Jacqueline M. Palef

Jacqueline M. Palef is a Senior Litigation Associate at Branch MacMaster LLP. She joined the firm’s Toronto office in November 2022. 

Prior to joining Branch MacMaster LLP, Jacqueline practiced with a leading regional law firm in their Class Actions and Appellate Advocacy practice groups. 

Jacqueline has built a diverse class actions practice that includes both plaintiff and defence class actions and appeals. Her practice is not exclusive to Ontario, Jacqueline has worked on national class actions and advised clients internationally. She is admitted to practice law in Ontario, British Columbia, New York, and the District of Columbia. She holds law degrees from both American and Canadian universities. Trained in both legal systems, Jacqueline brings a unique perspective to her files. She stays abreast of the developments in the law on both sides of the border to best serve the needs of her clients. 

Jacqueline has worked on a wide array of complex class actions including issues involving administrative law, commercial/contract law, constitutional law, cybersecurity and privacy law, insurance law, municipal law, product liability and tort law. She is well versed in the intricacies involved in each province’s legal system from certification to settlement. Her litigation experience includes cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, the Federal Court, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, the British Columbia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

In addition to her extensive class action experience, Jacqueline advises health care professionals with respect to professional misconduct and disciplinary matters, credentialing, practice reviews, and investigations. Jacqueline provides advice to clients in response to privacy breaches and cyber incidents, as well as representation in privacy and cyber-tort claims, including claims arising out of cyber incidents and privacy breaches. Her practice includes advising organizations across the country on privacy issues, including managing privacy breaches, and advising on privacy considerations relating to the disclosure of documents, and reporting obligations.

Jacqueline is one of the co-editors of the textbook “Class Actions in Canada” authored by the Honourable Justice Ward Branch and Michael Rosenberg. Jacqueline is the Vice Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Class Action Section Executive, and Co-Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Class Action Section Executive in British Columbia. She also sits on the executive of the Ontario Bar Association’s Health Law Section. Jacqueline was selected as a recipient of the University of Windsor Faculty of Law’s 2025 Emerging Leaders in the Law Award, in recognition of her leadership in the legal profession and service to her community. Jacqueline is listed in the RefertoHer Network for Class Actions and recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada: Ones to Watch  in Class Action Litigation.

Outside of the office, you will find Jacqueline on long walks with her miniature poodle Winnie. She enjoys reading, musicals, and is a proud Peloton enthusiast.