experienced. efficient. effeCtive
MEET OUR LAW CLERKS
Rizza andrade - senior Law clerk
Phone: (416) 361-3319 ext. 226
Rizza is a Senior Litigation Law Clerk and has been an integral part of the Bennett Gastle team since 2005. Rizza is passionate about her work and is keen to get involved in every aspect of the litigation process, from initial intake through to settlement or trial or arbitration. She prepares initial drafts of case summaries and pleadings, reviews and summarizes evidence, prepares files for discovery and is responsible for post-discovery processes. With her 21 years experience in the legal field, Rizza holds a fundamental role in preparation for arbitrations, trials, and appeals; and has attended major trials and arbitrations as a member of the trial team.
She has an eye for detail. Rizza can be relied upon for her remarkable organizational skills and is known for tackling heavy workloads with efficiency and ease. Rizza is also diligent with managing her files and continues to provide valuable support to the lawyers with matters in Ontario Small Claims Court, Superior Court and Court of Appeal. Rizza has a reputation of providing clients with excellent personalized service. She enjoys personal contact with clients, and they have come to rely on her as an excellent source of support.
Rizza graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science. While working full time she obtained her civil litigation and corporate law clerk certificates from the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario and began working as a law clerk shortly thereafter. Rizza obtained her Certificate in Organizational Dynamics and Leadership from Centennial College in 2023.
Rizza is passionately involved in CLEW (Cambodian Legal Education for Women), which is a charity that supports 25 young women each year through a four-year university degree. She is a positive and relentless force behind CLEW’s continued success. Rizza also volunteers at Simply Swagg Dance Studio with event coordination and management, helping to organize performances, fundraisers, and other activities that support the studio’s growth and the students’ development.
In Rizza’s spare time, she enjoys family time, reading, working on her golf game, bowling, and travelling.
With over 20 years of practice in insurance defence, Crystal is a cornerstone of Bennett Gastle’s litigation team. Crystal is a Licensed Paralegal and Notary Public in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario.
She has been with Bennett Gastle since it’s inception in 2005. Crystal stepped into the role of co-president alongside Heather in 2023. Crystal has extensive experience in all aspects of the litigation process and is a key member of Bennett Gastle’s team. As a Senior Law Clerk, she plays an integral role in preparation for trials and appeals and has attended major trials as a member of the trial team. Crystal has experience successfully representing clients in Small Claims Court and with Provincial Offences matters. She also manages multiple large creditor litigation case loads where she negotiates resolution of collection matters and contract disputes.
Crystal completed her Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree at The University of Toronto, in 2005, majoring in Sociology, with a double minor in Geography and Psychology. Upon graduation, Crystal obtained her Litigation Law Clerk certification with honours from The Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario. She subsequently completed her Real Estate and Estate Law Clerk certifications with honours. In 2020, she continued learning and worked to obtain her Paralegal certification at Seneca College. She was awarded the President’s Honour List by Seneca and completed the program with high honours. She continues to develop her skills participating in professional development courses and seminars.
In addition to her academic and legal experience, Crystal is actively involved in a number of volunteer organizations, most notably sitting on CLEW’s (Cambodian Legal Education for Women) Board of Directors. Crystal has also volunteered for a local non-profits such as Brooklin Day Nursery as President, Vice-President and Director-at-Large for 6 years and currently holds various roles within local youth sports organizations.
Crystal is known for her positive demeanor and works closely with clients and service providers. Crystal thrives on ensuring client services are professional and exceptional and that all clients receive the individual attention necessary for their case.
When not at work, Crystal enjoys spending time with her family, reading and travelling.
CRYSTAL BURNS - SENIOR LAW CLERK & licensed PARALEGAL
Phone: (416) 361-3319 ext. 225