About
Ryan Osbourne
I am a settlement oriented collaborative family lawyer and Accredited Family Mediator.
Collaborative is also a state of mind for me. It means that no matter what, we work together to keep the focus on the things that are important to you. It means we work with other people, parties, and professionals in a respectful manner. It means that we acknowledge and work with the deeply personal aspects of your situation in order to move forward. And yes, sometimes it means giving a little to get a little or checking our ego at the door.
No offense to my colleagues – but the best compliment I get is when people tell me they are surprised I am a lawyer. Don’t get me wrong – I am good at the law – but I my real strength is working with the person behind the client. I want to get to know people, help them feel comfortable while dealing with a crappy situation, and maybe bond over a laugh while we do it. I don’t judge or tell you what to do. I just try to help you get where you need to go as painlessly as possible.
My approach is customizable, efficient, and practical – because I don’t want to do any more work than I have to either. I also work within budgets and flat fee arrangements whenever possible. Hopefully this makes dealing with your situation more predictable and less stressful and time consuming.
Prior to starting Osbourne Collaborative Law in 2020, I was a full-time litigation lawyer in downtown Toronto. Feel free to ask me why I left that life behind! I have also spent time as an insurance broker and competitive athlete, among other things. More recently, I’ve gotten into writing, cats, and cooking. Yes these interests really took off during COVID lockdowns.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor, Osgoode Hall law School
- Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
- Trained in Collaborative Family Law
- Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM)
647.933.2739
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Sean Valentine
I am experienced in resolving complex legal matters collaboratively.
I earned my law degrees from Windsor Law and the University of Detroit Mercy, and began my legal career in 2015 as a litigator with several of the Toronto area’s leading specialty firms. My early work in litigation sharpened my skills in navigating complex legal relationships and strengthened my ability to strategically advocate for clients in court.
Over time, I chose to transition my practice to Family Law, where I now focus on a more modern, client-centered approach. I recognize the value of resolving disputes outside of court whenever possible and have pursued training in Collaborative Law. I am also an Accredited Family Law Mediator.
My practice spans a broad range of family law issues, including parental responsibility, support, and property division. I bring particular strength in contract negotiation and dispute resolution, always with a genuine focus on helping clients and their families through difficult transitions. I’ve appeared at all levels of court, including the Ontario Court of Appeal, and I’m committed to helping each client find a resolution that fits their unique situation.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing baseball, golf, and disc golf, walking my dog, spending time with my family, and exploring new restaurants across the GTA.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor, University of Windsor and University of Detroit Mercy
- Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
- Trained in Collaborative Law
- Accredited Family Mediator (AccFM)
- Member of the York Region Law Association
647.933.9061
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Joshua Schachnow
I am a family law lawyer with a focus on litigation.
I was born and raised in Ottawa and while I spent most of my early years practicing immigration law, I now work exclusively on family law files. I am highly organized and detail-oriented, ensuring that every aspect of a client’s case is managed efficiently and strategically. I primarily provide litigation services and I am a strong advocate in both written and verbal argument. While I support fair and reasonable resolution where possible, I am fully prepared to proceed through the courts when necessary, always prioritizing clear communication and client-focused service throughout the process.
I have also founded a legal tech company focused on helping law firms operate more efficiently, am active on LinkedIn where I have over 19,000 followers and am an avid blogger. In my spare time, I enjoy playing sports, reading (business, personal development and fantasy) and cooking for my wife and baby girl.
Qualifications:
- Juris Doctor, University of Western Ontario
- Licensed by the Law Society of Ontario
437.567.2054
Kelsey Whitney
I am a dedicated and detail-oriented law clerk with over a decade of experience, specializing in family law.
Since graduating from the Law Clerk program at Seneca College in 2012, I have had the privilege of supporting clients and legal teams with compassion, professionalism, and precision.
Family law can be emotional and complex, and I am here to help make the process smoother and less overwhelming. Whether it’s preparing Agreements, financials, court documents, organizing case files, or guiding clients through each step, I approach every task with care, respect, and a commitment to clear communication.
When I’m not at the office, I love spending time with my family, whether we’re at home, at the ball diamond, or cheering at the racetrack. I believe in building strong relationships both personally and professionally, and I bring that same commitment to each of my clients.
647.933.0176
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Lauren Thomlison
I am an articling student and Accredited Family Mediator with a passion for helping families find the right path forward.
I help families navigate some of life’s most significant transitions, as an articling student, an Accredited Family Mediator, and someone who has sat across the table from families in their hardest moments.
At Osbourne Valentine, I work alongside the firm’s lawyers across the full spectrum of family law matters, from pre-marriage contracts and negotiation through to collaborative practice, mediation, and litigation. No two families are the same, and no two files should be handled the same way. I’m committed to developing the skills each area demands, because I believe the best outcomes come from building the right strategy for each unique situation, not defaulting to a single approach.
I hold dual LLMs from Osgoode Hall Law School in Alternative Dispute Resolution and Canadian Common Law, and an LLB from the University of Law in London. My academic path reflects what I genuinely believe: that thoughtful, well-informed legal support, whether at the negotiating table or before a court, produces better outcomes for families.
My path to articling has been anything but conventional. Before joining Osbourne Valentine, I worked as a court clerk with the Ontario Court of Justice, where I developed a deep appreciation for how the legal system operates from the inside. That foundation led me to build a mediation practice, now operating under Osbourne Valentine, and to the classroom, where I continue to teach in York University’s Family Mediation program, helping train the next generation of family mediators.
I understand that family law is rarely just a legal problem. It’s a life transition. I know this because I’ve sat across the table from families in some of their hardest moments, as a mediator long before I was a lawyer candidate. My goal is simple: to make sure every client feels informed, supported, and in control of what comes next.
Outside of work, I’m an avid reader, play rec volleyball and softball, squeeze in a round of golf whenever I can and trying new restaurant patios has become a favourite summer hobby. I’m a passionate traveller who starts planning the next trip before the last one ends, but my favourite place to be is on the sidelines cheering my kids on at their sports. Time spent with my family is my favourite reason to log off.
Qualifications:
- LLM (Alternative Dispute Resolution), Osgoode Hall Law School
- LLM (Canadian Common Law), Osgoode Hall Law School
- LLB, University of Law, London
- Accredited Family Mediator (Acc.FM)
- Articling Student, Law Society of Ontario
- Instructor, York University Family Mediation Program