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, 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, and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Jacqueline has served as a guest lecturer at Western Law, and coach for participants in the Winkler Class Action Moot. She is also an author on a variety of class action issues and has been published in the Canadian Class Action Review, and the Class Action Defence Quarterly.

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.