Desiree Lessard

Desiree Lessard received her B.A (Honours) degree from Queen's University in Political Studies (International Law and Canadian Constitutional Law) in 1997. She then attended Osgoode Hall for her law degree and graduated in 2000. While attending Osgoode Hall, Desiree was an active participant in the community legal aid clinic and provided legal services, via CLASP, in the field of criminal law. She placed a heavy emphasis on administrative and constitutional law—in particular, Worker's Compensation issues—and breaches of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Desiree also studied a broad range of legal areas, including criminal, civil and corporate law while attending Osgoode. On March 26, 2002, Desiree was called to the Bar.

Articling with Howard C. Cohen, Desiree began her duties in August of 2000 as a litigation student lawyer, with particular emphasis on civil and criminal law. Her articles of clerkship involved heavy responsibilities and she had the opportunity to attend court very frequently and be exposed to complex litigation matters. Desiree was subsequently brought on board as a junior partner in Cohen, Sabsay LLP, when Howard Cohen and Lorne Sabsay established the firm in 2001.