Lawyers

Bryan D. Hackett

After graduating from Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto in 1978, Bryan studied law at Osgoode Hall and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1983.

Bryan initially practiced as an Associate and later as a Partner with the law firm of Hyde Pollit & Arnold; splitting his practice between residential, corporate and commercial law on the one hand and labour law on the other hand, where he acted for a number of prominent unions in Ontario.

Bryan later practiced with the City of Toronto where he was actively involved in the Toronto Economic Development Corporation (TEDCO) and helped to negotiate and document the purchase of the Harbour Commission lands on the Toronto waterfront, the target of Toronto’s current waterfront revitalization. Bryan was also the lead lawyer for the Parking Authority of Toronto (now Toronto Parking Authority (TPA)) and handled their operational legal needs as well as their extensive real estate portfolio and joint venture developments of TPA lands.

After practicing with the City of Toronto, Bryan returned to private practice and eventually formed the law firm of Hackett Simpson Thurston (now Hackett Simpson Tripodi). Bryan’s practice is principally focused on corporate law and commercial leasing.  The majority of his clients are commercial, industrial and residential landlords who have been with Bryan since the 1980’s.

Beverley A. B. Simpson (retired)

Bev Simpson is a graduate of the University of Toronto, with a B.A. in history (with distinction) and LL.B. in law. Upon being called to the Bar in 1986, she practiced with a major Bay Street firm and continued her litigation practice with the City of Toronto and this firm. Beverley has appeared at all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada. In her student days she was very active in campus politics which included representing students on the university’s Governing Council and she continues to support U of T as an active alumna. Ms. Simpson though not presently practicing law in order to  spend more time with her family has also become an active volunteer in her community. She lives in Toronto with her husband, son and Newfoundland dogs.

Stefano G. Tripodi

Stefano has been practising civil litigation for over 20 years with a particular emphasis on employment, contract, and commercial litigation. Stefano was called to the Ontario Bar in 2003 and, in 2004, joined the firm as a Partner. 

Stefano has appeared as lead counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Court of Appeal for Ontario, the Divisional Court, the Ontario Commercial List Court, the Superior Court of Justice, and the Ontario Court of Justice. Stefano has also represented clients before a wide variety of federal, provincial, and municipal boards and tribunals including the Ontario Labour Relations Board, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, and the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario. Stefano has had numerous cases reported in the Ontario Reports and other topical law reports and publications. Stefano is a member of the Law Society of Ontario, the Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Toronto, the Canadian Italian Advocates Organization (CIAO), and the Canadian Bar Association (CBA).

Stefano is also a Qualified Mediator (Q.Med) and is a member of both the ADR Institute of Ontario (ADRIO) and the ADR Institute of Canada (ADRIC). Stefano offers his services as Mediator to individuals and counsel in the Greater Toronto Area.

While a law student at the University of Western Ontario, Stefano served as Panelist Assistant under Article 1904 of NAFTA for appeals of international trade cases involving Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Stefano is also a graduate of York University with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree (with honours).

Stefano is also actively involved in the community. Stefano is a member of The Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association (GYRA) and currently sits as President of the Board of Directors for 3 condominiums in downtown Toronto.

When not busy with his practice, Stefano enjoys playing soccer, golf, fitness training, yoga, and reading. Having visited over 35 countries, Stefano also has a passion for travel and has a particular interest in learning about the diverse histories, cultures, customs, and languages of various societies throughout the world.

Stefano is fluent in Italian, has a working proficiency in Spanish, and is currently studying Russian.