ABOUT US
Ruso & Associates is a boutique family law firm in the Greater Toronto Area with offices in Richmond Hill and Oakville. The firm was established in 2009, by founder and Partner, Vincenzo Ruso. Since then, we have represented over 2000 clients, each with their own unique story, matter and needs. With over a decade of experience, Ruso & Associates has the legal team, network and resources to resolve all types of family law disputes, so that our clients are ensured to receive the legal advice and representation they need. Our lawyers provide high quality legal services with integrity and resolve your matters as quickly, effectively and financially efficient as possible, whether we are negotiating a settlement or, whether we are in court addressing contested issues between parties. Ruso and Associates is committed to a transparent legal process in crafting personalized solutions to complex and stressful problems through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and where necessary, litigation. We understand that family matters are among the most difficult and intimate issues in our clients’ lives and are committed above all else in going above and beyond in ensuring we make ourselves available to our clients beyond the hours of 9-5.
OUR TEAM
Vincenzo Ruso – Founder & Managing Partner
Vincenzo received his undergraduate degree from York University and earned his law degree from the University of Ottawa. Vince is a family lawyer and the founder of Ruso & Associates. He practices on areas solely dedicated to family law. He regularly represents clients before arbitrations, mediations, the Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice. During his undergraduate and law school years, Vincenzo participated in political campaigns and has regularly participated in Policy Advisory Committees for several political parties to assist with drafting provincial legislation.
Vince’s primary focus is on ensuring that families in transition navigate through this difficult process with the tools they require. Vince prides himself on being readily available to all clients, ensuring that he or members of his staff are always accessible. Vincenzo’s dedication and commitment to his clients has shaped Ruso & Associates and is the founding pillar of the firm’s mandate.
Michael Bruno – Associate Lawyer
Michael is an Associate Lawyer at Ruso and Associates. In 2010 He completed a Joint Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at the University of Ottawa. He then went on to complete a Master’s Degree in History at the University of Ottawa in 2012 before earning his Law Degree from Queen’s University in 2017. While attending Queen’s, Michael also obtained a Certificate in International Public Law from the Bader International Study Centre in the United Kingdom.
Michael practices in all areas of family law, with a particular focus on high conflict custody and access disputes, complex property and equalization issues, child and spousal support and domestic contracts. A focused and pragmatic advocate, Mike is skilled at breaking down the complexities of the family law process. His composure puts clients at ease in high pressure situations. He is particularly effective in defusing tension and setting realistic expectations for clients. Michael is excellent at providing solution-oriented, honest and direct advice.
In his spare time, Michael enjoys spending time with his spouse and loved ones, watching hockey, and walking Lolita – his 9-year-old Brittany Spaniel.
Erica Morassutti – Associate Lawyer
Erica received her Bachelor of Arts in Art History from McGill University and her J.D. from Queen’s University. Erica excelled in law school, where she won course prizes in Information Privacy and the Children’s Law Placement, coached the Walsh Family Law Appellate Moot and worked as a family law research assistant for Professor Mary Jane Mossman. Erica also volunteered in the Queen’s Prison Law Clinic, where she represented federal inmates in disciplinary court proceedings and specialized in domestic violence cases. Before joining Ruso & Associates, Erica summered and articled at a prominent family law firm in downtown Toronto.
Erica maintains a diverse family practice, including high-conflict parenting disputes, complex property division, support matters and domestic contracts. She has appeared in the Ontario Court of Justice and Ontario Superior Court of Justice and has assisted in cases before the Court of Appeal.
Clients appreciate Erica’s responsiveness and commitment to their cases. Persistent and precise in her approach, Erica is an energetic advocate who can guide clients through the court process and persuasively articulate their positions to ensure their rights are protected.
In her free time, Erica enjoys downhill skiing, art exhibitions and any film with an Ennio Morricone soundtrack.
Daniel Broadus – Associate Lawyer
Daniel completed his undergraduate degree at Laurier University, with a BA in Philosophy in 2016 and earned his law degree from Queen’s University, Faculty of Law, in 2019. After articling in the Litigation Services department at the Law Society of Ontario, he was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020. He is developing a broad practice in family and matrimonial law and is dedicated to client service. Daniel is extremely detail oriented and is particularly skilled at articulating complex and difficult legal issues to clients.
Outside of work, Daniel is an avid road cyclist and an average home cook. He loves a good story, and enjoys them equally well in novels, movies and video games. He also serves as a youth leader at his church.
Karin Salomon – Senior Law Clerk
Karin is the senior law clerk at Ruso & Associates and has been with the firm for nearly a decade. Karin completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science at York University, with a double major in Psychology and a Certificate in Law and Society. Karin subsequently completed Seneca College’s Accelerated Law Clerk Program, receiving her Law Clerk Diploma and Certificate from the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario.
Karin has a thorough and seasoned understanding of Ontario’s family law practice, and Family Law Rules as well as the Ontario Courts system. Karin plays a critical role in preparing court documents, anticipating potential challenges, and ensuring the firm’s day to day operations run smoothly and efficiently. She understands the importance of maintaining a client-oriented, detail oriented and organized practice. She is extremely personable, charismatic and empathetic, helping clients feel comfortable and taken care of during difficult legal processes.
When she’s not working, Karin enjoys spending time with her spouse and children, going on hikes, and kickboxing.
Gabriela Mejia – Junior Law Clerk
Gabriela is the junior law clerk at Ruso & Associates. She completed her Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in political science at the University of Toronto in 2017, and her Master’s in Public and International Affairs at York University in 2020.
Gabriela serves as liaison between the firm and its clients, ensuring they are up to date with their matters and the legal process. She assists in the preparation of court documents and conducts research for matter-specific challenges that may arise. She also conducts day to day administrative tasks for the firm.
In her free time, Gabriela enjoys keeping up to date on politics, working out and spending time with friends and family.