OUR LAWYERS
ALDO BERLINGIERI*
Law Professional Corporation
Aldo Berlingieri was born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario and is a graduate of St. Thomas More and Cathedral High Schools. He started his University studies at King’s University College at the University of Western Ontario making the Dean’s List in his second year and was accepted into Law School after completing the minimum two years of undergraduate studies.
Mr. Berlingieri graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Western Ontario in 1981 as a member of the Dean’s Honour List. He articled with the firm of Yachetti, Lanza and Restivo in Hamilton where he later became a partner and practiced for five years. In 1988 Mr. Berlingieri joined Bartolini, Berlingieri, Barrafato, Fortino, LLP, and is a partner in that firm as well as one of the founding partners of Escarpment Law Group.
Mr. Berlingieri’s practice includes Real Estate and Financing Transactions, Business Acquisitions and Sales, Business Re-Organizations, Franchising, Commercial Leasing, Shareholder and Partnership disputes, Wills and Estate Planning.
Mr. Berlingieri has provided pro bono legal counsel to charitable and non-profit organizations and has volunteered with various youth sports organizations and community advisory boards. He is married with three children, speaks Italian, loves all things sports related and resides in the Hamilton area.
ALANNA C. STEPHEN*
Law Professional Corporation
B.A., LL.B., J.D.
Alanna C. Stephen graduated with Honours from the University of Guelph with a Major in Criminal Justice & Public Policy and a Minor in Spanish. Ms. Stephen attended Law School at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy obtaining both a Canadian and an American law degree and was called to the Ontario Bar in 2005.
In Law School, Ms. Stephen successfully represented political asylum claimants in front of the Immigration Board and placed first in both the Professional Responsibility Moot Court and Management Competitions.
From 2005 until 2011, Ms. Stephen was an associate with Yachetti, Lanza & Restivo in Hamilton practicing mainly in the areas of Civil Litigation and Criminal Law. With this varied background, Ms. Stephen brings a multi-faceted approach to her current areas of practice: Real Estate Law and Wills/Estates. She joined Escarpment Law Group shortly after it was established in 2011 and is the firm's managing partner.
Ms. Stephen speaks Spanish as a second language, has travelled extensively through Latin America and has lived in both Bolivia and Spain. She enjoys being outdoors with her husband and very active children.
AMEY HANNA*
Law Professional Corporation
B.A. (Hons), J.D.
Amey Hanna completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from McMaster University, graduating with Honours in 2010. She went on to obtain her J.D. from Western University Cooley Law School, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2013. While in law school, Ms. Hanna was a member of the Dean's list and was awarded two Certificates of Merit, the highest honour for academic performance, in both Canadian Constitutional Law and Secured Transactions.
Ms. Hanna joined Escarpment Law Group after her call to the Bar in 2015 and became a partner in 2024. She practices in the areas of Real Estate Law and Wills & Estates.
Outside of the law, Ms. Hanna is an avid reader and loves to travel. During law school, she participated in a study abroad program, during which time she lived in Paris and travelled throughout Europe.
ALYSSA DI LALLO*
B.A., LL.B.
Alyssa Di Lallo joined Escarpment Law Group as an associate lawyer in 2021. Her practice focuses on Real Estate, Wills & Estates, and Corporate law.
Ms. Di Lallo obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Brock University. She then obtained her Bachelor of Laws with Honours from the University of Exeter, a top Russell Group University in the United Kingdom, and continued her professional training in commercial real estate at a large law firm in Southwest England.
Upon her return to Canada, Ms. Di Lallo completed her articling requirements a boutique criminal and real estate law firm in Oakville. She has appeared before the Ontario Court of Justice, Superior Court of Justice, and Small Claims Court.
Ms. Di Lallo was born and raised in the Niagara Region and now calls Welland home. She is proud to be serving clients in Welland and St. Catharines and in her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her young family.
BRIAN J. BENNETT*
B.A. (Hons), J.D.
Brian Bennett attended Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, where he majored in Political Studies and minored in History to obtain his Bachelor's degree, with Honours. He continued his studies at Queen’s Law School graduating with his J.D. in 2019.
Mr. Bennett articled with a sole practitioner in Toronto, gaining experience in various areas of practice, including Corporate/Commercial, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates, and Family Law. After being called to the Bar, Mr. Bennett operated his own general practice for a year before joining a boutique firm in Toronto where he primarily practiced Real Estate Law.
Mr. Bennett joined Escarpment Law Group in 2022 and practices Real Estate, Wills & Estates, and Corporate Law.
Mr. Bennett lives in Grimsby where he enjoys long walks with the dog, listening to the latest podcasts, and planning his next escape to cottage country with his family.
KAYA ZAGORDA*
B.A. (Hons), J.D.
Kaya Zagorda obtained her Bachelor’s Degree, with Honours, in Classical History and Political Studies from Queen’s University. She then continued her studies at Queen’s University Law School, graduating with her J.D. in 2019.
Ms. Zagorda articled at a large full-service firm in Hamilton, gaining experience in many different areas of law, including Corporate/Commercial, Development and Commercial Real Estate, Residential Real Estate, Wills and Estates, Intellectual Property Law, and Civil Litigation. After being called to the Ontario Bar, Ms. Zagorda re-joined the firm as an associate lawyer on the Corporate/Commercial team, specializing in Real Estate Development.
Ms. Zagorda joined Escarpment Law Group in 2023, and practices Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, and Wills & Estates.
As a resident of Grimsby, Ms. Zagorda enjoys having the opportunity to work with clients in the Niagara and Hamilton communities. Outside of the law, she loves to travel, and spend time with family and friends.
DOUGLAS J. DePAULO*
Professional Corporation (Retired)
Douglas DePaulo (retired) was enrolled in the Business Administration Program at McMaster University from 1972 until 1974 and thereafter attended the University of Western Ontario where he obtained his Bachelor of Law Degree in 1979.
Mr. DePaulo articled with the firm of Pelech, Turnbull, Otto & Powell of Hamilton from 1979 to 1980. He was called to the Bar in 1981, and thereafter travelled the World extensively. Upon his return to Canada, he joined Yachetti, Lanza & Restivo LLP in the fall of 1981 where he was managing partner until the firm dissolved in late 2017. Mr. DePaulo founded Escarpment Law Group with Aldo Berlingieri in 2011.
Mr. DePaulo practiced exclusively in the areas of Real Estate, Corporate Law and Wills & Estates. From modest beginnings, Mr. DePaulo grew his practice to represent hundreds of Corporations and Businesses located in Southern Ontario.
Mr. DePaulo was born and raised in Hamilton and is a 40+ year member of the YMCA and a 25 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Mr. DePaulo retired in the Fall of 2023 after 42 very successful years of practice and serving the Hamilton community.