Client Voices

It’s not easy to express my gratitude to you for this conclusion to the process.

The feeling of freedom from the case is bittersweet as we “part ways” for the moment at least.

Your compassion and empathy are matched only by how incredibly effective you have been at resolving this for me.

Kristen Doucette as well was just phenomenal, a very kind and thorough person dedicated to every detail and I will miss her too.

I did not expect such honesty and openness to the process and what stands out to me is how much it actually works, how I really do have a start of a calming feeling of maybe having closed this chapter and I am suddenly full of excitement for the future, and for the thought of being able to ensure my daughter's security somewhat as well, that is priceless to me.

I knew you were a great lawyer I just had no idea that you would be so real with me. I truly will never forget this battle we shared or the way I was cared for from the moment I made contact with you.

I look forward to reading about your continued success at this difficult and necessary mission of helping people like me and I will absolutely be writing with a recommendation for others if you think it will help convince them that justice will make you stronger and get control of your life back in some ways.

I am a believer!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart Elizabeth Grace.

Anonymity Respected (2025)

I cannot thank Elizabeth Grace and her team enough for the support, dedication, and professionalism they brought to my case.

Navigating the legal process after a traumatic experience is an incredibly difficult decision to make but having Lerners represent me made me feel at ease every step of the way.

From our first meeting, I was treated with compassion and respect. Elizabeth and her team worked tirelessly to ensure that my voice was heard and that justice was pursued with care and integrity. Thanks to their expertise and unwavering advocacy, we were able to achieve a resolution that brought a sense of closure and accountability, furthering my healing process.

This was one of the hardest chapters of my life, but having Elizabeth and her team in my corner truly made all the difference. I am deeply grateful for their guidance and strength, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who needs a fierce, empathetic, and skilled advocate to walk them through this process.

Anonymity Respected (2025)

Thank you, Elizabeth Grace and Kristen Doucette, for your skill, time, tenacity, understanding, encouragement, and direction. I already knew before it was pointed out by our mediator that I had the best people working on my behalf.

Elizabeth, I don’t have a thick skin, and there were times where I interpreted your directness as reproach and your caution as criticism. This whole process has made me feel as though I’m walking around without any skin at all some days. Having to sit in this darkness and muck for the last two years tested me in every possible way, and sometimes it felt like it was going to break me. I don’t know how you remain detached enough to do this important work year after year, and yet are still able to muster the indignation and compassion necessary to make your clients feel truly supported. To feel that even though you see this every day, I wasn’t just one of thousands and what happened to me wasn’t ok.

Thank you for doing such a great job, and getting me through to the other side.

Anonymity Respected (2024)

Elizabeth Grace and Carly Moore, I would like to extend a huge thank you for helping me through this ordeal. I am confident in saying I would not have been able to complete this process without your expertise, and good intentions. I am very grateful and appreciative to your entire team for handling my case with the immense care, respect, and professionalism that you exude.

I wish you all the best in the future, and know that you will help many others be able to stand up for themselves, and obtain the resources they deserve for such difficulties that we all come across. You've changed countless lives, including mine, and I will continue this journey with the strength and optimism you've given me.

Anonymity Respected (2023)

I spoke with a few different lawyers before deciding on Lerners but after my first meeting with Elizabeth Grace the choice was clear. She was extremely insightful about the system, and was honest and clear about what to expect from her and the process, should I choose to move forward.

Though it was difficult, based on my experience and the outcome of my litigation I'm glad I did.

I am grateful to every member of her team for their expert handling of my complex case.

Their counsel in every area was accurate and I felt well prepared with each new development, including navigating through the challenges of Covid.

Erika Tower in particular was everything I needed my lawyer to be. Calm, professional, knowledgeable and compassionate. She skillfully led me through each step of the process, answering all of my questions quickly and explaining things clearly without being condescending. She kept me focused on what was important and I always felt like the decisions being made were mine. It is obvious she is passionate about her work and cares about getting the best possible results for her clients.

This undertaking has changed my life in so many positive ways beyond the favourable financial compensation I received. The closure and confidence I've gained through this experience is unmeasurable. I'm now able to put my energy into healing and creating the life I want for myself and my family.

