The Guthrie Law Team
Nicole Guthrie, J.D., BA (Hons.)
Barrister & Solicitor
Nicole holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at York University, a Masters at Windsor University and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Howard University School of Law in Washington DC. Nicole became a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Bar Association of Ontario.
Prior to founding Guthrie Law, Nicole interned with both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in Washington during her time at Howard. In her 10+ years as an experienced barrister/solicitor, Nicole was been providing immigration services within the East York community at Don Valley Legal Services.
Today, Nicole’s specialized skill set provides a full range of legal services to all her clients.
Sami Has
Barrister & Solicitor
Before relocating to Canada in 2015, Sami worked extensively as a legal academic and practitioner in various international jurisdictions. Since his move, he has continued to develop his legal career in Canada through roles in private law firms, nonprofit legal services, and the insurance sector. He holds a Global Professional Master of Laws (GPLLM) from the University of Toronto, alongside a Ph.D. and Master’s degree in Public Law from respected international institutions.
Sami is also deeply involved in civil liberties and human rights work. He voluntarily supports refugees and victims of atrocity crimes, using his legal expertise to assist marginalized individuals in navigating complex legal systems and advocating for their rights.
Outside of his professional practice, Sami enjoys traveling, cooking, singing, and playing chess. He also pursues hobbies such as hiking, horseback riding, scuba diving, and soccer.
Elif Demiroglu
Joe Gans
Joe Gans is an articling student at Guthrie Law with a strong foundation in legal advocacy and a well-rounded background in legal education, courtroom experience, and mentorship. He began his legal career at Seneca College, where he completed the Paralegal Studies program and became a licensed paralegal in November 2020. Seeking to deepen his legal expertise, Joe earned his LLB from the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. He gained invaluable experience at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, where he served as a court clerk and worked closely with appellate judges. As a student, Joe distinguished himself as a competitive mooter, representing Seneca College in both the Lion’s Cup and the Osgoode Cup and the University of Sussex in the Barrister Moot Court competition. His success in these competitions inspired him to become a moot coach, where he has since mentored several teams and fostered the development of aspiring advocates.
Barbara Phillips
Barbara joined Guthrie Law in 2024 and brings a diverse set of skills. Being from the Caribbean, she is passionate about helping prospective new Canadians. Originally a teacher, she studied Business Administration and is now a legal assistant helping with support staff preparation, document management, and day-to-day administrative tasks.
Marci Jameson
Marci Jameson is a law clerk specializing in real estate. In 2001, she graduated from the Seneca College Law Clerk program and later passed The Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario fellowship exam in advanced real estate. Since then, she has worked for some of Canada’s largest law firms. Her experience includes all aspects of commercial and residential real estate transactions – residential sales and purchases, land acquisition, land development, commercial/residential financing and refinancing, first applications, and builder sales as well as some corporate work and the occasional estate file. Marci has also worked as a consultant in the areas of real estate practice and real estate transaction documentation and previously taught at Seneca College.
Vehbi Yaşar
Vehbi Yasar is a legal professional with a diverse academic and international background. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from York University and a law degree from Hacettepe University in Turkey. He gained practical legal experience as a legal intern in Turkey and is currently working as a Legal Assistant at Guthrie Law Professional Corporation. Vehbi is also completing the Graduate Diploma in Foundations of Canadian Law at York University as he works toward becoming a licensed lawyer in Ontario.
Angie Garnica
Legal Assistant
Angie joined Guthrie Law in 2025 to support clients with a wide range of immigration matters, including visitor visas, refugee claims, Humanitarian and Compassionate applications, and open work permits for vulnerable workers.
Before joining Guthrie Law, Angie worked as a lawyer in Colombia for around 15 years, where she advised clients in civil, commercial, and corporate law. She also held roles in private practice and corporate advisory, focusing on legal compliance and contract management.
Angie brings a strong legal background and a client-focused approach to her work. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is committed to helping clients navigate the Canadian immigration process with care and clarity. Angie is currently pursuing a diploma in International Business at Niagara College to complement her legal background with a broader understanding of global business practices.
