Who We Are

Jason Schmidt, Civil Litigation Lawyer
Jason A. Schmidt, H.B.A. J.D.

Jason A. Schmidt graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Political Science, and as a lawyer from Queen’s University with a Juris Doctor degree. While studying to become a lawyer, Jason was very involved volunteering with Queen’s Legal Aid. Jason articled in a Toronto litigation firm, following which he relocated to Port Hope to join what became Mann McCracken Bebee & Schmidt.

Jason is a lawyer with extensive experience in a broad range of civil litigation matters, and has appeared before the Superior Court, the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal, Small Claims Court, the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Human Rights Tribunal, the Labour Board, the Social Security Tribunal, and various professional disciplinary bodies.

Email Jason | Ext. 2000

Scott McCracken, B.A.Sc., J.D.
Scott McCracken, B.A.Sc., J.D.

Scott McCracken was born and raised in Northumberland County. Graduating from the University of Windsor in 2008 with his degree in Mechanical Engineering, Scott returned to Northumberland County to work with his family.

Scott attended Bond University in Australia in 2014 and obtained his Juris Doctor in December 2016, following which he worked at a local law firm. Scott is now an associate with Schmidt Law Legal Services with his main areas of focus being real estate law, wills/estate administration, employment law and business/ corporate law.

During his time in Northumberland County, Scott has developed a strong sense of community and is involved in many organizations in the area such as the Chamber of Commerce, Cobourg Rotary and the Northumberland United Way. Scott is always looking for ways to help his community and extend his network of contacts. Scott’s hobbies and interests include all sports, computers and working with vehicles.

Email Scott | Ext. 2400

Stefania Del Rizzo, Lawyer
Stefania Del Rizzo, Lawyer

Stefania Del Rizzo graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society before attending the University of Windsor where she obtained a Juris Doctor. While attending the University of Windsor, Stefania volunteered as a caseworker with the Legal Assistance of Windsor; assisting clients with a variety of matters before the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Social Benefits Tribunal and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.

After articling and practicing as a lawyer in Vaughan, Stefania is now an associate with Schmidt Law Legal Services*. She currently provides a broad range of civil litigation services in relation to personal injury, wills and estates, employment, and real estate matters. Stefania collaborates with clients to find the most effective and cost-effective solutions to their issues. Stefania’s hobbies and interests include board games, documentaries and illustration.

Email Stefania | Ext. 2100

Bridget Jokitalo, Lawyer
Bridget Jokitalo, Lawyer

Bridget is a proud resident of Northumberland County, having been born and raised in the area. She studied International Development at the University of Guelph, and completed her LLB at SouthBank University in London, England.

Bridget returned to Canada and practiced civil litigation and provincial prosecutions in Sudbury, ON, before returning to Cobourg to practice in family law and general solicitor’s practice. Bridget practiced in Peterborough as counsel for the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society.

Bridget joined Schmidt Law* in 2021, practicing in the areas of family law, civil litigation, estates and real estate. Bridget relies on her significant experience to provide her clients practical and helpful advice while navigating the court system.

Bridget travelled extensively throughout her youth and has significant experience in volunteering for communities locally and abroad.

Email Bridget | Ext. 2200

Jennifer Weeks, Lawyer at Schmidt Law Legal Services
Jennifer Weeks, Lawyer

Jennifer C. Weeks graduated from York University with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Before attending law school, Jennifer obtained her Paralegal Graduate Certificate from Durham College and worked as a licensed Paralegal at a local legal clinic and a large real estate brokerage. In 2019, Jennifer was the Bronze Scholar of her graduating class at Queen’s University Faculty of Law graduating with a Juris Doctor degree.

After obtaining her Law degree, Jennifer worked at a local law firm and large real estate software company. Jennifer is now an associate at Schmidt Law Legal Services* with a focus on providing exceptional customer service while assisting clients with their real estate and will drafting/estate planning needs.

Jennifer is a proud Maritimer and since moving to Northumberland County has found a passion for being involved in her community. Jennifer is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Help and Legal Centre of Northumberland and an organizer of the annual HoHo NoCo Holiday charity event. She has previously acted as a volunteer for many other organizations and events such as the Alzheimer’s Society of Durham Region, Queen’s Law Cancer Society, Durham College Paralegal Students’ Association as well as the annual Osgoode Cup Mooting Competition. Jennifer’s hobbies include cheering on her favourite sports teams, knitting, reading and spending time with her family.

Email Jennifer | Ext. 4100

Teresa Williams, Paralegal
Teresa Williams, Paralegal

Teresa Williams graduated from Richmond School of Commerce with an Honours Paralegal Diploma.  Born and raised in Northumberland County, Teresa joined the military and left the region for a time.  She was a Director on several non-profit boards in the GTA.  She also had a brief stint in politics before returning to Northumberland County.  On return, Teresa continued to volunteer on boards and with youth groups.  She currently sits on the Board of Directors of the Northumberland County Law Association.

Teresa has practiced law in the broader public sector for nearly twenty years.  She has experience before several provincial and federal boards and tribunals as well as the Small Claims Court.  She has handled matters before the Canadian Industrial Relations Board, Social Security Tribunal, Health Services Appeal and Review Board, Consent and Capacity Board, Landlord and Tenant Board, among others.

Teresa joined Schmidt Law Legal Services* in 2021 and practices before the Small Claims Court, including contract disputes, employment law and personal injury.  She also practices before many boards and tribunals including the Landlord and Tenant Board, Ontario Labour Relations Board and Ontario Human Rights Tribunal.

Email Teresa | Ext. 2250

Stefanie Carmichael, Law Clerk at Schmidt Law Legal Services
Stefanie Carmichael, Law Clerk

Stefanie Carmichael is a Northumberland County native who holds a dual diploma in Paralegal/Law Clerk from Sir Sandford Fleming College. Stefanie worked for a few local law firms before joining Schmidt Law and has an extensive background in customer service

Email Stefanie

Alison Herron, Law Clerk
Alison Herron, Law Clerk

Alison Herron is a Cobourg native who holds a Legal Administration/Law Clerk designation from Durham College.

Alison worked in a large Toronto firm for several years before returning to her home town to join Mann McCracken Bebee & Schmidt, and subsequently Schmidt Law Legal Services*.

Email Alison | Ext. 2050

Petroula Palalas, Administration
Petroula Palalas, Administration

Petroula is a new resident of Northumberland County and is excited to be a part of our growing team. She holds a BAA in Urban and Regional Planning from Ryerson University. She has worked in various capacities throughout her career bringing with her over 30 years of exceptional customer service and administrative experience.

Email Petroula

Sandy Stanesic-LaHaye, Law Clerk at Schmidt Law Legal Services
Sandy Stanesic-LaHaye, Law Clerk

Sandy Stanesic-LaHaye is newer resident to Port Hope, with a recent career change having gone back to school to complete the Law Clerk Program, with honours, from Trillium College.

Sandy worked as a Family Law Clerk for a few law firms before joining Schmidt Law Legal Services*, and has an extensive background in marketing, graphic design, and customer service.

Email Sandy | Ext. 2300

Olga Tryfonova, Law Clerk
Olga Tryfonova, Law Clerk

Olga Tryfanova holds an Interpreter/Translator certificate the Ukrainian Institute of Information Technologies and speaks 4 languages.

Having worked in different areas of law in Ukraine and then in Canada, Olga recently studied real estate law at the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario. She joins Schmidt Law Legal Services* with many years of exceptional customer service.

Email Olga | Ext. 2150

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