Dana is a full time private mediator.  She worked as a mediator and arbitrator at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario for 12 years where she mediated and assisted the parties in settling over 3,000 disputes.  She is known for her ability to establish a rapport with counsel and their clients, her knowledge and expertise and, most importantly, her persistence and creativity in guiding parties towards achieving solutions to even the most complex disputes.  She works diligently with parties and their counsel to ensure both sides feel heard and reach mutually agreeable solutions.  Dana has experience with global and multi-party mediations, including disability, employment, sexual abuse, personal injury, product liability, property damage, general liability, and motor vehicle  claims.

Dana has also been on the ADRBO investigator roster since 2018 and has investigated and mediated banking matters.  In 2021, she was ranked as the Mediator of the Year.  She is also on the roster for Health Canada where she mediates employment disputes and provides conflict coaching.  She is the Co-Instructor of the ADRIO and LSO accredited Comprehensive Arbitration Course.

Dana was called to the Ontario Bar in 2001 and is a member of the New York Bar.  She has worked in private practice, representing both plaintiffs and defendants, and has extensive disability insurance experience, having worked as litigation counsel for one of the world’s largest life insurance companies.  She has presented on various disability topics, including taxability of arrears when settling disability matters, as well as the impact of offsets on settlement negotiations.  In addition, Dana has worked as senior litigation counsel for a property and casualty leader, specializing in accident benefits, including catastrophic impairment claims, tort and priority matters.  She has represented clients before the License Appeal Tribunal, at various levels of court in Ontario, and the Federal Court of Canada.  While working as in-house counsel, Dana developed a reputation for resolving her matters expeditiously.

Dana Hirsh grduated from York University with a B.A. in Psychology (with Distinction).  She then completed her LL.B. at Osgoode Hall of York University and graduated in the top 5% of her class.  

• Law Society of Ontario
• New York Bar
• ADR Institute of Ontario/Canada
• Advocates Society

http://www.schmidtmediationgroup.com/dana-hirsh-fees-and-cancellations/

English