Anonymity Respected (2022)

My experience with Elizabeth Grace and her team at Lerners was extremely positive and productive from day one. I always felt confident with the advice I was given. I never felt like I was in the dark with what was going on with my case. All my questions and concerns were answered quicky and explained well. My case was resolved faster than I thought, and I am very happy with the outcome. With the settlement I received I can move on from my trauma and focus on building a better future.

I would like to give a very (very) special thanks to Zahra Vaid who was my main point of contact. The work that she put in is above and beyond anything I could have expected. She is positive, understanding and one of the most dedicated and hardworking people I have ever met. Zahra is easy to talk with and always quick to respond to my emails.

Lastly thanks to Amanda Pinto* and Michelle Mercado, whom I did not speak to much but whose hard work was not lost on me.

Anonymity Respected (2022)

*formerly at Lerners LLP

I just want to say that I am very appreciative of everyone’s hard work and dedication.

Everyone that I had the pleasure of meeting, and had the chance to talk to was kind and genuinely concerned about myself and my well being. Especially on those really hard days. Carly Moore was very supportive, but also strong and argumentative when she needed to be. And I am very grateful.

When we started out, I was unsure how well this would go. As you had concerns as well. It took me 4 months after I was given your name by another of your clients and a lawyer to make that final decision to call you. I am truly grateful, that you chose the challenge of my case.

You never sugar coated anything, and you made sure I was always in the loop. And your professionalism speaks for itself; you reminded me of my late grandmother. She always had a fire in her.

I spent many of hours with Koen Verpraet, and I have the utmost respect for him. The tireless hours he puts in.

Because of Koen, I want to visit Belgium. And I loved his love of Hawaiian shirts. Lol.

The only issue I have is I never met him in person. Maybe one day.

And to Kristen Doucette, thank you for helping get everything moving in the right direction.

I just wanted to pass along a few of my appreciations. I know it is a business. But you can always tell who the sincere people are.

Anonymity Respected (2022)

As a graduation gift to myself after completing 4 years of university, I decided to book a 2-week long trip with a well-known travel company. Three days into the trip, I was sexually assaulted and raped by the company’s tour guide—someone I was supposed to be able to trust. The company’s response after it was told what had happened was awful and added insult to injury.

When I was forced to return home early to Canada a few days later, the reality of what had happened to me struck me. All I had ever dreamt of in high school and university was travelling and seeing the world. My dreams had been shattered by what happened that terrible night and the days following. I knew I would never feel confident enough to travel on my own again, especially in a foreign country. I quickly sunk into a depression, and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety. I felt powerless and didn’t know where to turn.

A friend of the family had recommended me to Lerners, and I’m so happy I called. Although the litigation process was emotionally and mentally exhausting, and there were many times that I wanted to quit, retaining Elizabeth Grace was the best thing I could have done for myself. She showed a genuine concern for my injuries and the impact the assaults had on all aspects of my life, from my personal relationships to the impact on my work. She and the rest of the staff at Lerners always kept me informed on the progress of my case, and were there to listen to my concerns and answer any questions whenever they came up. I am thankful to Ms. Grace and her staff for their diligence, hard work and persistence.

While I will never be the same because of the traumatic and preventable experiences I suffered, after many years of protracted and difficult litigation, I can now receive the proper psychological treatment I need to move forward with my life and live the best life possible, not only for me but my family. I am forever grateful and would recommend Elizabeth Grace to anybody who has suffered as a result of being sexually assaulted.

Anonymity Respected (2018)

There are few words that can express my gratitude to Elizabeth Grace, Anna Matas*, Kristen Doucette and all other Lerners staff involved in my cases. With honesty, compassion, and years of experience they gave me a glimmer of hope to continue my fight for justice when I had little steam left.

With their years of experience and professionalism they had access to the resources I needed to push forward to succeed. Even though there was a settlement, there is no monetary value equivalent to having someone fight so passionately for justice.

