OUR CLA TEAM
ACTING CLINIC DIRECTOR and REVIEW COUNSEL
Harpreet Burmy, B.Sc., L.L.B and J.D., Barrister-at-law
Harpreet Burmy is a dedicated legal professional committed to serving her legal community. With extensive experience as a practitioner and educator, she has made consistent contributions to family law and access to justice. As an alumna of Windsor Law, Harpreet remained closely connected to the university. During her law school years, she volunteered at CLA, gaining experience as a caseworker, senior caseworker and group leader. This early exposure instilled in her empathy and a strong desire to advocate for marginalized individuals and families. After earning her joint Canadian and US law degrees, Harpreet practiced in Family Law, Civil, and Estate Litigation. Her private practice experience honed her legal skills and deepened her understanding of the complexities of these practice areas. Harpreet joined CLA as Review Counsel in 2014. She played a crucial role in developing the Family Law Practice Program at CLA, developing the academic curriculum and liaising with various stakeholders, community partners and the bench to permit law students to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice. As Acting Clinic Director at CLA, Harpreet ensures the clinic provides essential services to the community while preparing future lawyers for client centered practice. Harpreet taught as a sessional instructor at St. Clair College and the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. As Acting Clinic Director and a legal educator, she ensures that CLA continues to remain a central hub for legal education and community service.
REVIEW COUNSEL
Lilian Bahgat, BSc. JD, Barrister-at-law
Lilian joined CLA as Review Counsel in 2015. She oversees CLA's civil practice and established the employment, consumer protection and elder law practice areas. Lilian’s practice always revolved around advocating for the vulnerable members of the community. Prior to joining CLA, Lilian primarily practised in the areas of civil, employment, estate and elder abuse litigation. She is passionate about advocating for the rights of the elderly. She holds a certificate in Elder Law from Osgoode Law School and is a member of the Windsor-Essex Elder Abuse Prevention & Resource Network. Lilian also conducted research on the topics of battered wife syndrome, patient rights and elder abuse. Beyond her legal practice, Lilian is a passionate educator,having taught as course instructor at the Elder College, and a sessional instructor at St. Clair College and Windsor law. She is also an Open Learning Digital Fluency Fellow. Lilian currently serves as a board member on the Association for Canadian Clinical Legal Education and is an appointed Board Trustee for the John McGivney Children's Centre School Authority.
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Maryna Gorge, Law Clerk and Receptionist
Maryna is a recent Paralegal Graduate from St. Clair College, and she is currently in the process of obtaining her P1 License. She enjoys her role at CLA as it offers her the opportunity to serve the community of Windsor-Essex County and low-income individuals and families to ensure they receive fair, equal assistance.