Our Team

David J. Protomanni

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Criminal & Family Lawyer – Owner

A fierce litigator in the courtroom, David has extensive trial experience and limits his practice to the areas of criminal and family law. In 2021, David advocated for his client on a 6-month jury trial, one of the longest trials in the history of the Niagara region.

David is known for his excellent knowledge of the law, his presence in the courtroom, and most notably, the compassion he shows each and every one of his clients.

In his spare time, David enjoys writing and playing music as well spending time with his 2 Labrador Retrievers.

Michael R. Peterson

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Senior Criminal Lawyer

Michael was born and raised in St. Catharines but has lived in other parts of the country, namely British Columbia, and Saskatchewan where he earned his law degree in 2003. Prior to earning his law degree, Michael owned and operated a successful business in marketing and document design. As a student of criminology, he became interested in the interaction between citizens and the law, and how citizens are governed. This interest prompted him to become involved in neighbourhood advocacy efforts. Prior to being called to the bar in the province of Ontario in 2004, Michael worked for the Attorney General of Ontario, the Ombudsman of Saskatchewan, and published with the Law Courts Education Society of British Columbia.

Prior to joining Protomanni & Associates, Michael worked as criminal defence lawyer both as a sole practitioner, and while at a law firm. His experience includes serving as a writer/researcher, a per diem provincial Prosecutor, and, Duty Counsel for Legal Aid Ontario.

As senior defence counsel, he has appeared at all levels of court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, and represented clients at every stage of the criminal and quasi-criminal process. From bail to pleas of responsibility, to preliminary enquiries, to trials and beyond, including the “Dangerous Offender” application process under the Criminal Code of Canada, Michael’s clients have always received the highest level of attention and care.

As a professional, Michael has devoted himself to representing individuals and organized groups in the legal determination of their conflicts with the law.

At Protomanni & Associates, Michael’s practice is restricted to criminal defence. In addition to trial advocacy, he has the knowledge and experience to represent individuals who wish to appeal their criminal conviction, and is one of the few lawyers in the region who maintains an appellate practice.

Michael works alongside David, defending some of the most serious criminal charges for clients throughout the Niagara region and beyond.

Brian Simpson

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Of Counsel – Senior Litigation Lawyer

After being called to the Bar in 1996, Brian bravely started his own general practice, earning the building blocks to understanding a wide range of legal issues. Over time, he began specializing in advocacy in the criminal, civil and administrative tribunals. He has appeared in all levels of Court in Ontario and numerous Tribunals.

Prior to Brian becoming a lawyer, he earned his business degree (BBA hons. Wilfrid Laurier U.) and started on the ground floor in a unionized environment, working his way up to management and then strategic and operations planning. He earned his MBA at the University of Toronto along the way.

This business background allowed Brian to accept new challenges in the entertainment and entrepreneurial space becoming a successful CEO of several companies. Brian is still very interested in helping entrepreneurs start up or scale up. He has been involved in start-ups in film & television production, aggregates, cannabis licencing, and high-tech speech equipment.

Brian has earned further credentials in Alternative Dispute Resolution. He is of the belief that litigation should be the last resort and only in the clearest of cases. Brian can provide facilitative and evaluative mediation services, across a broad spectrum of matters, assisting parties to come to the best decision between themselves, and for themselves, in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Brian is further trained in Workplace Investigations. Workplaces should be respectful and positive. Allegations of discrimination, harassment, violence and statutory breaches do occur. As a workplace investigator, combined with his litigation experience, Brian provides fair and thorough investigations into such matters.

Brian’s legal and business experiences have earned him substantial career capital. He has a reputation of approachability, empathy, and creativity. He can transform challenging multidimensional problems into solutions for you.

At Protomanni & Associates, Brian maintains a civil litigation and mediation practice.

When not advocating for his clients, Brian volunteers a great deal of his time giving back to the community by serving on Boards and volunteering with various organizations.

Jonathan Margolin

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Senior Employment Lawyer

Jonathan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, having spent years practicing at a major Bay Street law firm before deciding to return to Protomanni & Associates where he initially began his legal career. Jonathan has successfully appeared before several courts and tribunals across multiple practice areas, receiving victories for his clients at both the trial and appeal level. He currently focuses his practice exclusively in the area of labour and employment law, handling all types of cases anywhere in Ontario, including:

Wrongful dismissals
Constructive dismissals
Human rights violations
Severance package negotiations
Employees misclassified as contractors
Contract reviews, drafting, negotiations and disputes
Workplace harassment
Unjust dismissals
Illegal layoffs

Jonathan is a skilled negotiator and a fearless litigator who relentlessly advocates for his clients’ best interests. He offers cost-effective and pragmatic solutions to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients in any given situation.

In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys long walks on the beach, reliving his youth as an (alleged) rock star, and watching his beloved Maple Leafs disappoint him year after year.

André Lozano

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Family & Real Estate Lawyer

Born in Mississauga, Ontario and raised in Mexico, André Lozano speaks English and Spanish fluently. Prior to being called to the Bar, André ran a landscaping business, worked as a server, and worked at a livestock farm.