I can't thank you all enough for the chance to move on with a sense of justice this many years later. It is because of Lerners that I can achieve my dream of becoming a success story as well as a survivor.

Anonymity Respected (2017)

*formerly at Lerners LLP

I’m writing to say thank you for representing me in my legal case over the last two years.

During the summer I went on an amazing two month long trip, and I’m excited to report I’ve just begun back at school full time!

Not only did the outcome of the case remove some of the financial barriers that made it challenging for me to move on with my life after being assaulted, but more importantly, the entire process allowed me to confront and move past the experience emotionally. While it will always remain something that has shaped me and that I will never forget, having been assaulted is no longer something that weighs on me daily.

Thank you both (Elizabeth Grace and David Litwin*) for your compassion and for treating the case as a collaborative effort in which I was respected, listened to, and regarded as equal. I always felt comfortable airing my concerns and asking questions when I needed guidance. I truly appreciate your efforts to make something that could have been incredibly overwhelming and scary feel manageable.

I feel very lucky to have had you both on my side.

Anonymity Respected (2017)

*formerly at Lerners LLP

Through initial consultation, Ms. Elizabeth Grace and Mr. David Litwin* immediately recognized that I needed help in more ways than one. I came to Lerners with a challenging case that was riddled with what could be considered by some as "grey areas" in a justice system that aims to define as black or white. As law was not something I had any previous experience with, I had also unknowingly taken a myriad of initial missteps. Despite these concerns, within our first meet I felt that I could trust both Ms. Grace and Mr. Litwin. They went out of their way to ensure I was aware of all options including the potential roadblocks and the possible outcomes. They were understanding but direct, compassionate but firm. Though in a position that requires them to ask difficult and uncomfortable questions, never once did I feel judged while in their presence. Ms. Grace and Mr. Litwin successfully navigated a path that has granted me both acknowledgement as well as personal closure. I would recommend Elizabeth Grace and David Litwin to anyone seeking honest, experienced, intelligent legal counsel. I am extremely fortunate to have been led to Ms. Grace and Mr. Litwin at the beginning of this process. Throughout the entire experience, they eased the many burdens associated with my case immensely. I could rest easy throughout, knowing I was in good hands, and can rest easier still now that we have seen the process come to an end. In the short months that I have known Ms. Grace and Mr. Litwin they have more than earned my respect and I look forward to following the success of their careers.

Anonymity Respected (2016)

*formerly at Lerners LLP

I want to thank you again for everything you did for me. I know you were doing your job but I am very grateful for the kindness and empathy you showed me throughout the years. I hope you understand the true impact you have on your clients — even though I know you’re not a mental health professional as a lawyer, it still brought me so much peace to have been understood for the first time about my situation. I can’t thank you enough.

Anonymity Respected

Erika Tower and Michelle Mercado, I cannot thank you enough, from start to finish. Lerners is a first-class law firm. Your guidance and knowledge are second to none, and I would recommend your firm in a heartbeat. I’m not sure I will ever be able to put these nightmares to rest, but here’s to a new beginning.

Anonymity Respected

I was raised in a traditional, Irish, Catholic family. During my teen years I was sexually assaulted hundreds of times by two highly respected and trusted priests who were also family friends. I was devastated by the priests' abuse and the lack of intervention by adult witnesses.

I was violated physically, sexually, emotionally and spiritually for years.

The experience left me alienated from my family, friends and religious community. It continues to affect my health, relationships and employment opportunities. Elizabeth Grace and her team were very sensitive to the long-term impacts of the abuse. I was consistently treated respectfully and professionally. Elizabeth ensured I was well informed about the challenges involved in civil litigation and ensured I was in control of decisions. I never felt pressured to undertake legal action. During the legal process, Elizabeth made every effort to reduce my stress. Inquiries received prompt, clear, professional responses. Actions that were promised were undertaken and reported on. Media inquiries were curtailed. Throughout the process, I found Elizabeth to be honest, conscientious, trustworthy and approachable. I felt supported, respected, informed and in control of decisions.

Most significant to me was that I felt valued by Elizabeth. For the first time, the trauma I suffered and its impacts on my life were understood, acknowledged and validated.

