Rasha El-Tawil

Rasha El-Tawil is a partner in the personal injury law group. Rasha assists injured individuals and their families in all aspects of serious injury claims or fatalities with a focus on catastrophic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and orthopedic injuries. Rasha and her team are dedicated to achieving the best results for her clients, inside and outside the courtroom. She is successful in obtaining settlements for her clients. When a claim cannot be settled, she is not afraid to take insurers on in the courtroom.

Rasha has successfully represented clients at all levels of court in Ontario including the Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of Appeal, as well as administrative tribunals including the License Appeals Tribunal (LAT) and the CPP Appeals Tribunal. Her clients’ testimonials and referrals speak for themselves.

Rasha’s practice also includes civil litigation with a special interest in appeals work. Rasha has successfully argued appeals at the Divisional Court and Court of Appeal for Ontario. She has also been counsel on applications for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.

Rasha obtained a Bachelor of Arts, Honors Political Science & Philosophy from Western University in 2004. Upon graduation, she received the Gold Medal for having achieved the highest overall average in that program. Rasha graduated from Western University’s Faculty of Law in 2007. Prior to obtaining her law degree, Rasha completed international human rights, humanitarian & international law courses at the National University of Ireland. She worked at Community Legal Services from 2004-2007, providing legal representation in areas of civil, administrative, and criminal law. Rasha completed her articles with Siskinds and was called to the Bar in 2008.

Rasha is committed to advancing equity issues within and outside the firm, and leads the firms Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee in addition to her involvement and leadership in several other committees.

She is involved in the legal community, with leadership roles at the Middlesex Law Association as the Bench and Bar representative, and the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.

Rasha is a native Londoner, a Muslim, and speaks Arabic.

"[Rasha El-Twail and her team] took the time to make me feel like I was just as important as the next person...", Paula provides a testimonial for Rasha

"The level of professionalism was just over the top...", Scott provides a video testimonial for Rasha

Video Testimonial - Comprehensive Care and Dedication

Video Testimonial - Recovery

Video Testimonial - Post-Surgery Recovery

Video Testimonial - Rear End Collision

Amazed and appreciative
I just want you all to know how amazed and appreciative I am to have you all in my recovery!  You absolutely picked the right line of work!  Thank you all so very much because I've come a long way and couldn't have done it without a fantastic team!!! - M.

Thank you for being there
I just wanted to thank you for being there with me on this journey for the last couple years. You and your team helped me get through it extremely well. - A.M.

I felt supported and heard
Rasha and Jennifer, thank you so much for all your hard work over the years. I felt supported and heard, you make a great team together.  Words cannot express how much I respect and admire your work. The level of trust and support you’ve given me makes me wish I can become even half the lawyer you are to my future clients. Thank you kindly, - T.H.

Thank you for your continued dedication and hard work.
Rasha and Team, I would like to thank you all for your continued dedication and hard work. I am so grateful to have your team secure this settlement for my recovery, and I appreciate everything that was done to accomplish this. Sincerely, A.S.

I want to take a moment to thank you for making my 2020 easier.
When I was reflecting on the year 2020, and thinking of the people that had the most impact on me, you quickly came to mind. I was stressed and uncomfortable for the past few years, but when you took my case, I have since been able to relax and focus on other aspects of my life. I want to take a moment to thank you for making my 2020 easier. Not only have you contributed to my personal case, but you’ve also taught me the traits that an amazingly kind and intelligent lawyer should have. -T.H.

Thank you so much for your continued hard work and relentless support
Rasha and team, thank you so much for your continued hard work and relentless support for my case. It's so comforting I have superior minds working behind the scenes. I appreciate you all! - S.

I am very fortunate to have met you
I wanted to say thank you for everything you did for me over the past five years. I know what you do is not easy. These past few years have been very difficult and it’s definitely not how I pictured living out my 20’s. I am very fortunate to have met you and had you fighting for me the entire time- even when I was probably not the easiest client to deal with!
Thank you so much, I am really grateful for everything you did for me. - Ashley

I feel confident moving forward
I was so impressed and thankful for the way you fought for me. Even though we didn't settle, I feel confident moving forward. Thank you again. You're an awesome lawyer!!! - A.

The powerhouse team of Jim Virtue and Rasha El-Tawil
On September 9, 2016, eight years following the exact date of a car accident, I was finally awarded the basic benefits due to any person in Ontario paying car insurance.
The powerhouse team of Jim Virtue and Rasha El-Tawil, of Siskinds, represented me in a fight to uphold a decision originally decided in 2014 by the FSCO. They fought for the basic benefits denied, by my insurance company, from 2008! Their collective efforts and that of their team was tireless and exemplary.
I would strongly recommend both or either to anyone seeking a lawyer who will passionately fight for your rights. - D.J.
Review the Jazey v. State Farm decision here.

