About
Together, the Olive Legal team delivers a comprehensive set of family law services, working collaboratively to add value with our complementary skills, aptitudes, languages, and experiences. Our unwavering aim is to help bring peace and closure for children and families going through, or contemplating going through, difficult chapters in their lives.
Our Team
founder
Selim James Levy
Raised in a multicultural and multilingual family, Selim was introduced to humanitarian and human rights causes at a young age — a formative experience that has greatly influenced his legal career and was key to the formation of Olive Legal in 2013.
After earning a degree in mathematics and working for several years as a science researcher and consultant, Selim returned to his roots and passion for helping others by attending law school and founding a mediation and conciliation practice in 2004.
From the beginning, Selim’s legal work was focussed on family matters and business disputes. In 2008 and 2009, he worked in Geneva, Switzerland with an international organization that aimed to eradicate child labour.
Memberships
LAW SOCIETY OF ONTARIO
BARREAU DU QUÉBEC
County of Carleton Law Association
Ontario Family Law Limited Scope Services Project
Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario
Child Protection Defence Association of Ottawa
The Advocates’ Society
Family Law Focus
Selim provides services pertaining to all fields of family law and particularly enjoys Court appearances regarding private international law including foreign property issues and removal of children from/to Canada.
Languages
Selim offers legal services in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German and Mandarin.
Community
Selim volunteers or is involved with the following organizations:
• Chair of the County of Carleton Law Association’s Technology Committee
• Offers pro bono legal services at OCISO
• Pro bono lawyer for Teen Legal Helpline
Legal Aid Ontario
Selim is part of the roster panels for: family law including domestic violence and duty counsel, child protection, criminal law including Gladue (indigenous) and O’Connor Mills, Ontario Review Board, and Consent and Capacity Board
lawyer
Sangita Gandhi
Sangita prides herself on keeping clients clearly and fully informed from start to finish in any legal process. Whether discussing matters with opposing counsel, presenting in the courtroom, or updating a client, Sangita is always thinking about the best approach for communication.
Before completing her law degree at City University in London, England, Sangita earned a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a minor in marketing at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Along with her practice at Olive Legal, Sangita is a presenter for the Mandatory Information Program (MIP) at the Superior Court of Justice. Here she provides guidance to individuals on family court matters, including alternative methods of resolution.
Memberships
Law Society of Ontario
County of Carleton Law Association
Child Protection Defence Association of Ottawa
Family Law Focus
Mobility and relocation as well as domestic contracts.
Languages
Sangita offers legal services in English and Gujarati.
Legal Aid Ontario
Sangita is part of the roster panel for family law including domestic violence and duty counsel, and child protection
lawyer
Sara Carruthers
Sara is passionate about helping people overcome challenges. During law school at the University of Ottawa, she worked for two years at the school’s Community Legal Clinic, where she provided legal education to community groups and helped individuals make applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.
Before completing her Juris Doctor (J.D.) law degree, Sara earned an honours bachelor’s degree in journalism, also at the University of Ottawa. Prior to joining the Olive Legal team in 2018, Sara worked at another boutique family law and child protection firm in Ottawa.
Along with her practice at Olive Legal, Sara is a presenter for the Superior Court of Justice’s Mandatory Information Program (MIP), where she provides valuable information about the legal process including alternatives to litigation, in the family law context.
Memberships
Law Society of Ontario
County of Carleton Law Association
Child Protection Defence Association of Ottawa
Family Law Focus
Sara assists with all aspects of family law, both in and out of Court, and has a particular affinity for separation agreements, parenting plans, cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and adoptions.
Languages
Sara offers legal services in English.
Legal Aid Ontario
Sara is part of the roster panel for family law including domestic violence and duty counsel, and child protection
Law clerk
Kimberly Guardado
Kimberly is a graduate of Algonquin College, where she earned a Paralegal Diploma. Prior to this, her educational focus was business marketing and justice studies. Drawing on many years of customer service experience, Kimberly enjoys communicating with clients. She finds it particularly rewarding to provide our clients with customer satisfaction throughout their experience with our firm.
Languages
Kimberly is fluent in English and Spanish.