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OUR TEAM
We are ready to help you.
At Shankar Law Office we give you cost effective, individualized attention. We carefully review each case in detail and create a strategy to achieve your desired outcome. We pledge to give you the care you deserve, every step of the way.
RAM SHANKAR
Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public
After receiving my Masters of Law from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, I worked on humanitarian and development issues internationally for over 23 years. Since opening my practice in Owen Sound and Port Elgin, I have been a huge advocate for mediation and out of court settlements. I believe that many issues can be settled with a collaborative effort between lawyers and parties. Family, Criminal, Civil Litigation, Estates, Wills and Real Estate are just a few of the areas that round out my legal expertise, making me a versatile choice as a lawyer. I regularly practice in the Walkerton, Owen Sound, Goderich and Collingwood court houses, in the Ontario and Superior Courts of Justices. I am extremely committed to carefully LISTENING to each client's needs and fearlessly, zealously and effectively representing your needs to the Court by thorough preparation, research and presentation. I am passionate about my work, and to achieve results that YOU, the client, is happy with. I am extremely quick to respond to client communications and to ensure that you are stress free and feel confident about your case. I look forward to hearing from you.
SANDRA HARDING
Lawyer
226-256-8054 x 108
Sandra has over twenty years of legal experience with a strong criminal law background with focus on mental health. She obtained her law degree in the United States at Case Western Reserve University. Since returning to Canada in 2012, she has obtained extensive experience in administrative tribunals including the Social Security Tribunal, the Ontario Review tribunal, the Consent and Capacity tribunal and the Licensing Tribunal. In addition, Sandra has completed and obtained certificates in Administrative Tribunals from York University and Indigenous Studies from the University of Alberta. Sandra believes that all work must be done with compassion and competency. You can contact Sandra at sharding.shankarlaw@gmail.com.
MELISSA CRAWFORD
Lawyer
Owen Sound Office
226-256-8054 x 103
Melissa obtained her JD from Western University. She completed her articling placement with Mr. Shankar and is currently an Associate with Shankar Law Office. Before starting her legal career, Melissa worked in the health and physical performance field with Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services. She earned her Bachelor of Arts with honours and Master of Science in Kinesiology from York University. While she primarily practices criminal and family law, Melissa also assists our clients with wills and estates, civil litigation, and real estate. She looks forward to helping you with your legal matter and can be contacted at: mcrawford.shankarlaw@gmail.com.
VICKY-LYNNE HICKS
Office Manager
Owen Sound, Port Elgin & Wiarton Offices
226-256-8054 x 102
Vicky brings with her to Shankar Law over 25 plus years of Management experience. She is an exceptional team leader who actively works alongside the clerking staff to ensure that our clients receive the highest level of customer service. She expanded her management skills during her most recent employment as a District Manager with the Owen Sound Sun Times, overseeing a staff of 50. She is an advocate for the youth in our community and has demonstrated this in the past by serving as Secretary Director for Big Brothers of Owen Sound for over 13 years. During her tenure with Big Brothers she actively participated in many fundraising events, developing strong ties with a variety of members in our community. Vicky is a detail-oriented, computer-savvy administrative professional with versatile office management skills acquired through years of experience as an electrical contractor in the construction sector. You can contact Vicky at vhicks.shankarlaw@gmail.com
CRYSTAL BELL
Paralegal / Law Clerk
Owen Sound Office
226-256-8054 x 102
A licensed paralegal, extremely competent and hard working team member, Crystal completed her studies at Mohawk College in Hamilton and completed the paralegal licensing exam in 2017 . With Shankar Law Office, Crystal assists with Family, civil and criminal laws and will assist you with any paperwork under Mr. Shankar's guidance that is required in these areas. Crystal pays careful and close attention to the client's wishes and provides thorough follow up. You can contact Crystal at cbell.shankarlaw@gmail.com
IRENE COLLINS
Law Clerk
Port Elgin Office
226-256-8054 x 106
Irene completed the legal assistant program at Loyalist College in 2013 and began work as a Law Clerk soon after developing her skills in family, criminal and civil law, wills and estates and real estate law. Irene is detail oriented and is a very dedicated member of the team at Shankar Law Office. You can contact Irene by email at icollins.shankarlaw@gmail.com
MELANIE TURNER
Law Clerk
Port Elgin Office
226-256-8054 x 105
Melanie has an honours bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in philosophy from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Law from the University of London. Melanie has been working as a law clerk for over 10 years, with experience in areas of real estate, corporate, civil litigation, wills and estate and criminal law. With Shankar Law, Melanie assists with real estate, civil litigation, wills and estates. You can contact Melanie by email at mturner.shankarlaw@gmail.com
LORI HOUSTON
Law Clerk
Owen Sound Office
226-256-8054 x 104
Lori completed the Law Clerk program at Fanshawe College in 2004 and has been working as a law clerk since assisting in various areas of law including civil, criminal and family. At Shankar Law, Lori assists with family law matters and can be reached at lhouston.shankarlaw@gmail.com.
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ASHLEY MELCHERS
Law Clerk/Paralegal Student
Owen Sound Office
226-256-8054 x 107
Ashley completed the Paralegal Program through triOS College in 2022. She began working as a Law Clerk with Shankar Law Office thereafter developing her skills in family and criminal law. Ashley is organized and dedicated to helping our clients find the justice they seek. You can contact Ashley at amelchers.shankarlaw@gmail.com
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TERRA VAN VUGT
Office Assistant
Owen Sound Office
226-256-8054 x111
As your first point of contact at Shankar Law Office, Terra is an empathetic listener who strives to provide excellent client service each time she answers the phone or greets you in the Owen Sound Office. Terra will ensure your questions and concerns are heard, without judgement and directed to the appropriate law clerk, paralegal, Lawyer or manager here at Shankar Law Office. You can contact Terra by email at tvanvugt.shankarlaw@gmail.com
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
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