TEAM
ENTERPRISING LEGAL MINDS FOR YOUR BUSINESS.
Meet our experienced team of Legal Professionals
DARLENE TONELLI
Darlene founded Inter Alia Law to bring the expertise of seasoned in-house counsel to companies with either no in-house lawyer, or an overburdened legal department. She recruits lawyers used to working as part of a business team, and who understand how to get agreements closed while managing risk. LEARN MORE.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Universal Music
EDUCATION:
- University of Toronto, LL.B
- University of Calgary, B.A. (Hons)
Darlene has recently been recognized with a 2026 Best Lawyers® in Canada Award.
MICHAEL HILLIARD
Michael is a technology lawyer who advises companies ranging from start-ups to global industry leaders on legal and regulatory matters.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Microsoft
EDUCATION:
- University of Toronto, LL.B
- Queen’s University, B.A. (Hons)
Michael has recently been recognized with a 2026 Best Lawyers® in Canada Award.
RICHARD WILKS
Richard has more than 20 years of experience in commercial drafting and negotiations. He takes a business-focused approach to get the deal done.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Shaw Media
EDUCATION
- University of Arizona/Thunderbird, M.B.A.
- University of Western Ontario, B.A., LL.B
MIKE ANDERSON
Mike is a lawyer for creatives, innovators, and do-gooders. He provides innovative legal services to sports and entertainment companies, musicians, creators, start-ups, not-for-profits, and charities.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: ME to WE
EDUCATION
- University of Ottawa, B.A., J.D.
DUNIA EL-JAWHARI
Dunia is an experienced in-house counsel with a background in corporate and securities law. She provides practical legal advice, with a business-focused approach.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Sherritt International Corporation
EDUCATION
- University of Windsor, LL.B
- University of Toronto, B.A. – French and Spanish language and literature
CHRIS SANZ
Chris is an experienced commercial, technology and cannabis lawyer. He takes a business focused approach to his practice. Chris integrates well with both large multi-national companies and start-ups.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Bank of Montreal, The Supreme Cannabis Company Inc.
EDUCATION
- Osgoode Hall, LL.B
- University of Waterloo, B.Sc.
ROWAN ALLEYNE
Rowan is a licensed Paralegal with more than 16 years’ experience drafting and negotiating agreements in a fast paced environment.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Universal Music
EDUCATION
- Canadian Business College, Paralegal Diploma
ANNA PENNINO
Anna is an experienced General Counsel in the technology space. She is driven by efficiency and a relationship-based approach to achieving her clients’ business objectives.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: SAS, Think Research
EDUCATION
- Harvard University, Master in Management
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Common Law (LL.B)
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Law, Civil Law (LL.L)
SARA LAZER
Sara is an experienced media, entertainment and commercial lawyer who provides exemplary legal and regulatory advice to public and private companies.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: WildBrain (formerly DHX Media), Astral Media and Bell Media
EDUCATION
- Schulich School of Law, Dalhousie University, J.D.
- McGill University, B.A.
STEVEN CHOI
Steven brings high level experience from one of Canada’s fastest growing startups, big firm training, and major skills as a team player to his clients in the tech space.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Flipp Corporation
EDUCATION
- McMaster University, C. Dir.
- University of Ottawa, LL.B
- University of Waterloo, B.A.Sc., Computer Engineering
MARINA FAHEIM
Marina is a skilled commercial and technology lawyer, having advised a range of clients in private practice and in-house. Marina prioritizes practical and actionable legal guidance to help clients achieve their goals. Marina recently earned the Certified Information Privacy Professional/Canada (CIPP/C) certification.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Honda Canada, PricewaterhouseCoopers
EDUCATION
- Western University, J.D.
- DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, B. Comm. (Hons)
TOM REAUME
Tom is an experienced technology lawyer, with over 25 years of experience in the tech sector. Tom provides practical, timely and risk-tuned advice to companies ranging from start-ups, to venture/private equity backed and public technology companies. Tom has a great deal of experience advising and assisting his technology vendor clients to close strategic partner and customer agreements with large global companies. Tom also represents clients in connection with their acquisition of strategic technology. He is appreciated for his responsiveness, regular communication and commitment to meeting and often exceeding expectations in terms of both quality of work product and timing.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: General Counsel, ObjecTime Limited
EDUCATION
- University of Windsor, LL.B
- Wilfrid Laurier University, Bachelor of Business Administration
Tom has recently been recognized as a 2026 Lawyer of the Year in Ottawa by Best Lawyers®, in addition to being recognized with a 2026 Best Lawyers® in Canada Award.
FRANCISCA SINN
Francisca has built her 25+ year legal career on two steadfast principles – finding the most interesting work, and delivering excellence. Her determination to meet her clients’ needs fuels her business-forward approach, and her genuine curiosity for learning about new people and projects keeps it interesting.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Virgin Mobile Canada / Virgin Gaming
EDUCATION
-
University of Western Ontario, LL.B.
-
University of Western Ontario, B.A., Political Science and Economics
RODGER MADDEN
Rodger is a strategic legal advisor with deep experience in technology, telecom, and commercial law. He helps growth-minded businesses close complex deals, manage risk, and scale with confidence. Known for practical judgment, business alignment, and a collaborative approach that empowers clients to move fast while staying protected.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: TELUS Communications
EDUCATION
- University of Toronto, LL.B.
- McGill University, B.A. (Hons)
ERIN EIZENMAN
Erin is a seasoned commercial, technology and entertainment lawyer who believes that there is a practical solution to even the most complex legal problem. Erin’s experiences with diverse industries and with innovative projects allow her to understand her client’s unique business objectives and how to best support her client in achieving them. Erin also has expertise in governance and in legal operations having built practical solutions in-house.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE:
- General Counsel, MaRS Discovery District
- Senior Legal Counsel, Bell Media
EDUCATION
- University of Toronto, JD
- University of Calgary, BA with Distinction in Philosophy
DAN FURST
Dan is an experienced technology lawyer and certified information and privacy professional, with a record of success in counsel to, operations, management and governance of technology focused corporate functions and entities.
IN-HOUSE EXPERIENCE: Suncor Energy (as counsel and director of enterprise privacy), MNP Digital (as counsel), Platform Calgary (as director), Foresight Canada (as executive in residence)
EDUCATION
- Osgoode Hall Law School, LL.B.
- McGill University, B.A.
- CIPP/C (Certified Information Privacy Professional/ Canada)
All Inter Alia lawyers practice in association with Darlene Tonelli Professional Corporation. We are not partners in a law firm and are only liable for the legal advice we each provide to our clients, and not for the actions of other lawyers in the association.