ABOUT NADIA
Nadia J. Authier specializes in civil litigation with emphasis on construction and commercial litigation, including construction defect claims, Construction Lien Act claims, tender disputes, delay claims, contract review, Tarion matters and Occupational Health and Safety Act charges. Her clients include owners, condominiums, contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, bonding companies, architects, and engineers. Nadia also defends the interests of architects, engineers, and other construction professionals in professional negligence claims.
Fluently bilingual, Nadia practices in both official languages. Nadia holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree in Sociology (1998) and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa (2001). She was called to the Ontario Bar in 2002. Nadia also acts as the firm’s Articling Principal, ensuring that articling students obtain a thorough grounding and mentoring in the practice of law.
In 2013, Nadia was selected to act as associate counsel to the Elliot Lake Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall. This very high-profile inquiry relied upon Nadia’s bilingual capability and experience in the construction industry for selection and interviewing of witnesses, document drafting and review, and courtroom expertise.
Representative Work
- Associate counsel, Elliot Lake Commission of Inquiry into the collapse of the Algo Centre Mall. In this non-adversarial role, Nadia assisted the Commissioner by selecting and interviewing witnesses, assembling and summarizing evidence, and drafting and reviewing documents for the Commissioner’s report.
- Represented a client charged with an offence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The client’s previous legal counsel had recommended pleading guilty. Nadia provided a second opinion that the Crown’s case would not be successful, leading the client to retain her as counsel. After discussion with Nadia, the Crown withdrew the charges.
- Acted for homeowners who had purchased a new home from the builder. The home had multiple serious deficiencies, including a cracked foundation that was causing the house to sink. Recognizing that making even a successful claim against the builder would still leave the homeowners with major problems to fix, Nadia took the case to mediation and succeeded in getting the builder to buy back the house so that the client could purchase another home.
Professional Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- County of Carleton Law Association
Speaking/Writing/Teaching
- Lecturer on construction lien matters and other construction-related litigation at seminars put on by the Ottawa Construction Association and the County of Carleton Law Association
- Contributor to Construction Comment, Magazine distributed by the Ottawa Construction Association
When she’s not in the office
Most of Nadia’s free time is spent at the dance studio, sewing and rhinestoning costumes for her daughter, who is a competitive dancer.
They have a clear understanding of our business and are very responsive. The partners are well respected among their peers.
They’re prompt, intelligent, give good advice, and charge reasonable rates.
I have referred several people to Melody MacDonell over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and efficient. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone at Rasmussen Starr Ruddy.
A big thank you to Melody and her staff. Melody is straight forward and knows her stuff. Although going through a separation is hard, I was very confident things would work out in my favor. And they did. Looking forward to the next new chapter to begin. Thanks again Melody.
I don’t know what I would have done without them. You may not remember every word they say, but you’ll never forget how they make you feel.
Their personal skills are great: they’re very easy to deal with. I question a lot and they’re very accommodating.
I like the fact that I can pick up the phone and talk to my lawyer, not an assistant. Other firms are getting too big to provide personal service.
They have a clear understanding of our business and are very responsive. The partners are well respected among their peers.
They’re prompt, intelligent, give good advice, and charge reasonable rates.
I have referred several people to Melody MacDonell over the years. She is extremely knowledgeable, professional and efficient. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend anyone at Rasmussen Starr Ruddy.
A big thank you to Melody and her staff. Melody is straight forward and knows her stuff. Although going through a separation is hard, I was very confident things would work out in my favor. And they did. Looking forward to the next new chapter to begin. Thanks again Melody.