Gavriel Swayze joined Lewis & Associates LLP in June 2023, having been called to the bar a year prior.
Gavriel obtained an Baccalauréat ès sciences sociales spécialisé approfondi en science politique from the University of Ottawa, having taken great interest in global political events and how they impact people. Gavriel then studied and obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa’s French Common Law program.
He is certified to practice and appear in front of courts and tribunals in both official languages. In addition, Gavriel is multilingual — he speaks English, French, and Hebrew, and he can converse in Arabic and Spanish. Not just satisfied with those, he is learning a number of other languages at present!
Gavriel’s practice at Lewis & Associates LLP has mostly focussed on Latin American clients, though he is also helping many clients from the global Francophonie seeking refuge in another, safer, French-speaking country.
Prior to joining Lewis & Associates LLP, Gavriel practiced law in complex civil litigation matters, including international fraud matters and judicial review cases in niche areas.
While in law school, Gavriel’s studies in international human rights law at the Universidad Central de Chile in Santiago, Chile, furthered his interest in complicated political and human rights issues and how they intersect with both local and international laws.
Gavriel was also a member of the Intercultural Dialogue Institute all throughout university, eventually becoming its president. This group allowed for people across the world to share their cultures and experiences with others, many student members being immigrants or refugees or being only first-generation Canadian. Gavriel is a second-generation Canadian and is thrilled to be able to assist refugees and immigrants wanting to make their lives in Canada.
Aside from practicing law, Gavriel is an avid foodie (cook and mixologist), a member of the prestigious Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, and a martial artist, having a black belt in karate and currently learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, and Krav Maga.
