Gisel Bettencourt

B.A., L.L.B.

Lawyer

Gisel was called to the bar in 1998 and immediately established herself as a sole practitioner primarily in the area of family law & wills/estates. Over time, her sole practice grew into a respected family law firm, consisting of talented lawyers and skilled support personnel. Through Gisel’s leadership, the focus of our practice is to resolve family law issues in a respectful, timely and cost-effective manner. The main goal is to reach a negotiated settlement in family law disputes, where possible. When this is not possible, the matter may have to proceed to court, where Gisel has successfully appeared at various levels. Where appropriate, Gisel also assists clients as a collaborative lawyer and also works with couples as a mediator.

Gisel devotes part of her practice to Wills and Estates. She drafts comprehensive Wills and Powers of Attorney as well as assists families administering the estates of loved ones. In addition to her full-time practice, Gisel has trained law students, was a supervising family law lawyer at Community Legal Aid Services Programme (a student clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School), a Panel Member of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (representing children in contested custody cases), the Chair of Abrigo (a large social service agency) and has worked with various organizations serving women fleeing abusive relationships, including the Barbra Schlifer Clinic. Gisel holds an LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School where she was a Divisional Leader at CLASP and at Parkdale Community Legal Services. Gisel is fluent in English and Portuguese. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Gisel taught English in Lisbon, Portugal and worked at the University of Waterloo.