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As a practitioner of Family Law, I am required to demonstrate exemplary advocacy skills at all times, whether I am attending court, in person, or preparing written documentation. The demands of the legal profession require complete focus and accuracy in writing. In addition, I also dedicate time and make a concerted effort to deliver journalistic and research-based writing about the social and community issues I care deeply about. Here is a glimpse into my published works and research projects.

BOOKS AND CHAPTERS:

These case studies are translated into 7 languages included for training ‘Bridges to Safety: Building the capacity of the settlement sector’ Project | Gender-Based Violence | Canada (ngbv.ca)

https://www.ngbv.ca/online-course

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JOURNAL ARTICLES

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REFEREED CONTRIBUTION

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Other Research Contributions

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CREATIVE OUTPUTS

  • Nicholas Bala, Dr. Peter Jaffe, Archana Medhekar, Dr. Katreena Scott, Research Associate - Casey Oliver. "Making Appropriate Parenting Arrangements In Family Violence Cases: Applying The Literature To Identify Promising Practices" (Project Funded by Justice Canada)- Expected publication, Fall 2023
  • Bala, N. et al. (2021). Member of the task force to review and revise the AFCC-O Parenting Plan Guide and Template. Parenting Plan Guide and Template - AFCC Ontario.
  • Chaze, F., Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Polish)" (2022) https://source.sheridancollege.ca/dvic_book/4/
  • Chaze, F, Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P., "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Hindi)" (2021). https://source.sheridancollege.ca/dvic_book/3/
  • Chaze, F, Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Violence Domestique dans les Communautés d'Immigrants" https://source.sheridancollege.ca/conferences_dvic_book/2
  • Chaze, F., Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Arabic)" Books 3 https://source.sheridancollege.ca/conferences_dvic_book/3
  • Chaze, F., Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Brazilian Portuguese)" (2021). Books. 2. https://source.sheridancollege.ca/dvic_book/2
  • Chaze, F., Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Punjabi)" (2021). Books. 1. https://source.sheridancollege.ca/dvic_book/1
  • Chaze, F., Osborne, B., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020). "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies (Spanish)" (2020). Book. 1. https://source.sheridancollege.ca/conferences_dvic_book/1
  • Medhekar, A., Chaze, F., & Osborne, B. (2020, September 26). Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities. Workshop at the Ontario Association of Family Mediators Annual General Meeting. (Webinar)
  • Osborne, B., Chaze, F., Medhekar, A., & George, P. (2020, November 2). Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Breaking the Cycle webinar. Sheridan College. (Webinar).
  • Chaze, F., George, P., Medhekar, A., & Osborne, B. (2020, November 23). Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Moving Towards Solutions webinar. Toronto Metropolitan University (then Ryerson University).
  • Vaish, M., Medhekar, A. (2019, November 15). "Why Canadian IPV Initiatives Matter Internationally". Peel Family Mediation Services 8th Domestic Violence Symposium on "Viewing Violence and Power through a Cultural Lens"
  • Chaze, F., Medhekar, A., & Fierheller, D. (2019, May 30). Family Justice Work and the Unique Vulnerabilities of Immigrant Mothers. AFCC 56th Annual Conference, Toronto.
  • Medhekar, A. (July 2018) Participated as a delegate at the United Nation's High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF 2018) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York
  • Medhekar, A., Chaze, F., & Fierheller, D. (2018, May 03). Caught at the intersections: The Unique Vulnerabilities of Immigrant Mothers in Family Disputes. FDRIO Conference, 2018.
  • Medhekar, A. (2018, March 12-23). Participated as a delegate at the United Nation's sixty-second session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW62) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
  • Medhekar, A, Vaccaro, I. (2018, April 16). Immigrants and Refugees: Barriers and tools in ADR. Riverdale Mediation DV Training on Identifying, Assessing and Managing Power Imbalances and Risk In FDR
  • Medhekar, A., Mallinath, G., Chaze, F., & Fierheller, D. (2018, February 23). Immigrant Mothers and Their Families Within The Child Welfare System. 3Voices in Child Welfare: The Sally Pearce Palmer Conference Series, McMaster University.
  • Medhekar, A., Thorndycraft, B. (March 2017). Bringing Family Law into the 21st Century: Amendments to the Children's Law Reform Act. AFCC-O Spring 2017 Newsletter.
  • Medhekar, A. (2015). Solidarity amongst victims of domestic violence
  • Medhekar, A., Mattoo, D. (2015). Implications of Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act: The Plight of Sponsored Spouses: https://www.afccontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2015-Fall-Newsletter.pdf
  • Kanagaratnam, P, Medhekar A. (2014). The Interplay of Culture & Mental Health in Family Disputes: https://www.afccontario.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/2014-Spring-Newsletter.pdf
  • Medhekar, A. (2014) Gender Equality Gap and the Legal Profession
  • Medhekar A, Vaccaro I. (2014). Service Barriers for Immigrant Women Facing Domestic Violence
  • Medhekar A, Vaccaro I. (2013). Representing Victims of Domestic Violence
  • Medhekar A, (20009) Mentoring Foreign trained lawyers
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Books (in Marathi)

