives. In addition, Lynley has volunteered with AC Friends of Court, where she assisted self-represented litigants in understanding legal procedures and completing court forms.

In her spare time, Lynley can often be found on the tennis court or soccer field, out for a run, or enjoying the outdoors with friends and family.

Elizabeth Laplante, Summer Student

Elizabeth is currently pursuing her JD at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario, where she completed a thesis in cognitive neuroscience.
During law school, Elizabeth was a student clinician with the International Justice and Human Rights Clinic where she conducted legal research for the Canadian All Party Parliamentary Group to End Modern Slavery. She also volunteered with the Law Students’ Legal Advice Program and acts as a Legal Buddy for incoming first year students.

In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys playing volleyball, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends. She is looking forward to joining the DWF team and continuing to develop her legal skills.

Ethan Keenan, Summer Student

Ethan is a student at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. Before law school, Ethan completed a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at the University of British Columbia. Ethan spent a year working as an office services clerk for a personal injury law firm and is excited to get back to working in the legal field.
During his time in law school, Ethan volunteered for the Student Legal Assistance program as an intake case worker and in the trial division. He recently received the top oralist prize in the Bennet Jones Health Law Moot which he and his team won after weeks of practice and guidance from their coaches.

Outside of academics, Ethan enjoys skiing, hiking, reading, cooking, and spending as much quality time as he can with his family, friends, and pets. He is excited to be back home in Vancouver and to begin his work at DWF.

Gabrielle Eisenberg, Summer Student

Gabrielle is pursuing her JD at the University of Victoria (UVic) Law School. She completed a Bachelor of Humanities Honors Degree at UVic, majoring in Greek and Roman Studies (Classics) and minoring in Film.

In her second year at UVic Law, she was the Health and Wellness Representative of the UVic Law Students Society, an AMICUS peer tutor, and a member of the Refugee Law Club. In the summer following 1L, Gabrielle worked as a Hearings Officer at Canadian Border Services through the UVic Co-Op program. As a hearings officer, she compiled her own files and disclosures and presented submissions before an IRCC tribunal. She looks forward to further refining her legal skills with DWF.
Before law school, Gabrielle was heavily involved in the UVic student community. She participated in the Humanities Scholars Program and received the Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Award (JCURA) for her research on propaganda film. Gabrielle also started the Wellness Journaling Club at the University of Victoria, which amassed over 800 members annually, and volunteered with inmates at the William-Head Institution.

Outside of school, Gabrielle enjoys boxing, hiking, and traveling. You can also catch her cafe-hopping around downtown Vancouver.

Hannah Van Laethem, Summer Student

Hannah is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. She holds a BA in Psychology from SFU, where she earned a certificate in legal studies and graduated with distinction.
During her undergraduate studies, Hannah volunteered extensively. She volunteered as a Crisis Responder at the Crisis Centre of BC, as a classroom assistant at an elementary school, and as a soccer coach with Special Olympics BC. Hannah also served as a Vice-President with the FentaNIL Project, a student-led club aimed at fighting the opioid crisis through harm reduction.
While pursuing her JD, Hannah continued to work at the Crisis Centre of BC in a supervisory role. She also volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and acts as a student buddy for incoming students. She also completed a co-op with the Ministry of Attorney General's Small Claims Division, where she had the opportunity to appear in BC Supreme Court twice as a 2L student.

In her spare time, Hannah enjoys working out, playing on an intramural soccer team with her law school friends, watching Survivor, and spending time with her cat, Rufus.

Audrene Keshavarzi, Summer Student

Audrene is currently completing her JD at Thompson Rivers University. Prior to law school, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Law and Society.
Throughout law school, Audrene has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and community engagement. She currently serves as Co-President of the Society of Law Students at TRU, having previously held the role of 1L Chair. She has competed as a semi-finalist in the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Law Moot. She has also contributed to DEI initiatives through her work with FACL in collaboration with Pro Bono Students Canada.
Prior to law school, Audrene gained valuable experience at DWF Canada as a Legal Administrative Assistant from 2022 to 2024, and she is thrilled to return to the firm as a Summer Articling Student.

