About Us

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About Us

A Legacy Built


on Relationships

For over seven decades, Schwartz & Schwartz has been a cornerstone of legal service in Toronto. From our founding by Saul Schwartz in 1949 to today’s multi-generational practice, we’ve remained committed to one simple principle: exceptional legal service built on lasting relationships.

A Family Legacy


of Legal Excellence

1949

The Beginning

Our story begins in 1949, when Saul Schwartz opened his practice as a sole practitioner on Kingston Road in Toronto’s east end. From the start, Saul built his practice on a foundation of personal attention, unwavering devotion to his clients, and a deep respect for the law. Over the early years, he was joined by other young lawyers who shared his vision.

1949
1960s

Growing with Purpose

In the early 1960s, Saul moved the practice to Bathurst and Lawrence, driven by a philosophy ahead of its time: work-life balance. Close enough to home for family dinners, yet able to return evenings to serve clients. This wasn’t convenience, but staying connected to what mattered most. Harvey Jacobson joined around this time, and together they built a thriving practice serving independent home builders and entrepreneurs. Their reputation grew through word-of-mouth from clients who valued personal attention and practical wisdom.

1960s
1982

A New Generation Joins

In 1982, Jeffrey Schwartz joined his father’s practice, beginning a new chapter. Within years, the firm became Schwartz Jacobson Schwartz. Father and son worked side by side, with Saul mentoring Jeffrey in both technical expertise and building lasting client relationships. In 1989, they moved to another neighborhood location, maintaining their guiding philosophy: work hard, serve clients exceptionally, stay close to family. The balance between professional excellence and personal life remained the firm’s cornerstone.

1982
2015

Saul’s Legacy

Saul and Jeffrey practiced together until 2015, when Saul passed away after more than 60 years of distinguished legal service. Throughout his career, Saul was highly regarded and respected by clients, colleagues, and the legal community. He developed close relationships with every client, and that loyalty ran deep. Many of those original clients, and their children and grandchildren, continue to work with the firm today.

2015
Today

Carrying Forward a Legacy

Jeffrey continues the practice with his father’s devotion, representing children and grandchildren of Saul’s original clients. He became Chair of the Ontario Bar Association’s Real Property Section, taught at the Law Society’s Bar Admission Course for 16 years, and earned his Masters of Law. New lawyers, David, Lawrence, and Gleb have brought fresh expertise, yet the core remains unchanged.

Over 75 years later, we’re a firm where relationships matter, your success is our mission, and generations trust us.

Today

The Core Values


That Define Us

After 75 years, some things never change. These principles have guided us from day one and continue to shape every client relationship we build.

Relationships Over Transactions 

We don’t chase one-time deals. We build partnerships that last decades, often spanning multiple generations. When you work with us, you’re not just another file number, you become part of our extended professional family.

Excellence Through Experience 

With over 75 years of combined practice, we bring depth of knowledge that only comes from actually doing the work, year after year. We’ve seen market cycles, legislative changes, and evolving business landscapes. That experience translates into better counsel for you.

Accessible and Responsive 

Legal matters don’t wait for convenient moments. We respond quickly, communicate clearly, and stay accessible when you need us. You’ll never wonder where your matter stands or struggle to get answers.

Integrity in Everything 

We do what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Our reputation, built over three-quarters of a century, is our most valuable asset, and we protect it by treating every client with honesty, fairness, and ethical practice.

Practical Wisdom 

Legal advice should be actionable, not academic. We cut through complexity to give you practical guidance you can understand and use. Our goal is to help you move forward confidently, not to impress you with legal jargon.

Our Team of


Partners, Clerks & Assistants

Behind every successful matter is a team of dedicated legal professionals. Get to know the lawyers, clerks and assistants who will work tirelessly on your behalf.

Jeffrey Schwartz

President & CEO | Partner

David Kelman

Partner

Gleb Bazov

Associate

Lawrence Goldapple

Counsel

Lecia Kun

Law Clerk

Stephanie Silva

Law Clerk

Grace Guo

Law Clerk

Lizz DaSilva

Office Administrator and Receptionist

Active in Our


Community & Profession

At Schwartz & Schwartz, we believe in giving back to the legal community and staying engaged with the profession that has given us so much.

Professional Leadership:

Hear What Our


Clients Have to Say

Ronen L.
Jeffrey is thorough, meticulous and thoughtful of clients needs. Very knowledgeable and always has the client’s best interests as a priority. Highly recommended!
Julia G.
I highly recommend Mr. David Kelman for any complex mortgage matters. I have referred many clients to him, and they have all been satisfied with his representation. David is responsive, professional, and exceptionally knowledgeable.
Silvana D.
Great service ‚and very professional
Heather H.
Partners were extremely pleasant. Parking behind building. Real estate transactions are the main purpose of the legal firm.
Amanda S.
David Kelman at Schwartz and Schwartz really came through for me on my real estate deal. He is a class act and I highly recommend him!
Shaun D.
We used David and his team to close on our new house; there were a lot of moving parts on a tight timeline but they handled everything perfectly (including a claim we ended up having to make on the title insurance due to the previous homeowner not paying a utility bill). Competitive pricing as well. I’d definitely use them again.
Katrina L.
David Kelman is an excellent lawyer who is equally personable. He will help you along the way.
Heather M.
My husband and I worked with Schwartz and Schwartz — David and Grace did a fantastic job with our real estate legal needs, and closing our house. It was a little complicated, and they handled it so smoothly we didn’t worry. Their level of professionalism and customer service is so appreciated, and especially for such a major transaction. David and Grace are highly responsive, all our questions were thoughtfully answered. We were referred to this law firm, and now I highly recommend using Schwartz and Schwartz for your legal real estate needs.
Scott W.
Great service from David Kelman at Schwartz and Schwartz. He helped us with what we saw as a complicated real estate transaction, but walked us through it all and explained it all clearly (no legal mumbo jumbo) so we knew what we were signing. Felt so relaxed knowing that David had it under control, and he got our deal done and close before the deadline. Thank you David for your responsiveness and professionalism.
Jaclyn M.
Would definitely recommend. Quick and efficient, very helpful and explains things in an easy way to understand, professional with a side of humour! Always felt as though David had out best interest in mind.
Howard W.
Friendly legal firm. Helped me a lot .
John F.
I was given a list of 5 different Realestate Lawyers from my agent.. I left messages for 4 out of the 5 but Schwartz & Schwartz answered the phone.. The reason I chose them is because David Kelman was down to earth, very informative and extremely professional in a friendly way. Him and Diana made the sale of my property so easy. I would highly recommend using them. Schwartz & Schwartz will be my “go-to” firm from now on… Thanks To David and Diana for a smooth deal.. This is a genuine review.. I did not know anyone at this firm before the sale of my property.. I am extremely happy with the service that was provided.. Thank you and God Bless… John Fiore
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