Demetre Vasilounis TEP
- he / him / his
Admitted to the Ontario Bar: 2019
-
Toronto
- Bio
- Awards & Recognition
- Professional Involvement
- Selected Speaking Engagements
- Selected Publications
- Education
Demetre is a member of the firm’s Tax and Estates &
Trusts Groups. He is a thoughtful and detail-oriented lawyer with significant
experience in trusts, estates, tax and family law. Demetre works closely with
individuals and families to understand their unique circumstances, and crafts
tailored plans to meet their goals while prioritizing clear communication and
careful attention to detail. He also frequently collaborates with accountants,
financial advisors and other professionals to develop comprehensive strategies,
ensuring his clients receive well-rounded advice. Demetre’s ability to connect
with people, listen attentively and offer clear, practical guidance makes him a
trusted advisor in family wealth planning.
As part of his estate planning practice, Demetre regularly
drafts wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations and trust
instruments tailored to each client’s personal and tax objectives. He also
advises executors with respect to all aspects of estate administration. Demetre
has other experience in a broad range of planning and administration matters,
including estate freezes, corporate reorganizations, cross-border and
international estates, probate planning, disability planning, charitable
gifting and other asset protection strategies.
Demetre’s trusts practice involves the creation and
administration of many types of trusts, including discretionary family trusts,
alter ego trusts and joint partner trusts. He advises trustees and executors on
all aspects of trust administration, including trustee appointment and removal,
the management and distribution of trust property, and trust wind-ups.
Demetre also has extensive experience drafting and
negotiating domestic contracts such as marriage contracts and cohabitation
agreements, with a particular emphasis on agreements that address family wealth.
He has drafted and negotiated a wide variety of domestic contracts for
different family and relationship structures.
A particular focus of Demetre’s practice is digital asset
planning. He helps clients navigate the legal, privacy and intellectual
property implications of incorporating digital assets – such as social media
accounts, cryptocurrency and other electronic files – into their succession
plans. Accordingly, Demetre is regularly retained by entrepreneurs, business
owners, philanthropists, artists, authors, athletes, entertainers, social media
influencers and professionals seeking comprehensive and forward-thinking
advice.
Recognized as a thought leader in the trusts and estates
field, Demetre frequently writes and speaks on emerging issues in succession
planning. His work on digital assets in particular has been cited by the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice, and he has presented at both national and
international conferences. Demetre holds the prestigious Trust and Estate
Practitioner (TEP) designation from the Society of Trust and Estate
Practitioners (STEP).
Demetre is passionate about improving the administration of
justice and contributing to the development of the law. He serves on the
Steering Committee of the STEP Digital Assets Global Special Interest Group and
is an active member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section
Executive. In his role as Public Affairs Liaison, Demetre fosters collaboration
with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General to improve efficiency and
advocate for meaningful reform.
Beyond his legal practice, Demetre serves on the board of directors of the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, volunteers as an ESL teacher at St. Paul’s Bloor Street and participates as a Panellist at Anime North. In his free time, he enjoys anime, film, mixed martial arts, gaming and all aspects of music production – from singing and songwriting to playing the guitar and ukulele.
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized in The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada in Trusts and Estates, 2025
- Awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award by the Government of Ontario, 2022
- Legal and Literary Society Student Honour Award, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2018
- Jenny Haggart Award, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2018
Professional Involvement
Memberships
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Member, Digital Assets Global Special Interest Group Steering Committee, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), 2024-present
- Public Affairs Liaison, Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Section, 2023-present
- Member, Estate Planning Council of Toronto, 2021-present
- Member, Junior Trusts and Estates Practitioners, 2019-present
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Liaison, Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Section, 2022-2023
- Technology Liaison, Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Section, 2021-2022
- Student Member, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), 2019-2022
Community Involvement
- Director, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 2023-present
- Event Leader, Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 2013-present
- Panellist, Anime North, 2018-present
- ESL Teacher, St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 2014-present
- Mentor, Law in Action Within Schools (LAWS), 2019-2024
- Member, Screening Committee, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival, 2022-2023
- Caseworker, Refugee Sponsorship Support Program, 2016-2018
Selected Speaking Engagements
Guest Lecturer, "Estate Planning for Digital Assets," Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario Associate Estates Course, April 15, 2025.
Panellist, "The Rise and Fall of Crypto?" STEP Global Congress, February 25-26, 2025.
Speaker, "What's Mine is Yours: Thoughts on Privacy and Disclosure in the Modern Era," STEP Vancouver Branch Bundle, February 20, 2025.
Chair, "Trustee Decisions, Discretions and Powers: What You Need to Know," Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section, December 5, 2024.