I wouldn't hesitate to call Siskinds
Last year I was in a MVA and as a result I’ve had and continue to have a lot of appointments, both from doctors and therapists. However one of the first things I got started with after the MVA was a lawyer to help with a number of things including my rights as an insured person in an accident. I’ve had Rasha El-Tawil at Siskinds Law Firm in London, Ontario for quite a few months now. Rasha and her assistant law clerk Tina have done an exceptional job for me and continue to do an amazing job, day after day. They have helped me with so much and relieved a lot of stress and uncertainty after my MVA. If the unfortunate happens, and you or someone you know are in a motor vehicle accident, I wouldn’t hesitate to call Siskinds as they are not only highly knowledgeable in personal injury, but extremely friendly as well. They can help make a horrible situation a little less stressful and I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of a knowledgeable and extremely friendly lawyer. – D.K.

Thank you again for everything you have done and continue to do.
Dear Rasha, We wanted to thank you and express our deepest gratitude for your time, effort, and dedication to my case.
We first met you a few months ago and since then you’ve had a lot of information from my case which you read and processed in a short period of time.
We want to thank you again for everything you have done and continue to do for us and we look forward to continuing our relationship with you, Tina and Siskinds. Sincerely, K&D

I had total faith in Rasha.
Rasha M. El-Tawil skillfully represented me and in doing so brought justice to my LTD claim. This resolve has allowed me to make peace with my past and to reclaim my life, my dreams and to embrace my future.
Rasha is clear, confident and caring. I had total faith in Rasha and in her amazing team and felt fully supported throughout this process. I am honored to write a testimonial for Rasha and she has given me my life back. Rasha is an outstanding lawyer and I would highly recommend her to represent you and your case. - K.W.

I have always counted on you.
Rasha, Since my accident I have always counted on you. Thank you for your support, not only legal but also emotional. I still remember when I could not sign the letters and you approached me and offered your support by touching my shoulder as saying “don’t worry, everything will be fine.” Thanks Rasha.
I feel blessed to have people like you and Tina who have made this painful process a new opportunity to reach my goals. Thank you. - David

Thank you once again.
Rasha, I want to thank you once again for helping me. I wish I could put into words how much I appreciate your diligence and effort to help me seek justice. You will certainly be the first person I recommend to friends and family if they may ever need your services. - D.

Positive steps forward.
Rasha, I thank you very much for all you have done, and am happy to tell you that in receiving the latest settlement it is helping us to make very positive steps forward for our future. - J.M.

Thank you!!
Rasha helped me through my personal injury claim, getting benefits and treatment, and being re-trained for a new career. I want to say thank you for getting us a great settlement! This process has been a long one and I appreciate everything you have done for me and my family. You have impressed us throughout this entire process with your professionalism and the way you care. My wife and I do not look at you as my "LAWYER", but as our friend!!! You are a great lawyer, and I would recommend you to anyone. Thanks again for everything! - Joe

I was glad I had Rasha on my side.
Being the victim of an accident was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through emotionally and physically. I did not know my rights, what I was entitled to, or how to go about the whole process. A friend that heard about my accident contacted me and told me about how Rasha at Siskinds helped him throughout his accident case. It was then, that I contacted Rasha and she went over what to expect and how to go about the whole process. Right away, I was glad I had Rasha on my side. She was the only person throughout the whole process that actually cared to help me whether I needed an appointment with a doctor or just advice. she always did her best to help me when it seemed that no one else did. Needless to say, my case was resolved quickly and efficiently. I even ended up better off than I ever thought I would. I'm glad I made that call to Siskinds because I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for Rasha's help. I would hands down recommend Rasha's services to anyone. - Chantel

I would call Rasha in a heartbeat.
When I was injured in a car accident, I immediately called Rasha and she came to meet me at my home, helping me with the complex insurance forms and process. Rasha and her team were patient, attentive, and always by my side! She was diligent and fought hard to get me the compensation I deserve. I wouldn't want to ever go through this again, but if I do, I would call Rasha in a heartbeat! Thank you for all your hard work. - Gwen

Rasha successfully fought to obtain much needed accident benefits for her client.
Thank you so much!!! I'm so grateful!! I can't express to you how important my health is to me. I miss my life. I want it back. I hope this will help assist in my recovery. You and your team are amazing and a testament to victims like me that had no idea help was available in this capacity. Once again a heartfelt thank you. I appreciate everyone's efforts and hard work! - Scott

