Cherolyn R. Knapp, LL.B.
I was born and raised in Owen Sound, Ontario and am very pleased to have returned “home” to southwestern Ontario. I graduated from Ryerson University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Commerce (Human Resources). I then spent several years working in human resources, non-profit and business management roles based in Guelph, after which I entered law school at the University of Ottawa. I graduated cum laude, earning my LL.B. in 2003. After articling for a large Ottawa law firm, I was called to the Ontario Bar in 2004 and practiced law in Ottawa for five years with a ten-lawyer multi-service law firm. I joined Nelson, Watson LLP in 2009 and greatly enjoy the private practice of law in a small firm setting.
I offer legal advice and representation for a wide range of civil disputes. I am a committed advocate whether I am negotiating settlements or preparing a litigation strategy. My general litigation practice covers a variety of areas including commercial, family, estates, breach of contract, construction and defamation disputes. I also have extensive experience advising and representing employee and employer clients on numerous employment law and human rights issues. As a litigator, I have been involved in lawsuits of all sizes, from Small Claims Court matters through to complex litigation. I have represented clients before several levels of Court in Ontario (Small Claims Court, Superior Court of Justice, Divisional Court, Court of Appeal) and at a number of administrative tribunals. I work hard with my individual and business clients to achieve practical solutions tailored to suit each client's particular circumstances.
I have taken a leadership role within the community of younger lawyers, including chairing the Young Lawyers Division-East, a very active Section of the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) for lawyers up to 10 years of practice or under the age of 40. I have played an important role in that Section’s accomplishments which include initiating a Mentorship Program within the OBA and promoting the Timeraiser program to foster volunteerism and civic engagement among young lawyers. I have also chaired a number of Continuing Legal Education programs for lawyers. More recently, I continue my OBA involvement as a representative of the Central-West region on the OBA Council. I am also a trustee of the Wellington Law Association. I also give back to the community as a volunteer Director for the Guelph Youth Music Centre.
I have valuable work experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, as well as significant volunteer experience with non-profit boards of directors and community groups. I am also an accomplished trainer and educator on issues of human rights, diversity and duty to accommodate.
Outside of work, I am a proud resident of Guelph. I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, gourmet cooking and Canadian literature, as well as the company of my husband and our pets.
I am a member of the following Associations:
- Wellington County Law Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Strategic Planning Committee
- Young Lawyers Division-East (Chair 2008-2009)
- OBA Council 2008- Present
- Carleton County Law Association (past member)
- Westboro Community Association (past member; vice-Chair 2007-08)
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