Andrea McEwan

Andrea is an experienced litigator who works closely with her clients to reduce the stress of estates and trusts litigation. Whether she is representing beneficiaries, trustees, executors, attorneys pursuant to powers of attorney, individuals found incapable of managing their property or personal care, or concerned family members, Andrea is committed to ensuring that her clients' interests are well represented.

Andrea is a member of the firm's Estates & Trusts Group. She practises exclusively in the areas of wills, estates, trust, fiduciary and capacity-related litigation. Her range of expertise includes: dependant support claims; capacity proceedings; passing of estate, trustee, attorney, guardian & fiduciary accounts; probate applications; guardianship issues; power of attorney disputes; end-of-life and treatment decisions; and matters of elder law. Andrea has appeared before all levels of court in Ontario, on an array of motions, trials, appeals, and applications, as well as before the Consent and Capacity Board.

Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Andrea was in practice at a boutique trusts and estates litigation firm. Her previous experience also includes representing clients involved in various corporate and commercial disputes and serving as a criminal defence lawyer.

In the course of obtaining her master's degree in psychology, Andrea worked in the psychology department at a hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, where she helped organize support groups for persons living with cancer, including those dealing with end-of-life issues.

Andrea has a strong volunteer record in respect of social justice issues. She has served on not-for-profit boards and volunteered for several social justice organizations. Andrea interned at the World Health Organization, where she reviewed and commented on draft mental health legislation and policy for several developing countries. Andrea is an active volunteer with Pro Bono Law Ontario, volunteering in the Law Help Ontario office and as duty counsel in Civil Practice Court.

Andrea regularly speaks at educational seminars for other lawyers and estate professionals on capacity and guardianship related matters. Andrea has also spoken on topics relating to the legal profession and industry at continuing professional development programs and mentoring programs for articling, law and undergraduate students.