Valerie Sedlezky

Valerie is a member of the firm’s Not-for-Profit & Charities Group.

In her practice, Valerie works with a diverse range of clients, including public and private foundations, charitable organizations and non-profits, both in Canada and internationally. She services clients in a broad range of sectors, including health, long-term care, education, religion, recreation, community and social services, and industry associations.

At the outset of each mandate, Valerie familiarizes herself with clients’ individual circumstances, and the sector in which they operate. She leverages her own resourcefulness and attention to detail to provide legal and strategic advice to clients. Valerie regularly assists clients with incorporation, obtaining and maintaining charitable registration, governance matters, including drafting and interpreting by-laws and policies, fiduciary duties of directors, directors’ and officers’ liability, member and director disputes, preparing donation agreements, drafting and negotiating contracts, mergers, and winding up and dissolutions. She also advises clients on regulatory compliance and risk management matters, such as carrying out activities abroad, charitable gifting, fundraising, conflicts of interest and investments.

Valerie developed a passion for charities and not-for-profits at law school, where she devoted many hours to Osgoode Hall Law School’s Pro Bono Students Canada chapter, the largest in Canada. Her leadership in this chapter gave her exceptional insight and a unique perspective into the nuances and intricacies of the sector, enhancing her ability to understand clients and the strategies she needs to apply as their advocate to help them achieve their objectives.

In recognition of Valerie’s exceptional leadership, mentorship and contributions to Osgoode Hall Law School, Valerie received the Dean’s Gold Key Award.