Simona Jellinek
- Emailjellinek@gluckstein.com
- Phone(416) 955-4800 ext. 285
- Mobile(416) 972-9506
- Fax(416) 972-1499
Bio.
Simona Jellinek leads the Sexual Abuse and Assault team as counsel. Simona has more than 25 years of representing survivors of childhood abuse as well as adult assaults. She has litigated against religious institutions, Childrens’ Aid Societies, all levels of government, Big Brothers, Scouts, school boards, and many other institutions where people are placed in harm's way. Simona has litigated hundreds of cases and has helped her clients achieve some of the highest settlements for sexual abuse cases in Canada.
Simona is one of Canada’s most experienced and successful lawyers in the complex and unique area of sexual abuse and assault litigation. Her experience in the area allows her to provide effective legal advice with knowledge and compassion. She has dedicated her life to helping survivors of sexual trauma in their journey towards healing.
Simona has also been instrumental in changing important pieces of legislation including the removal of the limitation period in sexual abuse and assault cases. As well, she also assisted the government in amending legislation to allow survivors who are on ODSP to remain on ODSP even after receiving compensation from a judgment or settlement.
Simona’s expertise in the area has been recognized by her peers and she is listed in Best Lawyers and Lexpert. She has been honoured to receive the Distinguished Service Award by the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association and the Zenith Lexpert award. Simona is sought after by media outlets to provide insight and commentary on sexual abuse and assaults in Canada and abroad. As well, she has lectured at universities and presented papers on sexual violence litigation at Canadian and international conferences.
Simona was on the Executive Committee of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Directors for almost a decade. She also served on the Toronto Police Sexual Assault committee for many years. She co-drafted the Sexual Abuse Guidelines applicable to all Ontario lawyers by the Law Society of Ontario.
Expertise.
Education.
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Toronto, 1991
- Bachelor of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School, 1994
Professional Involvement.
- Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
- The Canadian Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- Board of Directors, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association (2004-2007, 2009-2016, 2019)
Testimonials.
-
Former Client - Sexual Assault Survivor
"Simona: My thanks for affirming that the principles of integrity are still very much alive." -
Robert B. Munroe, Ross & McBride LLP, OTLA Past President
"In my opinion, Simona is one of Ontario's leading lawyers in helping sexual assault survivors obtain proper compensation."
Blog & News.
-
Simona Jellinek Discusses Judicial Vacancies and Their Effect on Sexual Abuse Survivors
Recently, Simona Jellinek was a guest on CBC Radio's "As It Happens" and discussed a pressing issue: the alarming shortage of judges and the resulting dismissal of sexual abuse cases from our criminal...Read Full Story -
Shedding Light On Sexual Abuse - What Are A Survivor’s Options
Sexual abuse and sexual assaults are crimes where one or more perpetrators engage in unwanted sexual activity with a person who does not or cannot consent to it. It can happen to anyone. And it does h...Read Full Story -
Gluckstein Lawyers Recognized in 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
We are excited to announce that four of our esteemed Gluckstein Lawyers have been recognized as Leading Legal Practitioners across Canada in the 2024 Canadian Lexpert Directory.Charles Gluckstein (Per...Read Full Story -
What Crown Ward Sexual Abuse Survivors Need to Know
As a lawyer with practice focussed on sexual abuse and sexual assault, I’m used to feeling angry. Usually that anger is born out of hearing how an individual and/or institutional abuser has harmed a s...Read Full Story -
Navigating the Aftermath of Sexual Abuse in Sports
In the realm of sports, where the focus often centers around discipline, achievement, and camaraderie, there lies a darker side that remains tucked away far too often—abuse. It's a sobering reality th...Read Full Story -
16 Gluckstein Lawyers Nominated for 2025 Best Lawyers® List
We're delighted to share that Gluckstein Personal Injury Lawyers has received a total of twelve nominations in The Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2025 edition, along with four in The Best Lawyers in Canada: ...Read Full Story
Events.
-
Upcoming
Understanding Your Legal Options as a Sexual Abuse Survivor
If you've experienced sexual abuse, we're here to help. We will discuss legal options for individuals who have experienced abuse in: Children's Aid, Foster and/or Adoptive HomesSchool C...Continue Reading -
Past
Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journeys: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury
Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein presents "Legal Options For Your Clients’ Healing Journey: An Information Session for Service Providers Supporting Survivors of Abuse and Injury."This is a free event fo...Continue Reading -
Past
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse Conference 2023 - Innovative and Emerging Pathways to Healing
"Innovative and Emerging Pathways to Healing"At Jellinek Ellis Gluckstein Lawyers we employ a survivor-centered approach, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by survivors. We work hard e...Continue Reading
Guides & Papers.
-
Guide
A Guide for Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors
Anyone can be sexually assaulted. Girls, boys, women and men can all be the victims of sexual predators. Often the very people you’re supposed to trust are the perpetrators of these horrible crim...Continue Reading