Archana Medhekar (CS) (She/ Her)

(C. S.), B.Sc., LL.B., LL.M (DR), AccFM, CPMed

Admitted to the Law Society of Ontario in 2004

I am a Certified Family Law specialist, accredited Family Mediator-Arbitrator, OCL panel lawyer, Harvard trained Negotiator and Parenting coordinator, practicing primarily in Toronto and Peel Region. I have completed a Master of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School. As an internationally trained lawyer, I bring 25 years of family litigation experience in the field of dispute resolution, to serve my clients.

My fluency in South Asian languages (Hindi, Urdu, Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi) enables me to facilitate conversations, and establish a common ground. It is my firm belief that a linguistically and culturally informed approach is crucial for families navigating their way through any dispute resolution process.

The main focus of my research work is on issues related to immigrants, refugees, children and people with intersectional vulnerabilities who face barriers to access to justice. My co-authored book "Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities: Case Studies" was developed as educational material and is translated in 7 languages. This open-source e-book has been accessed online by over 20,000 people since its publication in August 2020. Currently, I am involved in an interdisciplinary research project focused on Impacts of experiencing or witnessing domestic violence in childhood: Perspectives of radicalized immigrant youth (book forthcoming in fall 2023).

As a lawyer I developed negotiation and conflict management skills, which strengthened my traditional legal skills. Mediation training gave me a broader perspective which allowed me to provide more objective advice to clients, more accurate forecasts of outcomes, and promote more collaborative negotiations to create value for my clients. It built my skills for process design and allowed me to assist clients in choosing the right process tool that is appropriate for their needs. Mediation training promoted my critical thinking skills needed to develop less biased view towards the disputes and a more impartial perspective. The users can save costs because disputes are resolved more quickly and efficiently with the use of mediation.

As an educator, teaching  at York University's Family Mediation Program, I  focus on complex issues of the changing landscape of family law in Canada, gender-based violence, impact of abuse on children, and screening for power imbalances with the use of a trauma-informed and intersectional lens. I am inspired by the “human condition” model which offers an opportunity to students to become “good at learning and good at life"; where “belonging, purpose, individual and collective problem solving” is fostered; and “where students know that improving society for themselves and others is essential to well-being and indeed to the future of humanity.” Frequently, I serve as a public speaker and facilitator of training programs for professionals, judges, Young Diplomats of Canada and international training on mediation and peacebuilding.

Serving the community through volunteering and participating in governance of various not-for-profit organizations, is a big part of my life. I am  a member of the leadership team of the United Nations working group of an international NGO Mediator's Beyond Borders International and co-chair of the Women in Mediation Action Group. I am a member of the Board of Directors for AFCC-O ( Association of Family and Conciliation Courts) - the premier interdisciplinary and international association of professionals dedicated to the resolution of family conflict. I am also a member of the Board of Directors of Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM).

My past awards and distinctions include: "The Volunteer Service Award" from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration; "The Champion for Social Justice Award" presented by Indus Community Services of Peel; and " Trailblazer in Social Justice" presented by South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario (SALCO).

I strongly believe that I can help individuals, families, organizations, and the community that I live and work in, because of my beliefs, principles, and a host of qualifications outlined below.

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING

• Child Protection Mediation Training and Ministry Roster Acceptance (OAFM) (March 2023)
• Master of Laws - LL.M. (Dispute Resolution) at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University (Toronto, Canada) (October 2022)
• Family Arbitration Certificate (Riverdale Mediation and Training) (January 30, 2022)
• "International Mediation Skills and Role of United Nations (UN) In Resolving Conflicts" (UNITAR e-learning certificate course) (September 2018)
• Accredited Family Mediator (Acc.FM) with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation ("OAFM") (March 2016). Family Mediation Training. (April 2014)
• Harvard Law School Executive Education Program on Negotiations certificates: "Leveraging power of Emotions as You Negotiate" and "Negotiation and Leadership" (June 2016)
• Parenting coordinator Certificate (Dr. Barbara Jo Fidler Ph.D., Acc.FM.) (September 2016)
• Called to the Bar in Ontario, Canada as Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public (October 2004)
• National Educational Test (NET), national test for eligibility for a Lecturer, conducted by the University Grants Commission (UGC), India. (December 2000)
• Master of Laws - LL.M. (Constitutional Law) from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) Maharashtra, India. (March 1997)
• Called to the Bar (Advocate) with Bar Council of Maharashtra and Goa, INDIA (1995)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Certified Family Law Specialist – Family Law practitioner serving primarily in the area of Family Law and Family Mediation. (August 1, 2008-present)
• Member of the Legal Rights Panel of the Office of the Children's Lawyer (OCL), to provide independent legal representation to children in domestic and child protection litigation matters and ADR processes. (January 2018 to present)
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) for curriculum Review of Family Mediation Program at SCS, York University. (November 2021-present)
• Instructor for the Family Mediation program, SCS, York University (Assessing and Screening Domestic violence, Family Law, Family Relations, Advanced Mediation course) (April 2021 - present)
• Family Mediation practice: Roster Family Mediator for Peel Family Mediation Services, Brampton, (previously Roster mediator with Mediate393, Toronto), as part of MAG funded court – connected family mediation program. (March 2016 - present)
• Partner in the Law Firm MW Lawyers LLP. (May 2005-July 31, 2008)
• Associate, Law Office of Satwant Singh Khosla. (October 2004-May 2005)

Find Archana Medhekar on LinkedIn.