End-of-Life Decision Making: MAiD and Estate Planning
Lawyers and medical professionals involved in end-of-life decision-making face significant challenges, including navigating the evolving landscape of medically assisted deaths (MAiD), addressing sensitive family dynamics, and ensuring legal compliance in estate planning. They must stay up-to-date on rapidly changing legislation, assess client capacity during emotionally charged moments, and manage conflicts that arise between family members and substitute decision-makers. Ensuring that client wishes are legally sound and ethically upheld adds further complexity to this critical area of law.
This program equips legal professionals with the tools to address these concerns head-on. Participants will learn to interpret evolving MAID legislation, assess capacity under various legal standards, and manage intricate family disputes with confidence. The course highlights interdisciplinary collaboration with medical professionals and palliative care teams, providing practical guidance on drafting powers of attorney and other key legal documents. By the end of the program, lawyers will be better prepared to advise clients on end-of-life matters, ensuring their wishes are respected in both legal and ethical terms.
Melanie’s experience extends to corporate/commercial litigation, and she also serves as a third-party mediator in complex estates disputes. In addition to her practice, Melanie is a frequent speaker and writer on estates and trusts topics, presenting at programs for professional bodies such as the Law Society of Ontario, the Ontario Bar Association, and The Advocates' Society. She has served as editor and contributor to Key Developments in Trusts and Estates Law, published annually by Canada Law Book. Melanie is active in the community, serving as a director of the Benefaction Foundation and as a past advisor to the Toronto Council on Aging.
Resa Eisen, Marathon Mediation
Resa Eisen is a seasoned mediator and co-founder of Marathon Mediation, specializing in family dynamics and conflict resolution. With over 35 years of experience, she has facilitated numerous mediations, helping families navigate complex end-of-life planning and estate disputes. Resa holds a Master of Social Work and has contributed extensively to the development of mediation practices in Canada. She is a frequent speaker and trainer on topics related to mediation and family conflict.
Dr. Elie Isenberg-Grzeda, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Elie Isenberg-Grzeda is an Assistant Professor specializing in Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. He focuses on the intersection of psychiatry and complex medical conditions, providing expertise in assessing patients' mental health in medical and surgical settings. Dr. Isenberg-Grzeda is actively involved in research and education, contributing to the understanding of psychiatric care in medically ill populations.
Zohar Levy, Lundy Levy Eski Baum
Zohar Levy is a civil litigator at Lundy Levy Eski Baum, specializing in commercial litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and professional negligence. She has extensive experience in health, technology, and intellectual property disputes, representing clients before all levels of court, including the Supreme Court of Canada. Zohar is a Board Member of MAiDHouse and actively engages in advocacy work, including representing organizations such as the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. She is recognized nationally by Best Lawyers, Chambers and Lexpert.
Brittany Miller, Goddard Gamage LLP
Brittany Miller is a Partner at Goddard Gamage LLP, specializing in trusts and estates law. Brittany began her career at a commercial boutique firm in Toronto, gaining experience in litigation and dispute resolution. She joined Goddard Gamage LLP to focus on estate administration and estate planning, guiding clients through complex legal processes. Brittany has been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada 2025 for her work in trusts and estates. She is an active member of the Ontario Bar Association, The Advocates' Society, and holds the Trusts and Estates Practitioner designation from the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners. Brittany also contributes to the firm's blog, discussing topics related to elder law and estate planning.
Aleida Prinzen, O’Sullivan Estate Lawyers
Aleida Prinzen is an associate lawyer at O’Sullivan Estate Lawyers in Toronto, where she maintains a broad practice in estate and trust law, including estate planning, estate administration, and dispute resolution, and regularly advises executors, trustees, attorneys, and guardians on their duties and obligations. Prior to joining O’Sullivan Estate Lawyers, Aleida practiced at a leading estate litigation boutique firm, where she worked on complex litigation matters including will challenges, guardianship applications, passings of accounts, and dependants’ relief claims. Aleida completed her articles as a Judicial Law Clerk at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, where she assisted trial judges in a wide variety of family, civil and estates law matters.
Margaret O'Sullivan, O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers LLP
Margaret O'Sullivan is the managing partner of O'Sullivan Estate Lawyers LLP, specializing in trust and estate law for both domestic and international clients. With over 40 years of experience, she focuses on estate planning, administration, and litigation, including cross-border and multijurisdictional succession issues. Margaret is recognized as a Band 1 leading private wealth lawyer in Chambers High Net Worth 2024 Guide – Canada and has been featured in The Best Lawyers in Canada 2024 for Trusts and Estates. She is a founding member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (Canada) and former Deputy Chair at both the Canadian and Worldwide levels. She received the Ontario Bar Association's Award of Excellence in Trusts and Estates Law. Before establishing her firm, Margaret was a partner at Stikeman Elliott, directing the firm's trusts and estates practice.
Dr. Damian Rzeznikiewiz, MD, CCFP, CAMAP
Dr. Damian Rzeznikiewiz is a Toronto-based family physician practicing primarily in the areas of substance use disorders and MAID. He has been helping patients and their families with MAID needs since 2017. As a member of the Canadian Association of MAID Assessors and Providers, he is actively involved in delivering the Canadian MAID Curriculum. Damian mentors healthcare providers throughout Ontario, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers, as part of an effort to build MAID-related capacities that better serve communities.