Outside of work, Audrene enjoys spending time with her friends and going to Pilates!

Kai Kuypers, Summer Student

Kai is working to complete his JD at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law.
Prior to beginning Law School, Kai received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Carleton University. Kai worked in Restaurant Management for two years, instilling a passion for customer service and a deep care for teamwork and the development of business strategies.
During Law School, Kai has volunteered for the Pro Bono Students Canada chapter and is a Vice President of the Sports and Entertainment Law Club.

Outside of school, Kai has a deep passion for travel and cooking and hopes to bring a diverse perspective to his future legal practice.

Matthew Lennon, Summer Student

Matt is an aspiring litigator heading into 3L at the UCalgary Faculty of Law. In 1L, Matt volunteered with Student Legal Assistance and received the Top Oralist award in the McGillivray Moot. In 2L, his team won the Bennett Jones Health Law moot.
After completing his bachelor’s degree at the University of Calgary in 2016, Matt worked as a geoscientist in oil and mining exploration. Afterward, he worked as a software engineer and technical consultant for IBM.
Matt spent the previous summer interning for Pro Bono Law Alberta, a non-profit supporting self-represented litigants across the province. There, he helped PBLA streamline client management and reporting processes while shadowing volunteer lawyers as they assisted clients.
Matt currently has an interest in many areas of law, including Employment & Labour, Privacy & Cybersecurity, Antitrust & Consumer Protection, Access to Justice, and Contracts.

In his spare time, Matt likes to walk his dog (Winnie), bike, hike, play basketball and watch movies his wife (Olivia) and cats (Gale, Zephyr & Brodie).

Holly Kletke, Summer Student

Holly is attending law school at Thompson Rivers University. She is an enthusiastic participant in the moot program, having recently competed in the Canadian rounds of the Jessup Moot. She is also Co-President of the Oral Advocacy Club and helps organize the annual Dean’s Cup moot competition for TRU. Additionally, she loved being a teacher’s assistant for first year constitutional law. Outside of school, she is a Board Director for the Interior Women’s Centre Society and sings with the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra Choir.
Prior to law school, Holly obtained her Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from the University of Lethbridge. While at the UofL, she was President of the University of Lethbridge Students’ Union, where she advocated on behalf of the student body. She also worked as a Government Relations Officer, where she was honoured to gain valuable mentorship from her colleagues.

In her spare time, Holly likes to spend time with friends, go to spin and Pilates classes, and work on her golf swing. She is excited to join the DWF team and develop her skills as a future lawyer.

Noor Ulain, Summer Student

Noor is currently pursuing her JD at Thompson Rivers University. Prior to law school, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Thompson Rivers University.
During law school, she has taken on leadership roles as an executive member of both TRU Legal Networking Club and the TRU Law Health and Policy Club. She also volunteers weekly with the Kamloops Women's Centre and serves as a mentor to incoming law students.

In her spare time, she enjoys Pilates, rollerblading, reading mystery novels, and travelling. She is looking forward to a wonderful summer with the Calgary team at DWF.

Carolyn Smith, Summer Student

Carolyn is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law. Prior to law school, she earned her Bachelor’s of Social Sciences in Political Science and History from the University of Ottawa in 2022.

Between her undergraduate degree and law school, Carolyn served as the operations manager for the 2023 Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference. She also spent time as a researcher at a government relations firm in Ottawa, working with clients from all sectors of the economy.

In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and playing board games.

Elena Penner, Summer Student

Elena is currently pursuing her JD at the Lincoln Alexander School of Law (TMU). She moved to Toronto from Vancouver in 2018 to complete her Honours Bachelor of Science at the University of Toronto, where she graduated with distinction. She double majored in Human Biology and Nutrition.
Elena brings diverse work experience, including supporting long-term care homes in Vancouver during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to law school, she also gained valuable experience in Toronto’s hospitality industry, working at a variety of restaurants.
Throughout her academic journey, Elena has sought opportunities to challenge herself and engage with the community. As a volunteer with Pro Bono Students Canada, she contributed to the work of Kensington Bellwoods Community Legal Services, providing support to low-income residents in Toronto. In 2026, she and her partner placed second in the Walsh Family Law Negotiation Competition.