  • "Mahilanche Kayade" (i.e. Laws for Women) (2005) - Saket Publication, India. (ISBN-81-7786-211-1)
  • "Hunda Pratibandhak Kayda" (i.e. The Dowry Prohibition Act) (2009) - Akshar Publication, India. This was part of a legal literacy project to simplify legal education for the community in the local language.
  • “Nijakhuna” (i.e. Self-identity), collection of Marathi poetry (2005) Mudra Publication, Mumbai, India
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Presentations, Training, Speaking Engagements

  • Presenter, “Outside The Box- Innovations in ADR Process Design”, OBA, May 30, 2023
  • Presenter, “Family Violence and Family Law: Supporting the Health of Survivors of Family Violence in Family Law Proceedings”, AFCC-O Educational Seminar Series on DV, May 25, 2023 with DOJ presenters
  • Presenter, “Making Appropriate Parenting Arrangements in Family Violence Cases:​ Applying the Literature to Identify Promising Practices”, Advanced Seminar-Alliance of Canadian Research Centers, FVFL Western Centre for Research and Education, May 11, 2023 with Professor Nicholas Bala and Dr. Peter Jaffe
  • Presenter, “Intersectional Understanding of Coercive Control”, Advanced Seminar-Alliance of Canadian Research Centers, FVFL Western Centre for Research and Education, May 11, 2023 with Pamela Cross, Deepa Mattoo, and Katreena Scott
  • Panel speaker, “Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities”, County of Carleton Law Association, 32nd Annual Institute of Family Law. April 22, 2023.
  • Panel speaker, “Addressing Client Trauma”, Ontario Bar Association (OBA) Public Sector Lawyers Program. March 29, 2023
  • Panel speaker, “Online All the Time: What Role Does Public Legal Education Play In Preventing Gender Based Violence”, United Nations (UN) CSW 67 in-person parallel event (New York). March 7, 2023
  • Presenter, “Emergency/Warrantless Apprehensions: Practitioner Perspectives”, OBA, Advanced Issues in Child Protection Law Program. March 2, 2023.
  • Instructor-presenter, "Communication Skills in Mediation", E-Mediation Writings GeneNxt International Classroom series, India. January 6, 2023
  • Presenter, “Domestic violence in Immigrant Communities”, 11th Annual Safe City Mississauga Crime Prevention Conference. October 27, 2022
  • Presenter, "Colonization, Decolonization and Mediation", World Mediation Circle Virtual International Symposium. September 21, 2022
  • Presenter, "Indigenous Peoples and Mediation", World Mediation Circle Virtual International Symposium. August 23, 2022
  • Instructor- presenter, "Historical perspective of dispute resolution - Development of legal systems- culture", International Mediation Summer training series, “Nivaaran” Mediators of Supreme Court of India. August 6, 2022
  • Presenter, “Intersecting Inequities in Family Court: a trauma informed critique”, Western Centre for Research & Education (UWO) on Violence Against Women & Children. January 18, 2022
  • Presenter, “Amendments to Divorce Act”, Family law training for the staff of Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, Toronto (BSCC). April 21, 2021
  • Presenter, "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case studies", International Seminar on women's writing and criticism, Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, India. April 15, 2021
  • Panel speaker, "Bill C- 78 & 207: Reforming the Law and changing the culture", organized by AFCC-O and York Region Law Association. Prof. Nick Bala and Aaron Franks. Moderator: Justice Andrea Himel and Shely Polak. April 8, 2021
  • Instructor, “Screening for Domestic Violence and Assessing for Power Imbalances” at York University School of Continuing Studies, Family Mediation Certificate program (4 times a year). Other courses: Family Law, Family Relations, Advanced Family Mediation. April 2021- present
  • Trainer, "Negotiation, Mediation and Diplomacy", Young Diplomats of Canada Canadian delegates training for Y7, Y20 summits and Commission on Status of Women. March 2021, March 2022, and February 2023
  • Panel speaker, “Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Moving Towards Solutions”, dissemination event and book launch for my co-authored book. November 23, 2020
