Madeleine Cleland

MY WORK & EXPERIENCE

I am a civil litigation lawyer who represents survivors of sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, institutional abuse, and abuse and mistreatment in correctional settings. I also represent people who have suffered serious and catastrophic injuries. My practice includes claims against individuals, corporations and public institutions.

I chose this work because I believe the law can be a powerful tool for people who have been harmed, ignored, or failed by those they should have been able to trust. I also know that deciding whether to speak with a lawyer, let alone start a lawsuit, can feel overwhelming. The legal system is unfamiliar to most people, and for survivors, participating in it may require revisiting some of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

My approach is both client-centred and trauma-informed. My work is very personal, so I take the time to listen and understand what matters to each client, explain the legal process in plain language, and give honest and practical advice about their options. My role is not simply to pursue a case; it is to help my clients make informed decisions about what justice looks like for them and to advocate fiercely for them when they decide to move forward.

I recognize that there is no single way that a survivor responds to abuse: some people come forward immediately, and others may not speak about what happened for years or decades. Some have extensive records; others have told almost no one. I approach every client as an individual and work to understand not only what happened, but how it has affected their life and what they want to achieve through the legal process.

At its core, my job is to make sure my clients do not have to navigate the legal system alone. I want them to understand what is happening, why it is happening, and what choices are available to them, while knowing that they have someone firmly in their corner every step of the way.

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