Our Team

Mtre DIANE BRAIS, B.Sc., B.C.L.

Lawyer and Senior Partner

dbrais@braislaw.ca

After graduating from the Université de Montréal (B.Sc., Industrial Relations), Mtre Brais went on to study law in 1984 at McGill University, earning her degree in 1987.

Her background in labour relations soon led her to represent clients before administrative tribunals and to negotiate collective agreements. After she was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 1988, Mtre Brais chose to practice family law and, in 1993, founded the firm that was to become Brais & Associés.

As executive director of the firm, Mtre Brais handles mostly complex cases.

Since 1988, Mtre Brais has gained extensive experience in family litigation. Over the years, she has pleaded both in Superior Court and the Court of Appeal numerous divorce cases involving elements of commercial law, private international law where foreign procedures and laws come into play, specific problems related to patrimonies by appropriation (various trusts), estate planning, reconstitution of real income following the exposure of hidden sources of income or assets, foreign assets or secret agreements.

In addition, Mtre Brais has handled complex child custody cases involving such wide-ranging problems as parent alienation, relocation of the custodial parent, child kidnapping or child abuse, during which an array of experts were required.

Her experience, creativity and persistence have also benefited her clients by reaching out-of-court settlements through direct negotiations or numerous Settlement Conferences with the Superior Court and Judicial Mediations with the Court of Appeal.

Mtre Brais has been involved with the Bar of Montreal, as a member of the Comité de liaison avec la Cour supérieure en matières familiales, from 2006 to 2009, and as chair, for two years, of a subcommittee on Safeguard Orders.

Mtre Brais is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association. She is perfectly bilingual.


Mtre STÉPHANIE FAUVEL, LL.B.

Lawyer and Talent & Professional Development Business Partner

sfauvel@braislaw.ca

A graduate from the Faculty of Law of Université de Montréal in 2009, Mtre Fauvel joined the firm in 2009 and assumed an attorney position in 2010.

Mtre Fauvel represents clients before the Superior Court in all matters relating to divorce, child custody, child support and spousal support.

She also works closely with Mtre Brais in complex files. Together, they form an exceptionally performant team in trials involving intricate issues. In addition, Mtre Fauvel excels at drafting factums for the Quebec Court of Appeal as well as the Supreme Court of Canada.

Mtre Fauvel is also responsible for the recruitment of new talent, mentoring and professional development. As such, Mtre Fauvel works closely with students and manages their performance and liaises with law school faculties. She contributes to building and managing a team of passionate and dedicated professionals.

She is a member of the Association des avocats et avocates en droit de la famille du Québec (AAADFQ). 


Mtre CHARLOTTE DAHAK-EL-WARD, LL.B.

Lawyer

cward@braislaw.ca

Mtre Charlotte Dahak-El-Ward holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Quebec in Montreal, where she earned a mention on the honor roll of the Faculty. Mtre Ward was admitted to the Quebec Bar in 2017. Prior to joining Brais & Associés, she worked at a civil and family law firm. 

Mtre Ward’s practice is devoted to family law and she regularly represents clients before the Superior Court in cases of divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, and other monetary claims. 

Her passion, professionalism and determination allow her to meet the needs of our clients and to rigorously defend their interests. 

She is a member of the Association des avocats et avocates en droit de la famille du Québec (AAADFQ) and of the Montreal Young Bar Association.

Me Ward is fluent in French and English.  


Mtre SAMUEL BOIVIN, LL.B.

Lawyer

sboivin@braislaw.ca

A graduate from the Faculty of Law of Laval University in 2021 and a member of the Quebec Bar since January 2022, Mtre Samuel Boivin has distinguished himself by the excellence of his academic results. He was also a member of the board of directors of a non-profit organization offering services for youth in difficulty in Quebec City. Prior to joining Brais & Associés, he worked at a civil litigation and construction law firm. 

His rigorous legal reasoning will be put to contribution in both civil and family law cases, which are of the greatest interest to him, and his determination allows him to defend the interests of our clients with conviction. 


SOPHIE GIOIA, LL.L.

Law student

Sophie joined Brais & Associés’ team as a student in 2022, following the 2021-2022 Course aux stages. Sophie holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa. During her studies, she was co-president of the Lawyers without Borders Association. She also acted as chief researcher and columnist for the Faculty of Civil Law’s student radio station. Sophie is currently completing her studies at the École du Barreau, after which she will start articling at Brais & Associés in the spring of 2023. 


ÉMILIE HIGGINS

Law student

Émile joined Brais & Associés’ team as a student in 2022, following the 2021-2022 Course aux stages. Émilie is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Business Administration (MBA) co-op program at the University of Sherbrooke. During her studies, she contributed to the creation of the Family and Youth Law Committee, where she worked on podcasts and case law capsules. Émilie was also a tutor at the Centre d’entraide à l’étude en droit de la famille within her faculty. Émilie will start articling at Brais & Associés in 2024. 


DOMINIQUE LEDUC

Legal Assistant

dleduc@braislaw.ca

Dominique Leduc is Mtre Brais’s legal assistant. She also provides support to the firm’s lawyers. She acts as a front-line resource for anyone who contacts the firm to hire the services of a lawyer and is responsible for general office organization.


HÉLÈNE LEMIRE

Administration and general accounting

hlemire@braislaw.ca

Hélène Lemire is the firm’s finance coordinator. She is responsible for client billing and the firm’s accounting. She also oversees the relationships with suppliers and clients.