A boutique law firm that provides client-centered and efficient resolutions to complex family law issues.
About Us
Murray Lawson LLP is a boutique law firm in Toronto practising exclusively in the area of family law. Partners Erin Chaiton-Murray and Meghan Lawson are experienced in dealing with all aspects of complex and challenging family law matters. Mindful of the uniqueness of each client’s situation, Murray Lawson LLP adopts a team approach to achieving a fair, expeditious, and creative resolution to each client’s family law issues, ensuring that all of our clients’ needs are met.
Murray Lawson LLP represents clients in all areas of divorce and family law including parenting issues, child and spousal support, division of property, and drafting and negotiating domestic contracts. Our team takes a client-centered approach to achieving an efficient resolution to family law disputes in various forums including litigation, negotiation, mediation and arbitration – all executed with the highest level of professionalism. We have significant experience with multifaceted matters that intersect with other areas of law.
Murray Lawson LLP is centrally located near Yonge and St. Clair in Toronto, providing service to clients throughout the GTA and surrounding areas.
Team
Erin Chaiton-Murray
Partner
Erin has practised exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the Ontario bar in 2009. She has extensive experience in all aspects of family law, including advocating for clients before all levels of court in Ontario, and negotiating and drafting cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts and separation agreements. Erin frequently represents clients at both mediations and arbitrations. Prior to establishing Murray Lawson LLP, Erin gained valuable experience practicing with several of Toronto’s leading family law advocates.
Erin holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Health Studies and Gerontology from McMaster University and graduated from the joint J.D./M.S.W. program at the University of Toronto. Her Masters of Social Work and significant family law experience give her valuable insight and a specialized skill set in navigating human dynamics. Erin adopts a practical and results-focused approach to individual clients in assisting to resolve their family law disputes.
Erin is listed in Best Lawyers International. She has written numerous papers, articles and a book chapter on evidence in family law, and she presents frequently at family law programs. Erin has completed a parenting coordination course and is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Advocates’ Society, and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. During law school, Erin was actively involved in the student legal clinic, Downtown Legal Services, and also completed Social Work practicums at The Hospital for Sick Children and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer.
Erin enjoys running and travelling when she’s not in an arena watching her three daughters play hockey.
Meghan Lawson
Partner
Meghan has practised exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the bar in 2012. Prior to establishing Murray Lawson LLP, Meghan had the benefit of practising with several of Toronto’s leading family law advocates where she gained valuable litigation and negotiation experience resolving complex property and financial issues. Meghan represents clients effectively at all levels of court in Ontario and in mediations and arbitrations.
Meghan attended Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia where she earned her B.A. in Criminology and History. Meghan received her J.D. from the University of Windsor, where she gained significant insight into the judicial perspective while clerking at the Ontario Court of Justice, Family Court.
Meghan is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society.
Outside of the office, Meghan spends time exploring Toronto with her family and is always ready to find the next up and coming craft brewery.
Vanessa Sidwell
Senior Associate
Vanessa graduated from Western University with B.A. (Hons.) and obtained her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School. While at Osgoode Hall, Vanessa was involved with the Family Law Project with Pro Bono Students Canada, assisting low-income clients with matters in the Ontario Court of Justice. Vanessa also participated in the Family Division of the Osgoode Mediation Clinic, where she facilitated workshops in the community, and conducted mediations in Small Claims Court. Through her work with the Clinic, Vanessa obtained her Level 2 Collaborative Practice Training with Collaborative Practice Toronto. She also participated in the Advanced Children & the Law Workshop, assisting counsel for the Office of the Children’s Lawyer and the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto. Vanessa received the prize for the highest standing in Business Associations while at Osgoode Hall.
Vanessa is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society.When not in the office, Vanessa enjoys trying new workout classes and spending time with family and friends.
Angela Huang
Associate
Angela was called to the bar in 2019. Prior to being called to the bar, Angela articled at the Court Services Division, Ministry of the Attorney General and had a secondment at the Finance Division, Ministry of Attorney General. Prior to joining Murray Lawson LLP, Angela practiced with a prominent family law boutique in Toronto for several years.
Angela graduated from Western University in 2014 from the H.B.A. program. During the last year of her undergraduate program, she concurrently pursued her MSc and CEMS in International Management from Western University and graduated in 2015. She also went on two exchanges and while completing her Master’s Degree: the National University of Singapore and HEC Paris. During her Master’s program, she interned at a multinational conglomerate in India. Angela obtained her J.D. from the University of Ottawa. While at the University of Ottawa, Angela had several internships within the public sector, such as the Department of Justice Canada, Export Development Canada, and the Senate. She also participated in the Nelligan O’Brien Payne Moot and was actively involved in the University of Ottawa’s law community, serving as Vice President/Marketing Director of the International Commercial and Trade Law Students’ Association and managing a podcast called the Law School Show.
Angela is a member of the Advocates’ Society, the Toronto Lawyers’ Association, and the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers Ontario. She has also written articles in family law and has obtained a certificate in Screening for Power Imbalances and Domestic Violence. In her spare time, she enjoys visiting local art galleries and museums, travelling, and drawing. Angela is fluent in Mandarin and has working capacity in French.
