Simona Jellinek
- Emailjellinek@gluckstein.com
- Phone(416) 955-4800 ext. 285
- Mobile(416) 972-9506
- Fax(416) 972-1499
Bio.
Simona Jellinek leads the Sexual Abuse and Assault team as counsel. Simona has more than 25 years of representing survivors of childhood abuse as well as adult assaults. She has litigated against religious institutions, Childrens’ Aid Societies, all levels of government, Big Brothers, Scouts, school boards, and many other institutions where people are placed in harm's way. Simona has litigated hundreds of cases and has helped her clients achieve some of the highest settlements for sexual abuse cases in Canada.
Simona is one of Canada’s most experienced and successful lawyers in the complex and unique area of sexual abuse and assault litigation. Her experience in the area allows her to provide effective legal advice with knowledge and compassion. She has dedicated her life to helping survivors of sexual trauma in their journey towards healing.
Simona has also been instrumental in changing important pieces of legislation including the removal of the limitation period in sexual abuse and assault cases. As well, she also assisted the government in amending legislation to allow survivors who are on ODSP to remain on ODSP even after receiving compensation from a judgment or settlement.
Simona’s expertise in the area has been recognized by her peers and she is listed in Best Lawyers and Lexpert. She has been honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Zenith Lexpert award. Simona is sought after by media outlets to provide insight and commentary on sexual abuse and assaults in Canada and abroad. As well, she has lectured at universities and presented papers on sexual violence litigation at Canadian and international conferences.
Simona was on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Directors for almost a decade. She also served on the Toronto Police Sexual Assault committee for many years. She co-drafted the Sexual Abuse Guidelines applicable to all Ontario lawyers by the Law Society of Ontario.
Expertise.
Education.
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto, 1991
- Bachelor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1994
Professional Involvement.
- Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
- The Canadian Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Board of Directors, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (2004-2007, 2009-2016, 2019)
Testimonials.
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Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor
"Simona: My thanks for affirming that the principles of integrity are still very much alive." -
Robert B. Munroe, Ross & McBride LLP, OTLA Past President
"In my opinion, Simona is one of Ontario's leading lawyers in helping sexual assault survivors obtain proper compensation."
Blog & News.
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Simona Jellinek Comments on Sexual Abuse Investigation Regarding Dr. Noriega
Simona Jellinek was recently featured in CBC News, where she discusses the sexual abuse investigation involving Susanne Barrow, a former patient of SickKids, who alleges she was sexually assaulted as ...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Talks Client's Alleged Sexual Assault by OHL Players and What Comes Next
Senior Counsel Simona Jellinek was recently featured in The Star, discussing a case involving her client, a woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL)...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Discusses Alleged Sexual Assault by Junior Hockey Players
Sexual abuse lawyer Simona Jellinek made an appearance on CTV News to comment on the alleged sexual assault of her client, Anne Marie, by eight former OHL junior hockey players in 2014. You can read t...Read Full Story -
Pointing Fingers Won't Fix the Issues: A Reply to Ontario's CAS Audit
The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) and Premier Doug Ford agree that there is a big problem with the province's child welfare system, and that focussing on money is the only wa...Read Full Story -
Simona Jellinek Comments on Proposed Reforms to Canada's Civil Justice System
Senior Counsel Simona Jellinek is featured in an article from The Globe and Mail that discusses the proposed reforms to Canada's civil justice system, aimed at making it more accessible and efficient....Read Full Story -
12 Gluckstein Lawyers Named in the 2025 Editions of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and The Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch in Canada™
We are thrilled to announce that 10 of our esteemed lawyers have been named in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ and 2 of our up and coming lawyers have been acknowledged ...Read Full Story
Events.
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Upcoming
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Conference 2024: Ripple Effects Across Communities
As a survivor of sexual abuse, it can be challenging to find a supportive and understanding community. We hope you can join us for our Annual Supporting Survivors Conference, themed "Ripple Effects A...Continue Reading -
Past
Understanding Your Legal Options as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
If you've experienced sexual abuse, we're here to help. We will discuss legal options for individuals who have experienced abuse in: Children's Aid, Foster and/or Adoptive HomesSchool C...Continue Reading -
Past
Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journeys: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury
Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein presents "Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journey: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury."This is a free event fo...Continue Reading
Guides & Papers.
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Guide
A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Girls, boys, women and men can all be the victims of sexual predators. Often the very people you’re supposed to trust are the perpetrators of these horrible crim...Continue Reading