Speaker, "Trusts and Other Complex Estate Administrations," Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section, November 19, 2024.
Panellist, "Communicating with Clients: Discussion Regarding Use of Language When Speaking to Clients About Gender, Illness, and Mental Illness," STEP Toronto Branch Bundle, November 18, 2024.
Speaker, "Managing Digital Assets and Digital Platforms," STEP Canada National Conference, June 4, 2024.
Speaker, "Will Validation, Substantial Compliance and Electronic Documents: Updates and Future Changes," Ontario Bar Association – Ontario Legal Conference: Family, Estates and Real Estate Law, February 8, 2024.
Speaker, National Judicial Institute, 2024.
Series Co-Chair, "Estate Planning in the Modern Era: Part 5 - Genetic Material," Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Series, November 30, 2023.
Series Co-Chair, "Estate Planning in the Modern Era: Part 4 - Unique Assets," Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Series, November 23, 2023.
Series Co-Chair, "Estate Planning in the Modern Era: Part 3 - Electronic Documents and Electronic Signatures," Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Series, November 16, 2023.
Series Co-Chair, "Estate Planning in the Modern Era: Part 2 - Crypto Assets," Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Series, November 9, 2023.
Series Co-Chair, "Estate Planning in the Modern Era: Part 1 - Digital Assets," Ontario Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Series, November 2, 2023.
Speaker, "Digital Assets, Estate Planning and the Law: What You and Your Clients Need to Know," Retirement Canada Dialogue 2023, October 2, 2023.
Speaker, "Collectibles: Unique Assets in Estate Planning – Part Two," RBC Wealth Management, July 18, 2023.
Speaker, "Beneficiary Designations," Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section, June 7, 2023.
Speaker, "Digital Assets, Estate Planning and the Law: What You and Your Clients Need to Know," GTA Accountants & Finance Network (GTAAFN), March 2, 2023.
Moderator, "What's New in Trusts & Estates Practice?" Ontario Bar Association – Ontario Legal Conference: Family, Trusts & Estates Law, February 8, 2023.
Moderator, "Wills and Trusts for Business Owners: Practical Considerations," Ontario Bar Association – Ontario Legal Conference: Family, Trusts & Estates Law, February 8, 2023.
Panellist, "Digital Assets, Estate Planning and the Law: What You and Your Clients Need to Know," The Estate Planning Council of Toronto, February 7, 2023.
Speaker, "Digital Assets: Everything You Wanted to Know but Were Too Afraid to Ask," Estate Planning Council of Halton, January 18, 2023.
Speaker, "The Compounding Digital Interest That No Fiduciary Wants," STEP Special Interest Spotlight Sessions 2022, London, United Kingdom, December 9, 2022.
Speaker, "Fiduciary Access: Thwarted at Every Digital Turn," STEP Special Interest Spotlight Sessions 2022, London, United Kingdom, December 9, 2022.
Chair, "Everyone Needs a Plan: Succession Planning for Millennials and Gen Z," Ontario Bar Association Trusts and Estates Section, October 6, 2022.
Speaker, "Digital Assets, Estate Planning and The Law: What You and Your Clients Need to Know," Canadian Institute for Financial Planners – Retirement Canada Dialogue Day, August 30, 2022.
Speaker, "Wealth Planning in the Digital Age," STEP National Conference, June 14, 2021.
Speaker, "The Battle for Digital Assets: Privacy Law vs. Estates Law," LEGACY – The Evolution of Estate Planning Virtual Summit Series, December 9, 2020.
Speaker, "Delete Forever: The Legal Challenges of Digital Assets in Estate Administration," Retirement Canada Dialogue Day – Canadian Institute of Financial Planners, December 7, 2020.
Speaker, "Estate Planning in the Digital Age," Ontario Estates Forum, October 22, 2020.
Speaker, "Calmusky v. Calmusky and the Presumption of Resulting Trust Applying to Beneficiary Designations," Waterloo-Wellington Estate Planning Council, September 10, 2020.
Speaker, "Navigating the New Reporting Requirements for Trusts," Junior Trusts and Estates Practitioners, July 20, 2020.
Presenter, "Case Comment - Private Corporation Tax Planning and Inbound Structuring," Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners Canada, October 16, 2019.
Presenter, "Case Law Update - Effective Estate Planning for Persons with Disabilities," Ontario Bar Association, September 24, 2019.
Selected Publications
Author, "All I want for Christmas is Legal Ownership of My Yorkshire Terrier," All About Estates, December 20, 2024.
Author, "New Age, New Aegis: Part One," STEP Journal, December 4, 2024.