  • “Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Breaking the Cycle”, dissemination event for community organizations for my co-authored book. November 2, 2020
  • Speaker, “Impact of Covid-19 on Family Law dispute resolution”, Speaker at AFCC-O Annual Pre-Conference 2020, with Justice Andrea Himel and Justice Philip Clay. October 15, 2020
  • Presenter, "Domestic Violence in Immigrant communities Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM) Annual Conference 2020. September 26, 2020
  • Trainer, “Advising Clients to Navigate the Family Justice System”, staff training for the South Asian Legal Aid Clinic (SALCO). February 5, 2020
  • Speaker, "How newcomers are vulnerable to DV while high-demand cultural services are at a breaking-point", CBC Radio show "Metro Morning" with host Farah Merali. February 21, 2020
  • Presenter, “Why Canadian IPV Initiatives Matter Internationally” Peel Family Mediation Services (PFMS) 8th Domestic Violence Symposium on “Viewing Violence and Power Through a Cultural Lens”. November 15, 2019
  • Presenter, "Mediation, Peace building and Sustainable Development Goals", International Mediation workshop in conjunction with the UN High Level Political Forum. July 12, 2019
  • Presenter, "Family justice work and the unique vulnerabilities of immigrant mothers", Association for Family Conciliation Courts 56th international Annual Conference, Toronto. May 30, 2019
  • Presenter, "Women, Mediation, and the effective implementation of the UN Agenda on Women, Peace, and Security", CSW63 parallel event in New York. March 2019
  • Trainer, "Immigrants and Refugees: Barriers and tools in ADR”, DV training for Family Arbitrators by Riverdale Mediation. April 16, 2018
  • Presenter, "Immigrant mothers and their families within the child welfare system", 3Voices Child Welfare Conference, McMaster University. February 23, 2018
  • Presenter, "The intersectional oppressions of South Asian Immigrant Women and Vulnerability in Relation to Domestic Violence", 6th Annual Domestic Violence Symposium PFMS. November 17, 2017
  • Speaker, "Immigrant Parenting issues in Canada", ‘Radio Saanjh’ 770 AM radio, live Hindi Radio show with host Deepak Anand. October 21, 2017
  • Trainer, “Closing the Gap: Building Service Provider’s Legal Capacity to Improve Access to Justice for Immigrants and Refugees”, train the trainer series involving 12 service organizations in Peel and Caledon, January to August 2017
  • Keynote Speaker, Women's Annual Event of Indus Community Services for the International Women's Day. March 7, 2017
  • Panel speaker, "War at Home" documentary. PFMS Domestic Violence Symposium. November 2016
  • Panel speaker, "Honoring and Celebrating Women Equality: My Way”, India Rainbow Community Services of Peel- 19th Annual Event, May 26, 2016
  • Trainer, "Immigrant issues and connections to Family Mediation", PFMS Mediation Roster training. March 28, 2015
  • Panel Speaker, "Strengthening Our Allies: Addressing Sexual Violence in Diverse Communities Conference", Hope 24/7. March 4, 2015
  • Discussant, "Reflections on Religion, Equality and Women's Rights", Women's Legal Education and Action Fund symposium on. January 30, 2015
  • Coach-Mentor, Law Practice Program covering topics of professional responsibility and practice management, Toronto Metropolitan University. (2015-2017)
  • Panel Speaker, "Systematic forms of domestic violence and conflicting accounts of how abuse happens, PFMS 2nd annual symposium November 29, 2013
  • Panel speaker, "Cultural Competency in Representing Children", Toronto Professional Development- Office of Children's Lawyer, OCL Spring training 2013. June 13, 2013
  • Panel Speaker, "Success and Serendipity", The Internationally Trained Lawyers Program (ITLP), University of Toronto, Faculty of Law. May 2011
  • Tutor, Law Society of Ontario, Licensing Exams (Family Law, Business Law (Taxation), Real Estate). (2009- present)

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Archana Medhekar, Certified Family Law Specialist
Certified Specialist Family Law
Ontario Association for Family Mediationt
Member of Ontario Association for Family Mediation