Outside of her studies, Elena enjoys traveling, staying active through workout classes, and exploring Toronto’s vibrant coffee and dining scene.
Elena is thrilled to continue developing her skills and contributing to the work of DWF.

Sofiya Zadorozhna, Summer Student

Sofiya is currently pursuing a dual Canadian and American Juris Doctor at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
During law school, Sofiya gained practical experience through her work with the Juvenile Appellate Clinic, where she assisted on appeals before the Michigan Court of Appeals. She has participated in multiple moots, strengthening her oral advocacy and legal research skills, and is also a student mentor supporting first-year law students. In addition, she contributes to the legal community as a podcast host with Pro Bono Students Canada, helping make legal topics more accessible.
Prior to law school, Sofiya worked as a claim investigator, developing skills in liability assessment, negotiation, and client communication. She also worked as a research assistant in a clinical setting, supporting research on medical outcomes and data management.

In her spare time, Sofiya enjoys travelling, skiing, staying active, and spending time with her two dogs.

Erin Vowles, Summer Student

Erin is currently pursuing her JD at Western Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Social and Political Thought and has received her certificate in the Study of Law and Public Policy from King’s University College.
Throughout law school, Erin has fostered her passion for advocacy through her work as a Program Manager with Western Law’s Sport Solution Clinic. Within her role, she has assisted Canadian high-performance athletes on a variety of legal matters related to SafeSport, team selection and carding disputes. Erin also interned with Western Law’s Dispute Resolution Centre which honed both her mediation and negotiation skills.
Erin continues to be actively involved in student life as both a Western Law Student Ambassador and a Western Women in Law mentor to pre-law students.

Outside of school, Erin enjoys teaching dance classes, watching live theatre productions, and spending time with her friends and family.

Beatrice Lowson, Summer Student

Beatrice is currently completing her JD at Schulich Law School at Dalhousie University. Before attending law school, Beatrice completed her Master of Arts in History from the University of Waterloo, with a focus on the history of Haudenosaunee environmental governance. During her Masters, she worked in various research assistant positions, including with Longhouse Labs and the Six Nations Lands & Resources Department. Beatrice also holds a Bachelor of Arts in History, Honours, with a minor in Environment, Resources, and Sustainability from the University of Waterloo.
At law school, Beatrice serves as the co-President of OUTLaw and the Dalhousie Law Hiking Society. She has also worked as a research assistant for a project on Indigenous disability supports in Nova Scotia and as a summer student at a justice-oriented non-profit law firm in Halifax. Next year, Beatrice will attend Osgoode’s Indigenous Program in Indigenous Lands, Resources & Governance.
In her free time, Beatrice enjoys hiking, cafe-hopping, knitting, and pub trivia.

Sarah Awamleh, Summer Student

Sarah is currently pursuing her JD at the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University.
Prior to law school, Sarah gained experience in legal, corporate, and operational roles across a range of industries. Most recently, she has worked with a U.S.-based staffing company supporting live events and festivals. She also contributed to the launch of the Canadian affiliate of an international pharmaceutical company in the oncology sector, where she supported executive leadership, coordinated cross-border operations, and managed compliance, procurement, and internal policy initiatives. Sarah’s legal experience includes working at a criminal litigation firm, where she supported lawyers with client communications and general operations. She also enjoys staying active and worked with the McMaster University Department of Athletics and Recreation during her undergraduate studies.
She looks forward to continuing to develop her advocacy, research, and problem-solving skills in practice.
Outside of school, Sarah brings an international perspective, having lived in Dubai and Milan before settling in Canada.

In her free time, she enjoys creative projects such as crocheting and colouring, travelling, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends.

students

Join Us

We’re always looking for like-minded students to join our team. Please email your resume to: