Ken Ritson is a partner at Cheadles LLP and specializes in Corporate Law, providing a broad range of services for business owners and their companies – from the idea stage to exit, including:
Ken’s clients range from owner operated entrepreneurial businesses, non-profit organizations, professional corporations and high tech firms, to large institutions and everything in between. Additionally, Ken advises many indigenous entrepreneurs and First Nations on their optimal business structure and economic development opportunities, including whether to set up a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited partnership, corporation or Joint Venture.
Given his vast experience and intimate knowledge of the Ontario Mining Lands Administration System (MLAS), Ken is regularly retained by Mining companies from all over the world to provide title opinions on patented and unpatented mining claims and licence of occupations for the purpose of IPOs, large financings or acquisitions. Further, Ken frequently deals with prospectors and small mining companies in all aspects of Mining Law, including negotiating acquisition agreements, exploration agreements, royalty agreements.
Ken and his wife Jaclyn were born and raised in Thunder Bay and have been blessed with two boys, Reed and Mackenzie, born in 2016, and 2017 respectively, and a daughter Gina, born in 2019. When he is not practicing law, Ken lives an active lifestyle, and in addition to participating in competitive sports, he enjoys swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing and hiking with his family.
2010 – Ontario
Rosa is a partner with Cheadles LLP, having summered and articled with the firm since 2010 before being admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada in June 2013. Rosa obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Windsor in 2012. Rosa became a registered trademark agent with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office in March 2021.
Rosa works in multiple areas of law but focuses on corporate, commercial, trademarks, wills, estates and real estate law. As a past sole-proprietor, Rosa understands the complexities of the commercial world in both a legal and practical sense and enjoys assisting new business owners navigate the complexities of the legal end of business. Additionally, Rosa recognizes and respects the difficulties of dealing with estates and wills both legally and emotionally. In addition to assisting her own clients, Rosa often presents to the general public on this topic to try and simplify what is often an overwhelming time in people’s lives. Recently, Rosa has also co-instructed the Business Law course for Lakehead University’s Faculty of Business Administration’s MBA program.
Rosa is from Schreiber, Ontario, a small town east of Thunder Bay. While she is not a native Thunder Bay-ite, since making the move to Thunder Bay in 2012, Rosa has immersed herself into the community and is now involved in many boards and organizations in multiple capacities. Rosa is an avid volunteer and loves convincing others to join in on the fun. Outside of work and volunteering, Rosa enjoys spending time her family and friends but mostly with her favourite little man, her dog, Reggie.
2013- Ontario
Jordan is a partner at Cheadles, having joined the firm in September 2013. Prior to joining Cheadles, Jordan articled as a judicial law clerk for the Superior Court of Justice – Northwest region. While based in Thunder Bay, he also clerked for the Superior Court judges of Kenora, Sault Ste. Marie and Parry Sound.
Jordan has successfully represented clients while appearing before the Ontario Court of Appeal, Divisional Court, Superior Court of Justice, Federal Court of Canada, Alberta Queen’s Bench, Ontario Court of Justice, Provincial Offences Court, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, Ontario Labour Relations Board and the Ontario Municipal Board (now the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal). His cases have been reported by a variety of publications including the Ontario Reports, Canadian Human Rights Reports, Canadian Labour Law Cases, Estates & Trusts Reports, Municipal and Planning Law Reports, Construction Law Reports, Weekly Criminal Bulletins and the All Canada Weekly Summaries.
Before entering the world of law, Jordan spent several years as a reporter for the CBC, filing stories at the regional, provincial and national level, making regular contributions to programs such as World Report, Ontario Today, and The World This Weekend. Jordan is very active with various not-for-profit organizations in Thunder Bay, and in his spare time he enjoys snowboarding, playing hockey, fishing and watching the Blue Jays.
2013 – Ontario
Tyra is a lawyer with Cheadles LLP. She practices in the area of family law. Prior to joining Cheadles, Tyra has worked in the area of family law in Thunder Bay and Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Tyra graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2017. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Guelph and a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Saskatchewan.
Tyra is born and raised in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, and enjoys everything Northwestern Ontario has to offer. While not practicing law, Tyra enjoys spending time outdoors, skiing, running, cycling, swimming, fishing, and socializing with friends and family.
2009 – University of Guelph – Honours Bachelor of Arts
2013 – University of Saskatchewan – Masters of Arts
2017 – Bora Laskin Faculty of Law – Juris Doctor
2017 – Ontario
Kaitlin became an Associate Lawyer with Cheadles LLP in September 2018. She practices in the areas of Corporate/Commercial, Wills and Estates, and Real Estate. Prior to completing her law degree, Kaitlin worked at the firm as a student throughout her time in law school, as well as completed her Practice Placement with the firm.
Kaitlin graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2018. She achieved the highest mark in Constitutional Law in her first year and graduated on the Dean’s List. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from Queen’s University and a B.A. (Hons) degree in Law and Society from York University. Prior to law school, Kaitlin obtained her Paralegal P1 Licence from the Law Society of Upper Canada and worked as a licenced paralegal.
Born and raised in Millbrook, Ontario, just outside Peterborough, Kaitlin’s interests include travelling, baking and exploring the outdoor beauty that Northwestern Ontario has to offer.
Director – Canadian Condominium Institute – Northwestern Ontario Chapter
Guest Speaker for Canadian Condominium Institute Courses
Publications in Canadian Condominium Institute – Northwestern Ontario Condo News
2018 – Ontario
Nathan is a partner at Cheadles LLP and practices with the firm’s litigation team. His practice includes a wide range of disputes, from complex commercial and construction cases to real estate related litigation to a myriad of labour and employment issues. His clients have included private companies of various sizes, public sector entities, financial institutions, professionals, estates, and individuals. Nathan has experience prosecuting and defending claims at trial and on appeal and has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario and various administrative tribunals.
Don devotes a substantial portion of his practice to labour relations matters. He regularly appears before courts of various levels, the Ontario Labour Relations Board and at grievance arbitrations. Don also negotiates on behalf of management for first-contract situations and renewals of collective agreements.
In addition to labour law, a significant portion of his practice is dedicated to education law.
Don has been engaged in the academic community as both a clinical instructor and a lecturer at Lakehead University’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. As a clinical instructor, Don lead sessions on Professional Responsibility dealing with the Rules of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Upper Canada and the developing jurisprudence in the area of legal ethics. Don was also a sessional instructor for the Faculty’s Labour and Employment Law Course, dedicating half of the course to the field of Labour Law and the other half to Employment Law and Litigation.
In the 1980 – 1981 academic year, Don was an associate professor at Osaka Gakuin University in Japan, instructing in the fields of Comparative Law and Anglo Canadian-Japanese Legal Systems.
Don is a Certified Labour Law Specialist in Ontario.
Courtney Turner is a lawyer with Cheadles LLP and practices in the area of family law and child protection.
Courtney graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2022. She also holds a Master of Arts in History, Honours Bachelor of Arts in History, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Lakehead University.
Originally from Ingersoll, ON, Courtney moved to Thunder Bay to learn more about the rich history of Northwestern Ontario and to enjoy the abundant hiking and kayaking offered in this region. While earning her law degree, Courtney served as the Program Coordinator for Pro Bono Students Canada Lakehead Chapter and volunteered with the Thunder Bay Violence Against Women Taskforce.
Outside of law, Courtney is very passionate about the historical community in Thunder Bay and spends much of her free time enjoying the outdoors with her dog, Kevin.
Cody is a lawyer at Cheadles LLP, where he works in multiple areas of law, focusing on municipal law, real estate law, Aboriginal law, and corporate law. The bulk of Cody’s practice is advising Municipalities on private-public partnerships, by-law drafting, commercial and residential real estate, tax enforcement, and matters related to the Planning Act, the Municipal Act, the Municipal Elections Act, and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. He also acts for private companies and individuals on Municipal-related matters and has appeared for his clients at the Ontario Land Tribunal and Superior Court of Justice. Cody also routinely assists large institutional clients maneuver the intricacies of Aboriginal and First Nations Law, specifically partnerships and property-related matters.
Cody was born and raised in Thunder Bay and is active within the community. He was elected to Thunder Bay City Council (Neebing Ward) for the 2018-2022 term and served as a councillor on many committees and boards.
In law school, Cody was selected by his peers to be the Valedictorian of the graduating class of 2019. Cody was active in the Lakehead University Student Union during his undergraduate studies and was a member of the Lakehead University Senate. Before practicing law, Cody worked in Indigenous business consulting and as a project support person for a government-led commission known as the Far North Electoral Boundaries Commission. Through his work and education, Cody has gained a unique skill set and is knowledgeable in the complexity of First Nation-Crown relations and business-government relations.
Doug is retired from Cheadles, but his efforts have had a lasting impact, after having joined the firm in 1984.
Doug had many long-standing client relationships, characterized by a strong dedication to understanding his clients’ businesses and the industries in which they operate. As a result, he was well known as responsible, efficient, innovative and results driven. Doug successfully represented clients in many areas of business law including:
In addition to his extensive practice, Doug mentored many of the lawyers and staff currently employed at Cheadles.
