Our Team

Senior Employment Lawyer

Sidrah brings extensive knowledge and experience in employment, labour, and human rights law. She has a strong litigation background and has appeared before various courts and tribunals. Sidrah has successfully assisted clients in resolving complex workplace disputes, advocating for their rights in negotiations, mediations, and litigation.

Her practice focuses on employment law matters across Ontario, including:

• Wrongful dismissals
• Constructive dismissals
• Human rights violations
• Severance package negotiations
• Employee misclassification
• Contract reviews, drafting, and negotiations
• Workplace harassment
• Unjust dismissals
• Illegal layoffs

Sidrah also has experience as a personal injury lawyer, having worked at one of Canada’s largest personal injury firms. She is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and helped establish the first Muslim Legal Clinic at the University of Ottawa.

As a strategic negotiator and dedicated advocate, Sidrah works tirelessly to achieve the best outcomes for her clients. She takes a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to resolving disputes while ensuring her clients’ rights and interests remain protected.

In her free time, Sidrah enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and exploring the art of comedy.

Family and Immigration Lawyer

Yoon brings a unique and valuable perspective to the legal field as the first Korean immigrant in Ontario to graduate from a Canadian JD program at Western Law. Hailing from South Korea, Yoon’s personal experiences have fueled his passion for advocacy. His involvement in the student movement for the underprivileged during university, coupled with his firsthand experiences as an immigrant, has shaped his commitment to social justice.

In law school, Yoon continued his dedication to human rights as the vice president of the Western Student Human Rights Association. This involvement showcases his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by people, especially in the context of family and immigration law.

Yoon’s strength lies in his compassion and empathy. He firmly believes that a deep understanding of the difficulties clients might have faced is the foundation for resolving their issues in family and immigration law matters. As a good listener, Yoon actively engages with his clients, aiming to find creative and effective solutions tailored to their unique needs.

At Protomanni & Associates, Yoon’s practice focuses on assisting clients in need of representation for immigration and family law.

Yoon is an avid cyclist and loves watching scientific documentaries in his spare time.

Family & Civil Litigation Lawyer

Born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, Katherine earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). She holds both a Canadian and American Juris Doctor, having graduated from the Dual JD program at Michigan State University and the University of Ottawa. While at Michigan State University, she served as Vice-President of the Canadian Legal Association, organizing events and mentoring both prospective and current law students. Katherine also worked in the Housing Law Clinic as a Student Clinician, where she developed a passion for advocacy, representing clients in court through the Eviction Diversion Program.

During her studies, Katherine worked as a summer student at a boutique law firm, gaining valuable experience in corporate law.

After being called to the Ontario Bar, Katherine practiced as in-house counsel, where she resolved complex legal issues and negotiated contracts.

At Protomanni & Associates in the Civil Litigation and Family Law Group, Katherine is committed to finding tailored solutions to her clients’ legal issues. She is passionate about helping families through difficult times, providing compassionate and effective legal support.

In her free time, Katherine enjoys figure skating, reading mystery novels, and spending time with friends

Family, Estates and Real Estate Lawyer.

Born and raised in the Niagara region, Arjun obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from McMaster University in 2015, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of York in the United Kingdom in 2018. While at York, he was a member of the university’s law school committee, where he assisted in organizing events for both the law school and the general student body. Today, he continues to act as a mentor for fellow international students studying law overseas.

Arjun completed his articles at a personal injury firm in North York, where he gained exposure to the administrative aspects of a law firm. While preparing for the licensing examinations, Arjun worked as a law clerk at Lancaster Chown & Welch LLP in St. Catharines.

After working as an associate in a family law-based firm in Brantford, Ontario, Arjun returned to the Niagara region: the location which he calls home. Arjun understands first hand, the complex challenges of families, as he hails from a working-class family, and is deeply family orientated. Using his own personal background of having large and interrelated families, Arjun’s practice at Protomanni & Associates focuses on both family law and estate litigation. Arjun thoroughly enjoys assisting families achieve what is just, in order to meet their legal and emotional needs at once.

In his spare time, Arjun enjoys cooking, and making cocktails, and maintains a healthy lifestyle by going to the gym.

Family Lawyer.

Gousia completed her law degree in India and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Rights along with certifications in Contract Law. She has experience practicing law in diverse fields, with a primary focus on family law.

A compassionate and dedicated family lawyer, Gousia brings a diverse legal background and a client-centered approach to her practice. Having lived in India and the Middle East before settling in Ontario, she has a deep understanding of different cultures and communities, allowing her to provide culturally sensitive and personalized legal advice to clients from various backgrounds.

