Madeleine Cleland

Associate  |  Toronto Personal Injury and Abuse Lawyer

I am a fierce advocate for people whose lives have been changed by serious injury, abuse, and violence. I help my clients navigate difficult circumstances, understand their options, and pursue the justice they deserve.

416.601.2668mcleland@lerners.ca
Madeleine Cleland

Areas Of Focus

Education

  • Admitted to the Ontario Bar (2024)
  • Juris Doctor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law (2020-2023)
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts, Wilfrid Laurier University (2016-2020)

Professional History

  • Associate Lawyer, Lerners LLP (2024 to present)
  • Articled at Lerners LLP (2023-2024)
  • Summer Student, McCague Borlack LLP (2022)
  • Chisholm v. His Majesty the King in Right of Ontario, 2026 ONSC 3512
  • Unpacking Causation in Sexual Assault, The OsgoodePD Guide to Advanced Issues in Civil Sexual Assault 2025
  • Prosecuting Civil Tort Claims In The Context Of Family Proceedings Following The Ahluwalia Onca Decision, Mondaq published April 2025
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Ontario Trial Lawyers Association
  • The Advocates’ Society
  • Chair, SHE MATTERS Committee, Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
  • Member, Province of Ontario Independent Legal Advice roster, providing legal advice to survivors of sexual assault and abuse, intimate partner violence, human trafficking, and other forms of gender-based violence and mistreatment
  • Board of Directors, Young Women in Law

I am a fierce advocate for my clients. I represent people who have experienced serious injury, abuse, and violence, often at some of the most difficult points in their lives.

My approach starts with listening. I take the time to understand my clients, what they have been through, and what matters to them. I believe clients should understand the legal process, receive candid advice about their options, and have a meaningful voice in the decisions that affect their case.

The relationships I build with my clients are at the heart of my practice. I never lose sight of the trust someone places in me when they ask me to advocate for them. My clients are at the centre of their case, and my job is to help them navigate the legal system while fighting for the best result I can achieve for them.

Passionate About the Work

I am passionate about using the law to help people whose lives have been changed by serious injury, abuse, or violence. For me, justice is personal: it can mean accountability, financial security, being heard and believed, or simply having someone in your corner. I take the time to understand what matters to each client and build my advocacy and approach around their individual needs and goals.

Clients at the Core

My clients are at the centre of my practice. I know that the legal system can feel daunting, particularly when someone is already dealing with the consequences of a serious injury, abuse, or violence. I take the time to listen, explain the process in clear and practical terms, and make sure my clients understand their options and have a meaningful voice in the decisions we make together.

I believe strong advocacy is not just about achieving a result, it’s about earning my clients’ trust, understanding what matters to them, and helping them navigate the legal process with confidence.