Our Team

David & Liz

David and Elizabeth (or “Liz” as she is more fondly known) met each other in their first year of law school at the University of Ottawa. Liz’s sense of humour drew David in and he quickly decided that he had to have Liz as a friend. Thankfully, Liz saw things the same way. As time went on, both friends talked more about setting out together and starting their own firm. They put their plans into motion, and the rest is history. David and Liz have been in practice together since 2019, and are happy to report their strength as business partners and friends has only grown.

David, Liz, and their team, are passionate about helping people solve legal problems in a way that is understandable, approachable, and cost-effective. They are hardworking and easy to talk to, and they value the opportunity to learn from each person they meet.

David Danielson, Lawyer, Partner

(613) 519-9401 ext 1
david@dklawottawa.ca

David's Bio

Whether you have a tenancy disagreement, commercial dispute, family breakdown, home purchase, or document that needs skillful drafting, David has your back.

In all cases, David takes the time to fully grasp your concerns in a compassionate way. He will empower you with legal and practical options so you can make decisions you feel comfortable with. If an option might not make financial sense, David will tell you right away to prevent you spending money needlessly. He always goes the extra mile for his clients, and he will accommodate your schedule and location, even if this means meeting after work, in a different time zone, or in the hospital.

Before law school, David studied computer science at McGill University and worked as a computer scientist with the federal government. He uses his technological knowledge to help clients make informed decisions in a fast-paced, technology driven world.

Outside the office, David is a part-time professor in Algonquin College’s Paralegal Program and an executive member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Young Lawyers’ Division. When he isn’t hard at work, David loves swimming, travel, and outdoor activities. His non-law passion is cooking, and he loves to bring happiness through food.

EDUCATION

McGill University
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (2014)

University of Ottawa
Juris Doctor (2018) – Cum Laude

MEMBERSHIPS

Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the Ontario Bar Association
Member of the Canadian Bar Association
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association
Member of the Criminal Lawyers’ Association

Elizabeth Kabesh, Lawyer, Partner

(613) 519-9401 ext 2
elizabeth@dklawottawa.ca

Elizabeth's Bio

Elizabeth (Liz) is one of those odd people who knew from early on that she was going to be a family lawyer. After focusing on family law throughout law school and her articling years, her connection with this area of law and the people it affects has only grown.

Liz’s main draw to family law stems from her background working with children and youth. Before law school, Liz went to teacher’s college at Queen’s University, and is a fully qualified high school teacher. This experience has led her to prioritize not only her clients’ needs, but also the needs of the children impacted by a separation.

Liz has extensive experience with helping people through all aspects of their separation or divorce. Liz focuses her practice on resolving files outside of court. She can assist with mediation and negotiation, and she is trained in the Collaborative Family Law Process. Liz is also in the process of becoming a accredited mediator. She does whatever she can to help her clients move forward peacefully. She encourages her clients to consider all forms dispute resolution options.

Liz also has a special interest in helping with fertility agreement drafting (sperm donor, egg donor, surrogacy etc.) and independent legal advice.

When she’s not at the office, Liz likes to spend time with her wife and her two unreasonably needy cats. She enjoys reading mediocre books or spending time with friends, and sometimes binge-watching TV shows.

EDUCATION

Trent University
Bachelor of Arts in History (2013) – President’s Honour Roll

Queen’s University
Bachelor of Education (2014)

University of Ottawa
Juris Doctor (2018) – Cum Laude

MEMBERSHIPS/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the Collaborative Family Law Practice Group Ottawa
Active member on the Board of Directors for Collaborative Divorce Ottawa
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association
Member of the Diversity Committee for the County of Carleton Law Association
Member of the Membership Committee for the County of Carleton Law Association

Nancy Yan, Associate Lawyer

(613) 519 9401 ext 3
nancy@dklawottawa.ca

Nancy's Bio

Nancy is an Associate Lawyer at DK Law. She joined the firm as a lawyer after getting called to the Bar in 2023. Nancy’s practice is currently focused on different areas of law, such as family law and wills and estates. She also assists DK Law with legal issues in landlord and tenant law, small claims court, and civil law.

During law school at the University of Ottawa, Nancy completed an internship with a small family law firm in Ottawa before finding DK Law and completing a second internship with them. She then continued to work part-time as a law student with DK Law during the rest of her studies. In law school, Nancy was a peer mentor in the Peer Mentor and Allies in Law programs for first-year law students.

Before law school, Nancy studied legal studies and business at the University of Waterloo. While at Waterloo, she completed the co-op program and worked at an e-commerce start-up, a marketing software start-up, and the Legal & Immigration and Services and International departments at the University of Waterloo.

In her spare time, Nancy spends time with friends and family. She also likes biking or skating along the canal (if it ever gets cold enough to freeze), making homemade brownies, reading books, watching sports, and trying new restaurants and coffee shops around Ottawa.

EDUCATION:

University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Arts in Honours Legal Studies & Business (Co-op) – With Distinction (2020)

University of Ottawa
Juris Doctor – Cum Laude (2023)

MEMBERSHIPS:

Member of the Law Society of Ontario
Member of the County of Carleton Law Association

Haley McCarville, Legal Assistant

(613) 519 9401 ext 5

Haley's Bio

Haley is the firm’s legal assistant. She and Liz first met at Trent University where they were both getting their undergraduate degrees in History. After her time at Trent, Haley pursued her love of baking and completed the Culinary Management Program at Georgian College in 2015.

After working in bakeries for a few years, and then taking time off to raise her two kids, Haley connected with Liz to explore her long-time interest in the legal system. She helps the firm with administrative tasks and is the first line of communication for DK Law’s clients.

In her time off, Haley enjoys spending time with her kids at the park, camping, and doing puzzles together. Haley still loves to bake in her free time, and she often surprises the office with delicious baked goods.