Madeleine Cleland
Associate
|
Toronto Sexual Abuse Lawyer
I am a fierce advocate for my clients. I pride myself on connecting and helping them through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
Areas of focus
Education
- Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2024)
- Juris Doctor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law (2020-2023)
- Honours Bachelor of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University (2016-2020)
MY WORK & EXPERIENCE
The law is a powerful tool to help survivors and victims, but I also know how confusing and intimidating it is. I am motivated to help my clients better understand and navigate the legal system and to, ultimately, get the justice that they deserve.
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- Associate Lawyer, Lerners LLP (2024 to present)
- Articled at Lerners LLP (2023-2024)
- Summer student, McCague Borlack LLP (2022)
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- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
- The Advocates’ Society
Insights From Madeleine
December 1, 2025
What If The Assault Happened When I Was A Kid?
December 1, 2025
What If I Didn’t Go To The Police?
December 1, 2025
What Can You Sue For?
Discussions of Case Law
September 8, 2026
Beyond Ahluwalia: Practical Considerations for Litigating IPV Claims
Drawing on recent Ontario cases, this article offers practical guidance on proving, pleading, and quantifying IPV claims.
Read More about Beyond Ahluwalia: Practical Considerations for Litigating IPV Claims
May 19, 2026
The New Tort of Intimate Partner Violence: A Landmark Decision of the Supreme Court of Canada Provides a Crucial Expansion of Civil Liability
In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court sets a new cause of action and a new way forward.
Read More about The New Tort of Intimate Partner Violence: A Landmark Decision of the Supreme Court of Canada Provides a Crucial Expansion of Civil Liability
November 11, 2025
Civil Jury Speaks: Historic Sex Abuse, Institutional Negligence, Ends With $2.3M Verdict In Evans v. CCAST
In her new blog, Civil Jury Speaks: Historic Sex Abuse, Institutional Negligence, Ends with $2.3M Verdict in Evans v. The Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Toronto et al., Madeleine Cleland examines the Court’s reasoning on punitive damages, joint and several liability, and the role of prejudgment interest in high-value cases.
Read More about Civil Jury Speaks: Historic Sex Abuse, Institutional Negligence, Ends With $2.3M Verdict In Evans v. CCAST