Doug is very active with various not-for-profit organizations in Thunder Bay, and in his retirement, he enjoys relaxing at the cottage, cross-country skiing, and golfing.
1978 – Ontario
Tisha Hasan is a lawyer with Cheadles LLP and practices in the area of family law. Her practice includes child protection and custody disputes.
Tisha graduated with her Juris Doctor from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in 2021. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto double majoring in Criminology and Equity studies with a focus on disability and critical race theory. Tisha also holds a minor in Woman and Gender Studies.
Originally from Toronto, Tisha moved to Thunder Bay to pursue her interests in equity and social justice. Her passion is to advocate for marginalized groups and for individuals who are unable to advocate for themselves such as families and children in crisis. As a summer and placement student at Cheadles LLP, Tisha assisted in various family law matters. She understands that individuals, families and children face many challenges when entering the legal system. Tisha strives to be a compassionate, empathetic, committed and fearless advocate for her clients.
Tisha is also a passionate advocate of inclusion, community capacity building and promotion of individuals with disabilities. She is a volunteer with the Down Syndrome Association of Toronto and runs monthly programs for adults with disabilities. She is also a board member of Community Living Thunder Bay, which endeavours to promote the rights and quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities.
Tisha is an amateur foody and enjoys cooking, reading, painting, playing board games and spending time with family and friends.
Karson joined Cheadles LLP as an Associate Lawyer in 2021. He practices in multiple areas of law including real estate, wills and estates, and corporate commercial. As a law student, Karson completed his Practice Placement and worked during the summer, with Cheadles LLP.
Karson was born and raised in Northwestern Ontario and is proud to call the District of Thunder Bay home. In 2012, he first completed a diploma in welding at Confederation College and then continued his education at Lakehead University where he attained an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree. He then joined the class of 2021 at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, successfully obtaining a Juris Doctor.
While obtaining his law degree, Karson took part in the Ontario Trial Lawyers Moot, where he and his team placed first in the mock trial competition, bringing home the OTLA Cup to Lakehead University. He also volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada, where he created a brochure to help community members navigate the legal system after the tragic loss of a loved one.
Outside of his career, Karson enjoys a healthy active lifestyle and loves spending time with family and friends. He especially likes to take part in many of the activities Thunder Bay has to offer, such as snowboarding, mountain biking and playing hockey.
2021 (Ontario)
Jeremy is an associate lawyer at Cheadles LLP and a member of the firm’s litigation team. He assists clients with contractual matters, labour and employment issues, construction claims, property disputes, and estate litigation. Jeremy is committed to providing his clients with cost-efficient legal services, and he works closely with them to address their unique situations.
A proud Thunder Bayer, Jeremy first joined Cheadles LLP as a summer student while in law school. He then articled with the firm before being called to the Bar of Ontario.
Jeremy earned his law degree at the University of Ottawa, graduating with distinction in 2022. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, summa cum laude, from the University of North Dakota. Attending on an athletic scholarship, Jeremy was a member of North Dakota’s Division I golf team. He served as team captain during his junior and senior seasons.
In his free time, Jeremy enjoys golfing, cheering on his Toronto Maple Leafs, and spending time with his family and friends.
Bill’s practice began with Cheadles after law school and continued for over three decades, until his retirement.
Family Law, Insolvency, and Management side Labour and employment law were the principal areas of his practice. Bill has advocated for many clients in his career, and in doing so, appeared before all levels of Courts in Ontario, including appellate Courts to the Ontario Court of Appeal, as well as before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, WSIAT, and Arbitration panels.
Bill is a member of the Litigation and Law Practice sections of the American Bar Association, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and a member of the Advocates’ Society and the Thunder Bay Law Association
Bill’s personal time focuses on many and varied largely outdoors activities befitting his residency situate in the outdoor paradise we call Northwestern Ontario. Currently Bill is the Commander of the Lakehead Division, Canadian Power Squadron both expanding his personal knowledge of boating through the excellent courses offered by the Squadron which he provides direction and guidance. The Northern Light Campers Association has elected Bill as its President to advocate on behalf of the Association’s interests in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in North America. Muskie and Pike are the fish he likes to seek out in his outdoor adventures. Bill is keenly interested in the traditional life of Canadians and their proximity to and reliance on the land and all its creatures. Bill enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, canoeing, and other modes of accessing the wild.
Bill is a past Director of the Hogarth-Westmount Hospital. He is the Past-President of the United Way of Thunder Bay, Past Vice-President of Junior Achievement, and a former Treasurer of Nor’West Gyro.
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