André is an honest and loyal lawyer who takes pride in serving his Family and Real Estate clients. André has experience closing multiple residential real estate transactions and litigating precedent-setting family law cases in Ottawa and L’Orignal, Ontario, which have been referenced across the country. André has also spearheaded family law negotiations that brought support claims to six figures.

Prior to joining Protomanni & Associates, André articled at a boutique firm in Windsor where he assisted counsel negotiate contracts, research complex issues, and close corporate acquisition files before moving to St. Catharines.

During his spare time, André enjoys going to the gym, cooking, hunting, kayak fishing, drumming, piano, real estate investing, stock market, hiking, and more.

Andre has received countless awards as well as having participated in various volunteering capacities, such as:

Dean’s Honours List (York University & Humber College)
Member of the Golden Key Honour’s Society
Provost Scholarship (York University)
Centre for Justice Studies – Faculty Award of Excellence (Humber College)
Highest Math Grade in all High School (St. Michael’s. Catholic Secondary School)
Rotary Complex Award (St. Michael’s Catholic Secondary School)
Recruit of the Year (19th Squadron)
Top Barrack (19th Squadron)
Excellent Attendance (19th Squadron)
Most Improved (19th Squadron)
Big Brothers & Big Sisters
Mountain Park Church
Christian Legal Fellowship
Perch for Women

André looks forward to serving you.

Jack Blozowski

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Civil Litigation Lawyer

Born and raised in Burlington, Jack is a deeply disciplined individual who has maintained a passion for helping his clients to achieve justice. Jack’s commitment to justice stems from his experiences as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, as well his volunteer work through: Scouts Canada, Tourism Burlington, and Outlaw (an organization dedicated to promoting diversity in the legal profession). Although Jack is excited to assist his clients in a wide range of civil disputes, he holds a particular passion for representing members of marginalized groups in cases of harassment and discrimination.

His personal discipline and commitment to excellence, which he utilizes in achieving these goals, is grounded in his time as both a Taekwondo student and instructor. During his high school years, Jack committed many hours to hone and improve his skills as a martial artist, ultimately leading to his earning a Second Degree Black Belt and becoming a Taekwondo instructor. He then worked as an instructor throughout his time at Ryerson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree (with Honours) in Criminology, minoring in Business Law. Jack then earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Western Ontario, where he committed himself to the full-time study and practice of law. At Protomanni & Associates, Jack practices in the areas of civil litigation, estate litigation and family law.

In his spare time, Jack enjoys reading, hiking, biking, and playing the odd video game.

Leah Fitzpatrick

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Paralegal

Leah was born in Calgary, Alberta, moving to Niagara at the age of 10. After graduating high school, Leah studied social work and criminology at Niagara College. Leah later obtained her paralegal license and has worked in many different legal areas.

Leah has a very diverse skillset from managing a large corporate franchise restaurant, working in the funeral industry for over thirteen years, working as a provincial prosecutor as well as managing several law offices.

At Protomanni & Associates, Leah has her hand in every avenue of the practice. From greeting and updating clients on the phone, to appearing in both criminal and family court, to assisting all of the firm’s lawyers with daily tasks, Leah is a very valuable member of the firm who keeps everything running smoothly.

Leah firmly believes that coffee is the elixir of life and finds her sanity as an avid runner and working out.

Erica Killik-Randall

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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.

Alishia Lavallie

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Family Law Clerk – Paralegal

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Alishia moved to Niagara Falls in 2015. After graduating Cambrian College in 2007, Alishia began her career path as a law clerk with a focus in Family and Criminal Law. Alishia also has a background in small claims and employment law. After 15 years’ experience, Alishia continued her studies and obtained her paralegal license in 2022.

At Protomanni & Associates, Alishia works alongside David and André, ensuring that every family client is continuously updated with respect to how their matter is progressing. Alishia is a vital part of our strong family law team.

In her spare time, Alishia plays ringette along with volunteering as a coach.

Cassandra Pena

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Paralegal

Cassandra was born and raised in Thorold, Ontario. Cassandra first began her post-secondary education at University of Toronto, with an interest in drama and creative writing. She then switched gears and focused on obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature, with a minor in Sociology, graduating from Brock University in 2018, with Honours. With a passion for law, justice, and helping others, Cassandra enrolled in the Paralegal Program at Mohawk College, and graduated in 2022 with Honours. Cassandra has experience working in a law firm that specialized in Provincial Offences and summary conviction criminal matters.

At Protomanni & Associates, Cassandra is the friendly face you will first encounter as a client of our firm. She is responsible for directing all calls in an efficient manner to our firm’s lawyers, clerks and paralegals. She is responsible for all client intakes, and has the biggest responsibility of making new clients feel at ease when they come to our firm for a consultation. She also assists Mr. Lozano in our real estate department, to ensure all home closings are facilitated smoothly.

In her spare time, Cassandra enjoys volunteer tutoring and giving back to her community, and advocating and supporting various organizations that she’s passionate about. She also enjoys drinking iced coffee, and going to the beach.