Krystal-Anne Roussel, BA, JD
Co-Director and Counsel
Krystal is head of AEL Advocacy's environmental law division. She also holds the role of Research Associate in Animal Law at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Law.
Krystal has a Bachelor of Arts from St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and received her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in June 2020. While completing her studies, Krystal took part in the uOttawa-Ecojustice Environmental Law Clinic and worked as a legal intern with East Coast Environmental Law, Animal Justice, and the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick. She completed her articles with the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and subsequently served as a staff lawyer and water policy coordinator at CELA before starting AEL Advocacy.
Outside of her work, Krystal is an active human and animal rights advocate. She is a member of Lawyers for Climate Justice, a multi-disciplinary group of lawyers and law students from across Canada focused on advancing climate justice within the Canadian legal profession; and an advisor for The Canadian Law Review.
Krystal lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her partner, son, and two rescue cats, Simba and Bagheera.
Credentials
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Law Society of Ontario, 2021
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Juris Doctor, University of Ottawa, 2020 (Cum Laude)
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Bachelor of Arts, St. Thomas University, 2016 (With Distinction)
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Certificate in Humane Education & Advanced Animal Legal Issues, Thompson Rivers University, 2016
Email: krystal@aeladvocacy.ca
Kira Berkeley, BFA, JD
Co-Director and Counsel
Kira is head of AEL Advocacy's animal law division. She also practices law at Scott Law Group, where she focuses on animal law, real estate, wills and estates, and franchise law.
Kira holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music from York University in Toronto and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Ottawa, Faculty of Law in June 2020. During her academic journey, Kira actively contributed as an executive member of uOttawa’s Animal Justice Association and interned in animal law at organizations including Animal Justice, Breder Law (Vancouver), and Gartner & Associates Animal Law (Toronto). Kira also served as an associate lawyer at OLLIP Professional Corporation, handling cases before the Trademarks Opposition Board, Federal Court, and Federal Court of Appeal. Her commitment to pro-bono work during this time helped those in need access justice.
Outside of her work, Kira plays piano, holds a black-belt in Wado-Kai Karate, and is an active member of the Latin social dance community. While Kira’s diverse prior legal experience includes trademark and copyright law, as well as working as a real estate law clerk for 5 years, her true passion has always been in animal and environmental advocacy.
Kira lives in Ottawa, Ontario with her rescue cat, Honey.
Credentials
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Law Society of Ontario, 2021
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Juris Doctor, University of Ottawa, 2020 (Cum Laude)
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Bachelor of Fine Arts, York University, 2017 (Summa Cum Laude)
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Indigenous Canada Certificate, University of Alberta, 2021
Email: kira@aeladvocacy.ca
Our Volunteers
Our Team
AEL Advocacy has a wonderful team of passionate volunteers working behind the scenes, including:
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Richelle Martin, JD (Board of Directors)
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Russell Berkeley, BSc (Tech Support)
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Joseph Kim, CPA, CA (Treasurer)
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Olena Stevenson, CPA, CMA (Bookkeeper)
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Tyler Hodgkinson (Director of Marketing)
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Shannon Nickerson, BJourn (Photographer/Videographer)
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Emma Peckham, BA (Social Media Coordinator; Communications)
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Kirsten Marsh, JD (Lawyer)
Opportunities
AEL Advocacy is seeking volunteers for the role of:
For more information on this role, please e-mail admin@aeladvocacy.ca
