Ellen Bessner

Ellen Bessner, a seasoned commercial litigator, has built an impressive career with her forthright approach and practical guidance. With a quarter-century of experience on Bay Street, notably at prestigious law firms like Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Gowling WLG, Ellen transitioned to Babin Bessner Spry LLP in 2014. Here, she excels in a spectrum of legal arenas, including commercial and securities litigation, employment disputes, insurance defense, and a host of other areas. Her expertise is frequently sought by corporate boards and high-ranking officials seeking advice on compliance matters.

Ellen's legal acumen has led her to advocate successfully across all levels of Ontario's judicial landscape and in various arbitration and regulatory settings. Her engagements have spanned the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO), Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), and the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), to name a few.

As an author, Ellen has penned the widely acclaimed "Advisor at Risk: a roadmap to protecting your business" and its follow-up, "Communication Risk: how to bridge the client-advisor gap to protect and grow your business." These publications have become essential risk management resources within the financial services sector, showcasing Ellen's profound understanding of the industry's intricacies.

Ellen's prowess as a communicator extends beyond writing. She is a sought-after public speaker, offering her insights across Canada to a diverse audience that includes C-suite executives, boards, and regulated professionals. Her workshops and seminars, rich in content on liability, ethics, and compliance, aim to equip professionals with the knowledge to mitigate litigation and regulatory risks.

In 2016, Ellen's expertise was further acknowledged through her appointment to the OSC’s Seniors Expert Advisory Committee, and she also serves on the board of Embark Student Corp, reflecting her commitment to community and professional development.

Benchmark Litigation has recognized Ellen as a litigation star, a testament to her standing in the legal community.

Ellen's dedication to education and compliance extends to her published work and training materials. She has traversed Canada, offering her expertise on law and compliance to myriad clients in major cities. Her training, often linked to her bestseller "Advisor at Risk," is tailored to guide advisors, agents, and dealers in managing their practices effectively to avoid legal and regulatory pitfalls. Ellen's suite of online training modules complements her in-depth books, providing accessible and comprehensive risk management strategies.

Her publications, including workbooks, cheat sheets, and investor guides, alongside podcasts and audio interviews, serve as invaluable tools for professionals navigating the complex landscape of client relations, risk management, and compliance. Ellen Bessner's contributions to the legal and financial services sectors underscore her role as a pivotal figure in advocating for best practices, ethical standards, and informed compliance strategies.