Francesca D’Aquila-Kelly

Francesca D’Aquila-Kelly is an associate lawyer providing litigation representation to conservation authorities, municipalities, school boards, and various private sector organizations.

Francesca specializes in complex civil and commercial matters relating to occupiers’ liability, sport and recreation liability, and property development disputes. Francesca is a member of the legal team defending a regional environmental agency in a billion-dollar class-action proceeding stemming from the alleged over-development of regulated lands.

Francesca is passionate about representing and providing legal services to the education sector. She is keenly aware of the unique considerations and sensitivities that must be contemplated when acting for a large school board and its employees. In addition to defending claims premised on negligent supervision, occupiers’ liability, discrimination and harassment, and other student safety concerns, Francesca has been involved in crisis-management responses to emergency situations such as student fatalities.

Francesca is experienced in conducting civil trials in the Ontario Small Claims Court and Part III Provincial Offences Act prosecutions in the Ontario Court of Justice (Provincial Offences Court). She is experienced in responding to appeals in the Divisional Court, the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Land Tribunal and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.

Francesca obtained her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology from York University and her Juris Doctor from the University of Windsor Faculty of Law.

During her time at Windsor Law, Francesca prioritized extra-curricular endeavours to contribute to the experience and success of her colleagues. In particular, Francesca acted as student coordinator for the Peer Mentorship Program, where she oversaw over 350 program participants. Francesca continues to play a mentorship role at Beard Winter.

In her spare time, Francesca enjoys skiing at Blue Mountain Resort and improving her culinary skills in the kitchen.