Mtre DIANE BRAIS, B.Sc., B.C.L.
Managing Partner
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.
Partner, Legal Talent Director
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 SAMUEL BOIVIN, LL.B.
Lawyer
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.
Mtre SOPHIE GIOIA, LL.L.
Lawyer
Mtre Gioia holds a Licentiate in Law from the University of Ottawa. Her academic journey was marked by her leadership role as co-president of the Lawyers without Borders Association. Her candidacy stood out during the firm’s inaugural participation in the “Course aux stages” in 2022. Initially hired as a student in the summer of 2022 and subsequently as an articling student in 2023, Mtre Gioia’s competence, lead to being offered a position as a lawyer within the team.
Admitted to the Bar in 2023, Mtre Gioia has proved herself to be an exceptional team player. She exemplifies the firm’s dedication to delivering high-quality legal services.
Mtre Gioia is fluent in french and english.
AURÉLIE NAHMANY
Law student
Aurélie joined the Brais & Associés team at the end of the Course aux stages 2022-2023. She is a student at law and will begin her Juris Doctor at the Université de Montréal in the fall of 2024. Her articling is scheduled for 2026.
As secretary of the Association des étudiants juifs de l’Université de Montréal, Aurélie has contributed to several events aimed at bringing lawyers and students together.
GABRIELLE LANDRÉ
Law student
Gabrielle joined Brais & Associés at the end of the Course aux stages 2023-2024. She holds a bachelor’s degree in law from the Université de Montréal and is expected to start at École du Barreau in the fall of 2024.
Right from the start of her legal studies, she developed a keen interest in family law. Eager to perfect her knowledge of the family law practice, she completed a clerkship with a Superior Court judge, worked at a legal aid office and as a part- time court clerk.
HÉLÈNE LEMIRE
Administration and general accounting
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.