Julie Ralhan obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from York University in 1999, a Bachelor of Laws from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2002, and was called to the Bar of Ontario in 2003. Julie then practiced family law with a focus on child-related issues for two decades in various contexts, including as legal counsel for the Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, and subsequently as a lawyer for parents, grandparents and other family members in Children’s Aid Society cases. Julie has also had the opportunity to engage in special projects and contractual arrangements during her time as a lawyer, including being outside counsel to the Motherisk Commission, which was established by the Ontario government to examine the reliability of drug testing in child protection cases.

Julie is accredited as a family mediator and an intergenerational (elder) mediator through the Ontario Association for Family Mediation (OAFM), and is also accredited as a Certified Elder Mediator (Advanced) through Family Mediation Canada (FMC). Julie is a member of various legal and mediation associations, including the Elder Mediation International Network, the mission of which is to advance the practice of elder mediation as a distinct specialty, and ensure quality in the practice of elder mediation through the development of high standards of ethics, conduct, and education.

Julie’s approach and philosophy as a mediator is to recognize that conflict can be profoundly painful for all involved. Individuals may be experiencing stress, grief and fear in relation to the issues with which they are being confronted. Historical family/relational dynamics and grievances may also exacerbate the conflict. Julie believes in speaking the truth with dignity, and seeks to equip and encourage individuals to find new ways to meaningfully redeem and resolve conflict.