Tough times are like speed bumps.
In a considerably long period, dealing with your esteemed firm, I have learned a new lesson of always thinking like a winner. Many times during the course, I got frustrated and tired with the needed information, being too busy with young kids, but the friendly advice and cordial feelings from people like Rasha has enabled me to purse the goal uninterruptedly. Rasha has been a very supportive and caring individual. Your understanding, support and timely guided actions have proved that tough times are like speed bumps, they only slow you down a little, they don't throw you off the course. Thank you all again for the eventual progress and success, we made together in the mutually beneficial and cohesive objective. - Anonymous

Thank you, Rasha!
Rasha, Thank you for all of your help during a very difficult time in my life. Your hard work has helped ease a lot of my stress. Its very comforting to know I have you as a part of my team. Your work and dedication is greatly appreciated. Thank you. - Ashley

Thank You!
Rasha, Thank you for being my lawyer. You were very helpful. I had a good experience with both you and the firm Siskinds. - Alison

I wouldn’t be where I am without them.
Rasha and Tina were wonderful to work with. I appreciate everything they did for me since my accident. I wouldn't be where I am without them. They always listened to me and gave me thoughtful and helpful advice. I would recommend Rasha to my friends and family. - Shirley

Arabic

Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, Committee Member
Middlesex Law Association, Trustee
Bench and Bar Representative - London
Ontario Bar Association, Member
Advocates Society, Member
Law Society of Ontario, Member
GROWL (Group of Racialized Ontario Women Litigators)

Rasha El-Tawil has been selected by her peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada in 2022 to 2025.

Rasha has been successful in obtaining large Jury awards for her clients, including an award in excess of $3,000,000.00. Some of Rasha’s other notable work and decisions include:

• Purcell v Van Pelt, 2021 – striking jury notice
• Tuffnail v Meekes et al., 2020 ONCA 390, 2017 ONSC 2894; 2017 ONSC 2751; 2017 ONSC 4610
• Hengeveld v. Ontario et al., 2017 ONSC 6300
• Reddecopp v. Daniels, 2017 ONSC 1726
• Jazey v State Farm, Decision of Delegate Blackman dated July 29, 2016
• Dickerson v 1610396 Ontario Inc. (Carey’s Pub & Grill), 2013 ONCA 653 (CanLII) —Court of Appeal for Ontario
• Fakih v Palmer Homes Inc, 2013 CanLII 76930 (ON SCSM) — Small Claims Court — Ontario
• Rollins v English Language Separate District School Board #39, 2012 ONCA 104 (CanLII) — Court of Appeal for Ontario
• Dickerson v 1610396 Ontario Inc. (Carey’s Pub & Grill), 2010 ONCA 894 (CanLII) — Court of Appeal for Ontario
• Decision No. 2018/09,2009 ONWSIAT 2851 (CanLII) — Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal
• Good Life Corporation v Hazeldean Properties Inc., 2008 ONCA 742 (CanLII) — Court of Appeal for Ontario

• Speaker – Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
• Panel Chair – Women’s Roundtable - Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, 2018
• Publication – “Current State of the Law on Commercial Host Liability” Litigator, Ontario Trial Lawyers Association, June 2018
• Speaker – Life Care Plans - Annual Rehab & Life Care Planning Symposium, 2018
• Speaker – Ontario Rehab Alliance workshop: “Life after Near-Death: Creative & Conscientious Benefits Management Post-June 1st” – May 11, 2016
• Presenter – Mock Trial Presentation at the 4th Annual Rehab & Life Care Planning Symposium – April
  21, 2016
• Speaker – Brokers’ Negligence and Optional Accident Benefits – April 2016
• Speaker – Changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure for Experts - 2009
• Annual Middlesex Law Association Personal Injury Conference – “A Case comment on McLeod v. General Motors” December 2014, Speaker
• Speaker at OTLA Spring Conference, May 2011 - “Helpful Cases and Pointers for Income
  Replacement Benefits”
•  “A Case Comment on R. v Abbey”, Rasha M. El-Tawil & Emily K. Foreman, Straight from the Bench conference, Middlesex Law Association, April 22, 2010
• Speaker – Changes to the Rules of Civil Procedure for Experts - 2009

Teaching

• Part time adjunct professor at Western University Law School – teaching the Capstone in Civil Litigation in 2021/2022.
• Past Instructor at Fanshawe College, Advanced Civil Litigation, Law Clerks Program.
• Guest Lecturer at Western University Law School

• Justice served and seen: The landmark verdict for Our London Family
• Moore v. 7595611 Canada Corp. – What is a life worth?
• The high costs of drinking and driving
• How Will My Personal Injury Settlement Affect My Family Law Separation or Divorce?
• Pain and Suffering Damages and the Threshold in a Personal Injury Action
• Arbitration Decision: Jazey v. State Farm
• Court of Appeal confirms that civil damages for bodily harm intentionally inflicted cannot be discharged by bankruptcy.
• Liability Of Municipalities For Injuries As A Result Of Icy Or Snowy Road Conditions