Elissa H. Gamus, B.A., LL.B.
Elissa has been practising law since 1990. She has focused her practice at Bortolussi Family Law on the negotiation and litigation of Family Law disputes and is Head of the Litigation Department at the firm. Elissa has experience at all levels of Court in Ontario.

Elissa’s clients appreciate her creativity, dedication and solid work ethic. She is a strong believer in applying an individualized approach to each client matter to reflect each client’s needs and goals. Elissa is highly results and goal oriented and uses her skills as an experienced negotiator and litigator to obtain the best possible results for her clients.

Elissa completed her Bachelor of Arts in Economics at York University in Toronto. Thereafter she received her Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1990. In addition to her full time practice of law, Elissa is also studying for her Masters in Law specializing in the area of Family Law at Osgoode Hall Law School.

Elissa began her career in private practice in 1990, working in the area of plaintiff Personal Injury before moving into Family Law in 1992. She uses the unique knowledge from her personal injury practice to assist Family Law clients where there are secondary issues related to personal injury and disability issues.

For those clients with children (parents, grandparents and siblings), she has significant experience in cases involving high conflict custody and access issues. Elissa has considerable experience in matters where her client or the opposing side has mental health issues and in cases involving physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Elissa was a Panel member of the Office of Children’s Lawyer, appointed to represent the interests of children. Elissa also brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding about financial issues related to child and spousal support and property.

Elissa has and continues to lecture to lawyers and law students as well as parents involved in the court process. Elissa has also served as an instructor at the Bar Admissions Course where she taught Family Law, Professional Responsibility and Civil Litigation.

Elissa maintains membership in key professional associations, including: the Law Society of Upper Canada, the York Region Law Association, the Peel Law Association, the Toronto Lawyers Association, the Canadian Italian Advocates Organization and the Women’s Law Association of Ontario (where she is Past President). She is on the Board of Directors of Osgoode Hall Law School Alumni Association and the York Region Law Association.

Elissa volunteers for charitable organizations including Alternatives (an organization established to assist adults with intellectual disabilities).

To discuss the possibility of retaining Elissa as your Family Law lawyer, she can be contacted at:

or by calling 416-987-3300 ext. 208