About Me
I was born and raised in Waterloo Region. I attended McGill University in Montreal, and then Wilfrid Laurier University where I obtained my master's degree. I completed law school at Western University in London, Ontario in 2002, and was called to the Ontario bar in 2003. I articled at a national law firm, and then worked as in-house counsel for several years at the local children's aid society. I again worked at a national law firm for a period of time practicing child protection and matrimonial law, before opening my own practice in October 2008.
Wherever possible I look for solutions for clients that focus on negotiation and reaching resolution. My experience with negotiations, mediation, and collaborative law is extensive.
If litigation is needed, I also have significant court experience at both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. In both courts I have successfully conducted trials, argued contested motions, contempt motions, and presented case and settlement conferences. I give personal attention to each case I deal with and have often been told that is what distinguishes me from some of my colleagues. Clients and even judges have complimented me on my passion and enthusiasm for the cases I present.
I am an active member of my community, with my current focus being to support the University of Waterloo rowing club in their goal to transition to a varsity team, along with my husband. I have previously been on the Board of Directors for a child care center, a political organization, was a member of the Ontario Bar Association Council as a Regional Representative, and was an active participant in two neighbourhood associations. I was a volunteer with Girl Guides and then Boy Scouts, for over ten years. I am a proud member of the Waterloo Region Law Association and the Ontario Bar Association.
When not engaged in professional activities, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, and riding and showing my horse.
My grandfather, John M. Harper, Q.C., was also a lawyer and part of what inspired me to pursue law. He practiced law for over 50 years, primarily in business and municipal law. He was a pillar in the community and instrumental in establishing the Kitchener branch of Gowlings, a National Law Firm. His sage advice, humility, and generosity has settled in me similar values. Thanks Pop.
In October 2011, the Waterloo Public Library ("WPL") opened a new library branch with his name. The entire Harper Family was humbled by this amazing tribute, which is so fitting given Pop's community work and love of books. That same year he was named one of 100 Laurier Alumni of Achievement for the 100th Anniversary Celebrations (click here to see the booklet). More recently in 2018 he was inducted into the Waterloo Regional Hall of Fame as a Community Builder (see here for more information). As you can tell, I am very proud of him and my aim is to achieve even a portion of what he gave to the community. I would consider that successful.
Professional Affiliations:
Waterloo Region Law Association
Ontario Bar Association
Ontario Collaborative Law Federation and related affiliations, including the local group Best4All
Acting executive for Family Lawyers of the Waterloo Region (“FLOWR”)
Education:
B.A. McGill University 1998
M.A. Wilfrid Laurier University 1999
LL.B. University of Western Ontario 2002
Other Achievements and Associations:
2012 to 2015 - Record Reader Awards : Favourite Lawyer - 2012 and 2013 Diamond Award winner (first place), 2014 Platinum winner (second place), and 2015 Gold winner (third place), Favourite Law Firm - 2014 Platinum winner (second place), and 2015 Gold winner (third place)
2009 to 2013 - course instructor at Conestoga College in Litigation Practices - Rules of Civil Procedure
2008 to 2014 - Ontario Bar Association Council Member and Regional Representative
1996/1997 - M.V.P. at McGill in Varsity Rowing as a coxswain