Undertaking civil litigation and facing the defendants was extremely difficult. Elizabeth was an excellent and true advocate.

Anonymity Respected

A friend recommended Elizabeth Grace and Lerners to me in the spring of 2006 when she heard I was looking for a lawyer. The year before I had been sexually assaulted by the superintendent of the building where I lived, who used his keys to enter my apartment in the middle of the night and attack me with a knife. The criminal trial was coming up, and I wanted legal advice about how to proceed, knowing I may want to consider a civil suit, but not knowing much about what that would entail. My life had been drastically affected by this assault; I lost my housing, my job, dropped out of graduate school, could not sleep or find equivalent work, and felt socially, practically and emotionally disconnected from the life I used to have. I did not have many personal or financial resources and felt disempowered and very frightened about the future, which was a dark and exhausting unknown.

I met Elizabeth Grace and Gillian Hnatiw* in person shortly after hearing of Lerners and from our first meeting on, they epitomized the best of professionalism, efficiency, as well as appropriate personal sensitivity. I was anxious and nervous about proceeding, and they explained each step fully and clearly, explaining the potential implications of each facet of my situation for the suit, as well as what was and was not under anyone's control. They were sympathetic and realistic. We proceeded despite the fact that I was not able to offer a retainer. Based on my interest, at one sensitive point Gillian offered extremely helpful reading material above and beyond what would have been strictly required, which not only helped make the process more transparent to me, but contributed to an excellent and even empowering learning experience. This has given me a better understanding of the Canadian legal system and the importance of how it works in relation to social issues such as violence. My experience helped lessen a sense of an arbitrary, violent and frightening society for women, women of colour, young women and truly others of all stripes; but it also opened my eyes even more to the critical importance of the kind of work Elizabeth and Gillian do.

Elizabeth and Gillian worked together highly efficiently to resolve my claim outside of court with a solid resolution that has helped me move forward with my life. Both the experience of going through the civil suit, and the material security of the resolution, have helped me slowly redevelop a sense of being able to take care of myself and pursue my personal and professional goals. Since then, I have married and we are expecting our first baby. We are looking forward to moving into our new house soon. With careful planning and budgeting I hope to return to school in a few years. I hope to live a life in which I can work towards fulfilling my professional potential. Each of these steps was made easier because of my experience with Lerners, the legal path they carefully mapped out with me, and their approach to their work.

Anonymity Respected

*formerly at Lerners LLP

I was a teenager from an immigrant family who lost my mother to cancer. Two years after my mother's death, my father suffered a heart attack. It was at this vulnerable time in my life, in the mid-1970's, that I was raped by a trusted professional in Toronto. At the time and for a very long time afterwards, I was devastated, confused, isolated and terribly ashamed and did not know where to turn. I told no one. It was many years later before I was strong enough to confront my abuser through a court action. In doing so, I learned that he had sexually assaulted another young woman. This was a watershed moment for me as it confirmed that all along I was telling the truth and I was not the only one.

Elizabeth Grace partnered with me in dealing with my personal triumph. She is the epitome of what a lawyer "should be". She sets the bar high for the legal profession and client advocacy. Elizabeth helped bring closure to a chapter in my life that I thought would never have an ending. Without her encouragement, I would not have had the strength to pursue such a difficult task - this case brought me back to a time in my life that I wanted to forget. She helped me bring this case forward and fight for the justice I deserved. Elizabeth was a relentless advocate for my rights and helped restore the dignity that I once lost. With the closing of the case, I now feel whole again and at peace with myself and my past and I look forward to my future. Elizabeth brought light in my life that was so dark by having justice served to my abuser. I no longer feel like a victim.

Elizabeth was empathetic, sensitive, professional and above all genuine. She actively listened and showed me how much she cared by treating me like an individual rather than a case. She is approachable and non-judgmental, making it easy to confide in her. She has a very pleasing disposition that I know is deep-seated in her soul - she is a truly kind individual. Elizabeth was a godsend in my life. I hold her in the highest regard and will never forget all that she has given me.

Anonymity Respected