Co-Author, "This Wedding Season, Consider the Benefit of Marriage Contracts," Thomson Reuters - Money & Family Law Issue 39-2, October 1, 2024.
Author, "I Want to Disappear: The Power of Grief," All About Estates, September 13, 2024.
Author, "The Case for Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Legislation in Ontario," STEP Canada National Conference 2024, June 2, 2024.
Author, "Videos and Wills: Helpful or Harmful?" All About Estates, February 23, 2024.
Author, "Will We Need to Start Remembering the 'Right to be Forgotten'?" All About Estates, November 10, 2023.
Author, "Today's Executor is a Digital Executor," Cidel Communications, September 5, 2023.
Author, "Further Assessing Drake’s Estate Planning Needs," All About Estates, August 11, 2023.
Author, "Analog Art, Analog Assets," All About Estates, May 12, 2023.
Author, "Estate Planning for Millennials and Gen Z," Conference for Advanced Life Underwriting (CALU), INFOexchange 2023 vol. 1, April 12, 2023.
Author, "Next-Gen Advisory," Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Journal: Issue 2, 2023, March 31, 2023.
Author, "Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Pokémon Cards and Personality Clauses," All About Estates, February 3, 2023.
Author, "Estate Planning for Millennials and Gen Z: Tips From Practitioners," Ontario Bar Association, January 4, 2023.
Author, "Digital Assets: How Advisors are Changing the World," All About Estates, December 9, 2022.
Author, "Digital Assets: Spotlighting Client User Considerations (Part II)," All About Estates, September 16, 2022.
Author, "Digital Assets: Spotlighting Client User Considerations (Part I)," All About Estates, June 24, 2022.
Author, "Are Domestic Contracts Becoming More Popular?" All About Estates, April 8, 2022.
Author, "Shingeki no Kyojin: An Anime Unexpectedly About Family, Legacy and Succession," All About Estates, January 28, 2022.
Author, "The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia quotes Demetre Vasilounis’ article, 'A Presumptive Peril: The Law of Beneficiary Designations is Now in Flux'," Fitzgerald Estate v. Fitzgerald, 2021 NSSC 355, paragraph 36, December 8, 2021.
Author, "Software Applications as Aids to the Estates Advisor," All About Estates, November 26, 2021.
Author, "Assessing Drake's Estate Planning Needs," All About Estates, September 24, 2021.
Author, "More Tech Companies Are Implementing Digital Legacy Planning," All About Estates, July 30, 2021.
Author, "The Ontario Superior Court of Justice quotes Demetre Vasilounis’ article, 'A Presumptive Peril: The Law of Beneficiary Designations is Now in Flux'," Mak (Estate) v. Mak, 2021 ONSC 4415, paragraph 44, June 18, 2021.
Author, "Today's Executor is a Digital Executor," All About Estates, June 4, 2021.
Author, "The Price of Fame: Income Tax Considerations for Social Media Influencers," Ontario Bar Association, April 5, 2021.
Author, "New Privacy Legislation Aims to Address Digital Assets in Estate Administration," All About Estates, March 26, 2021.
Author, "Can You Preserve Your Tattoos After Your Death?" All About Estates, January 22, 2021.
Author, "Electronic Wills in Ontario: Growing Interest, Growing Need, or Growing Concern?" All About Estates, November 13, 2020.
Author, "Aging, Memory, Existentialism and Xenoblade Chronicles 2," All About Estates, September 11, 2020.
Author, "Estate Planning for Tattoo Artists," All About Estates, August 7, 2020.
Author, "A Presumptive Peril: The Law of Beneficiary Designations is Now in Flux," All About Estates, July 17, 2020.
Author, "How to Provide for Your Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons After Your Death: Part III," All About Estates, July 10, 2020.
Author, "How to Provide for Your Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons After Your Death: Part II," All About Estates, June 19, 2020.
Author, "How to Provide for Your Island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons After Your Death: Part I," All About Estates, May 8, 2020.
Author, "Accommodating Beneficiaries of a Will With Differing Gender Identities," All About Estates, April 17, 2020.
Author, "Estates Law and Privacy Law: An Incomplete Intersection (Part III)," All About Estates, April 3, 2020.
Author, "Estates Law and Privacy Law: An Incomplete Intersection (Part II)," All About Estates, March 6, 2020.
Author, "Estates Law and Privacy Law: An Incomplete Intersection (Part I)," All About Estates, February 7, 2020.
Education
- Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Society of Trust and
Estate Practitioners, 2022
- JD, Osgoode Hall Law School, 2018
- BA (Hons.) (Professional Writing and Film), York University, 2014