Our Team

Denise L. Branton
Barrister & Solicitor, Owner

Denise has been working in the legal services field for 20 years. Denise worked as a full-time law clerk in Toronto while attending university part-time. Denise obtained her law degree from Toronto’s Osgoode Hall Law School in 2005, and was called to the Ontario bar in 2006. Denise practiced in Toronto for 5 years prior to moving her law practice to Durham Region.

Denise’s approach to client service is “grounded and practical” with a commitment to open communication.

When Denise decided to establish her own practice, there was no question that it would be located in the community in which she lived. She is passionate about Durham Region and enjoys actively participating in, and influencing the growth of Durham Region’s personal and business communities. Denise is an active member of the local Chambers of Commerce, and enjoys mentoring and championing business owners in the community.

She is also very proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise, where she is given the opportunity to serve her community through local projects. She sits on the Board of Directors and is the current fundraising director.

Outside of the office, Denise enjoys spending time with her family, and enjoys traveling, cycling and hiking.

Organizations and Positions:

Ontario Bar Association
Member of Durham Region Law Association
Member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
Whitby Chamber of Commerce
Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
Board Member of Rotary Club of Whitby Sunrise
Member of the Station Gallery
Member of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery
Board Member the Durham Speed Skating Association

Sydney Aquino

Barrister & Solicitor, Associate

Sydney was called to the Bar in June 2023, In 2022, she completed a Master of Laws in Canadian Common at Toronto’s Osgoode Hall Law School. During her studies, Sydney volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada on their Immigration and Refugee Project. She also obtained a Bachelor of Laws from City, University of London in the United Kingdom in 2020.

Although new to the legal field, Sydney has learned from previous work experiences that the best customer service is served with understanding and empathy.

Sydney enjoys spending her free time with friends and family, reading, watching movies and travelling.

Organizations and Positions:

Member of Durham Region Law Association

Marhsall Mayne

Barrister & Solicitor, Associate

Marshall joined Branton Law in 2024 after practicing at a boutique corporate-commercial firm in London for eight years. His practice focuses on the purchase and sale of businesses, real estate transactions and related financings, corporate reorganizations, and other types of corporate and commercial transactions. Clients rely on Marshall to guide them through each step of their business, from formation, through day-to-day corporate governance, and eventually to exit planning.

He was called to the bar in 2015 and holds a Juris Doctor degree from Western University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Degree from Queen’s University.

Outside of the office, Marshall enjoys spending time with his family, weekends at the cottage, participating in the masochistic ritual of being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan and squeezing in a workout when time permits. He also gives back to the local community via his service on the Board of Directors of the Oshawa Historical Society, which operates the Oshawa Museum at Lakeview Park, Oshawa.

Organizations and Positions:

Law Society of Ontario
Durham Region Law Association
Oshawa Historical Society

Ruth Metcalfe

Senior Corporate/Commercial Law Clerk

(905) 493 6333 ext. 103
Rmetcalfe@brantonlaw.ca

Ruth has been working in the legal profession for over 15 years working in real estate and corporate and commercial law.

Ruth has been working with Branton Law since it opened its doors and has enjoyed the challenges associated with developing systems and technology needed as the firm grows. Ruth truly enjoys bringing extraordinary care to all the work she undertakes for clients.

Prior to working for Branton Law, Ruth commuted to Toronto for 5 years. Ruth lives with her family in Durham Region, and welcomes the opportunity to work in her local community. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, boating, hiking and mountain biking and is an integral part of her church community.

Laura Patel

Law Clerk

(905) 493 6333 ext. 106

Lpatel@brantonlaw.ca

Born and raised in Whitby, Laura has worked in the Durham Region throughout her legal career. Laura has over 15 years of Legal Assistant experience and joined Branton Law in 2018.

Laura assists with real estate transactions, as well as sharing corporate and administrative duties. Over the years working in the legal field, Laura has always strived to provide excellent customer service and ensure every client’s experience is a positive one.

In her spare time Laura enjoys gardening, hiking and a good cup of coffee with a friend, but most of all spending time with her family.

Marilyn Branton Short

Senior Bookkeeper

Marilyn has been working in the legal profession since 1988 as a legal Bookkeeper.

Marilyn is Denise’s sister and has been working with Branton Law since it opened its doors in 2014. Marilyn manages the day to day accounting and financial needs of the firm. Marilyn is a strategic thinker, creative problem solver, with intelligence, sound judgment and great diligence.

Prior to working for Branton Law, Marilyn worked for a firm in Pickering for 18 years and prior to that, a firm in Toronto for 10 years. Marilyn now enjoys working closer to home.

Marilyn enjoys spending time with her family, boating, reading and meditating.