Before joining Protomanni & Associates, Gousia assisted Duty counsel at Legal Aid Ontario in Hamilton, supporting clients facing complex family law issues.
Beyond her legal practice, she is passionate about advocating for children with disabilities, ensuring they have access to essential resources and opportunities to thrive.

In her free time, Gousia enjoys cooking, traveling with her family, and exploring nature. Her cultural awareness, legal expertise, and compassionate approach make her a trusted advocate for families navigating legal challenges.

Paralegal

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, Paul developed a love for music and the arts at a young age. After working in the music industry for several years, Paul relocated to Niagara Falls in 2009 and shifted his focus to design and branding. During his ten-year career in the creative sector, he developed a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for helping clients achieve their marketing objectives.

In 2019, Paul’s interest in law sparked his ambition to pursue a career in the legal profession. As a paralegal at Protomanni & Associates, Paul is an integral part of ensuring that our criminal lawyers are apprised of every facet of their clients’ matters. Paul appears in set-date court, completes peace bonds, and represents clients who have Provincial Offence charges. Paul also maintains his own carriage of small claims matters.

Law Clerk

Erica was born and raised in Hamilton and moved to Niagara Falls in 2012. Learning about her love for law after being called for jury duty on her 18th birthday, Erica decided that law was the career for her. Since graduating Mohawk College in 2004, Erica has continued working as a law clerk and has worked in various areas of law and eventually narrowing down her expertise to family law, exclusively. Erica’s passion for law has now continued over 18 years. In addition to law, Erica understands and has assisted with the dynamics of running a business including the bookkeeping and ongoing management.

At Protomanni & Associates, Erica lends her expertise to all of Mr. Protomanni’s matters, making sure her clients are always advised of how their matter is proceeding.

In her spare time, Erica spends time with family and building LEGO sets.

Legal Assistant

Paul was born and raised in the beautiful city of St. Catharines, where he continues to reside with his family.

Paul graduated from Niagara College’s Law Clerk program, what he considers “many moons ago”. After graduating, Paul began working at the law firm of Chown, Cairns Lawyers LLP, now known as Lancaster Chown & Welch LLP.

Paul prides himself on his humbleness, often going above and beyond without ever looking for recognition. His vision is to build a better tomorrow.

He is a member of the Grantham Lions Club, a board member with the Greater Niagara Humane Society, a board member with Victim Services Niagara, and a board member with Toolbox Project Niagara.

Aside from his community involvement, Paul has a number of hobbies. He enjoys reading, word search puzzles, playing guitar, weightlifting, cycling, photography, and taking in the great outdoors. He also enjoys fine cigars, whiskies, and bourbons.

However, above all, Paul enjoys spending quality time in the company of his family and friends.

At Protomanni & Associates, Paul lends his experience and expertise to all of Mr. Bauerle’s matters, making sure that each and every client is treated with the utmost level of professionalism and respect.

Paralegal Student

Shannon was born and raised in the Niagara Region. She began her post-secondary education at Brock University, where she pursued a degree in Business Communication. Driven by her interest in the law, Shannon decided to further her studies and is currently enrolled in the Paralegal Program at Mohawk College. Throughout her journey, she has gained valuable experience working at the courthouses in Welland, St. Catharines, and Hamilton, which has deepened her understanding of the legal field.

At Protomanni & Associates, Shannon plays an essential role in assisting clients of the firm. She is the first point of contact and plays a pivotal role in the management and daily operations of the firm. Shannon ensures clients’ needs are met with professionalism and care. Beyond her academic and career pursuits, Shannon enjoys spending time outdoors, and can often be found feeding ducks in her spare time.

Shannon is also a dedicated volunteer in her community, and is a Girl Guide leader for her Ember Unit.

Paralegal – Office Manager

Born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, Dana always knew her life would be one of service. For fifteen years, Dana practiced as a nurse in the areas of behavioural health, palliative care and surgical. In 2013, Dana returned to her studies to become a Licensed Paralegal.  At Protomanni & Associates, Dana’s role evolved from appearing in criminal court on matters, to managing staff and running the firm.

In her spare time, Dana pretends she is living her dream life as a chef, cooking up storms in her kitchen. She’s an avid traveler and adores her 2 dogs, Ricky and Romi.

Law Clerk

Meet Brooke, our newly graduated law clerk. With a background in the hospitality industry and a passion for people, she transitioned to law from over a decade of work in hospitality, after graduating from Niagara College. Born and raised in Niagara-On-The-Lake Ontario, Brooke takes pride in building meaningful connections and providing top-notch customer service.

At Protomanni & Associates, Brooke assists our senior employment lawyer “Sidrah Usmani” in all aspects of her files. Outside of work, she enjoys the company of her little dog, and indulging in some guilty pleasures- reality TV.