Stefanie Hill
Associate
Stefanie was called to the bar in 2022. Prior to joining Murray Lawson LLP, she articled at the Office of the Children’s Lawyer, Ministry of the Attorney General.
Stefanie graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Social Science (Hons.) and received her J.D. from University of Windsor Law. While at Windsor Law, she participated in the Pro Bono Family Law Project, assisting the family legal aid clinic with matters before the Ontario Court of Justice. Stefanie participated in both the Walsh Family Law Moot, and Winkler Class Actions moot and received the Justice Nolan Award, recognizing her dedication to the field of family law.
Stefanie is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society. Outside of work, she enjoys trying new craft breweries, exploring Toronto parks with her husband and their dog Leroy, and playing volleyball.
Gabriella Brown
Associate
Gabriella was called to the bar in 2024 and joined Murray Lawson after articling at a boutique family law firm in Ottawa. There, she gained valuable experience in family and fertility law.
Gabriella graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A (Hons.) and obtained her J.D. with a specialization in Social Justice from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law. She has dedicated her studies and legal extracurriculars to social justice endeavors, with a particular focus on 2SLGBTQIA+ research and advocacy.
Gabriella is passionate about access to justice and legal education. Gabriella has experience advocating for clients through her prior work with REACH Canada and the University of Ottawa Community Legal Clinic. At the University of Ottawa, Gabriella worked alongside Professors and community organizations on projects related to gender and sexuality rights and tax law. She has delivered numerous legal education presentations at schools and shelters across Downtown Ottawa and the surrounding areas.
Gabriella is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society. When not in the office, Gabriella loves exploring the local art scene and travelling to see her favourite bands.
Sydney Franzmann
Associate
Sydney graduated from Western University with an Honours Specialization in Criminology and obtained her J.D. from Queen’s Law. While at Queen’s Law, Sydney was involved with the Family Law Clinic, assisting self-represented family litigants in navigating the family court system. Sydney worked as a research assistant, analyzing over a decade of family court decisions on parental alienation, and has published a co-authored paper on family cost decisions and litigation abuse. During law school, Sydney was active in the Queen’s Law community, serving as the Queen’s Women & Law and the Human Rights Law Club president and participating in the Walsh Family Moot. Sydney received the Feminist Jurisprudence Award for outstanding achievement and participation in feminist jurisprudence.
Sydney is a member of the Ontario Bar Association and the Advocates’ Society. Outside of the office, Sydney enjoys attending Barry’s workout classes and exploring Toronto restaurants with her friends.
Stephanie Sroka
Senior Law Clerk
Stephanie brings 20 years of experience working exclusively in Family Law, both on Bay Street and with prominent boutique Family Law Firms. Stephanie is a former Trial Coordinator for the Superior Court of Justice, who worked closely with the Judiciary and helped implement the Family Law Rules to the Bar in 2004.
Stephanie works closely with clients in preparing financial statements, gathering disclosure, and preparing net family property statements. Stephanie analyzes complex and comprehensive financial disclosure and assists the lawyers with preparing material for settlement meetings, mediation and arbitration, as well as material for all levels of court.
Amelia Asrula
Law Clerk / Legal Assistant
Amelia is a Law Clerk/Legal Assistant at Murray Lawson LLP.
Amelia graduated from the Law Clerk program at Humber College in 2008 and has exclusively worked in the area of family law. Prior to joining Murray Lawson LLP, Amelia worked for several highly reputable family law firms. Amelia diligently oversees all aspects of client management, including drafting and preparing court documents for various levels of court, domestic contracts, as well as assisting clients through the day-to-day process of their family law matter.
Leigh-Anne Yawlak
Operations Manager
Leigh-Anne is the Operations Manager at Murray Lawson LLP.
Following her B.A. in Classical Studies at the University of Toronto, Leigh-Anne completed the Ontario Institute of Law Clerks Honors Program at Humber College, earning special recognition in family law. Over her career as a law clerk, Leigh-Anne has worked for some of Toronto’s leading family law litigation boutiques, gaining experience with complex family law matters. After working as a senior law clerk at Murray Lawson LLP, Leigh-Anne transitioned into the role of operations manager and is involved in all aspects of the firm’s management, including new client intake and billing matters.
Leigh-Anne understands the complex emotions that result from separation. As the first point of contact for clients at Murray Lawson LLP, Leigh-Anne strives to remove any intimidation clients may feel as she guides them through the family law intake process and her dynamic approach to the firm’s management is integral to the success of the team at Murray Lawson LLP.
Leigh-Anne is an avid painter and plays multiple musical instruments. When not working, she enjoys swimming, reading, and traveling with her daughter.
Contact Us
Murray Lawson LLP
12 Lawton Blvd., 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1Z4
Tel: 416.613.8342
Fax: 647.547.0456
12 Lawton Blvd Toronto Ontario
Murray Lawson LLP
12 Lawton Blvd., 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 1Z4
Tel: 416.613.8342
Fax: 647.547.0456
© 2024 Murray Lawson LLP. All rights reserved.