Karen Kotansky

Karen's role at Gelman & Associates is akin to the maestro of an orchestra, ensuring every part of the firm's daily operations runs smoothly. Before her tenure with Gelman & Associates, Karen honed her skills at LawPRO, the professional liability arm of the Law Society of Ontario. There, her responsibilities included serving as the Secretary of the Board, fielding legal inquiries about insurance, and spearheading the Customer Service Department's inception. Under her leadership, the department thrived, managing over 100,000 calls and inquiries annually—a testament to her tireless work ethic and organizational prowess.

Yet, Karen's professional achievements only scratch the surface of her capabilities. While juggling her responsibilities at LawPRO, she collaborated closely with the Treasurer and Benchers of the Law Society, contributing to pivotal decisions impacting Ontario's legal landscape. Her efforts were instrumental in crafting the Professional Liability policy now governing over 25,000 Ontario lawyers—a monumental task that speaks volumes of her dedication and legal acumen.

Contrary to her own humble self-assessment, Karen's life is far from mundane. Beyond her professional commitments, she is a devoted mother to three children and the diligent General Manager of her son's hockey team, a role that demands as much finesse and coordination as her professional undertakings. Her ability to balance the needs of children and parents while managing game schedules, ice rink bookings, and tournaments is nothing short of remarkable. Additionally, her contribution as vice-president of the Hatikvah Chapter of Hadassah-WIZO showcases her commitment to philanthropy, further underscoring her multifaceted personality.

Karen's educational background includes a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, obtained in 1992, and a prior major in psychology. Although she no longer practices law, her deep understanding of legal dynamics and client relations significantly enhances the firm's handling of complex cases. Karen embodies the essence of a "get the job done" lawyer, equipped with an extensive knowledge base and an unparalleled capacity for organization. Gelman & Associates greatly benefits from Karen's organizational genius and legal insight, making her an indispensable asset to the team.