Retired Partners

Michelle Dwyer 

Michelle Dwyer has been appointed a Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. 

Michelle earned a BA in Political Science and an MA in Political Science from UBC before obtaining her JD from the University of Toronto and she was called to the bar in 2002. She joined SV Law in 2007 and has been a partner since 2010. 

Michelle has taught undergraduate and graduate students in criminal justice and public policy at the University of Guelph. She also served as co-president of the Victim Services Wellington Board of Directors and Secretary of the Wyndham House Board of Directors.

Michelle bid SV Law farewell on November 28, 2023.

Donald Kidd

Don Kidd has practised law  for 43 years in the main practice area of Employment Law. 

Don Kidd has extensive civil litigation and court experience since starting to practice law in 1976. He was a lawyer for two years with a large Toronto firm, and then for eight years he was with a Yukon law firm before joining a predecessor firm Valeriote Valeriote in 1988. He has represented clients before courts and boards at all levels in Ontario and the Yukon, including the Supreme Court of Canada.  

Don Kidd has ,for 43 years, and continues to have as a main focus of his practice, the advising of both employers and employees on a myriad of employment matters including but not limited to termination of employment, preparation and review of employment contracts,  termination pay issues, the application of the Employment Standards Act, non competition, non solicitation, human rights issues and health and safety issues and defending prosecutions for infractions.  Don's experience includes Construction, Health and Safety and Human Rights cases.  Mr Kidd has successfully handled cases in the highest courts in Ontario and regularly deals with matters involving Toronto and national firms on the other side. Don provides advice and representation of employees or employers in employment law matters. 

Don received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. He was called to the bar of Ontario in 1976 and of the Yukon Territory in 1978.

Don has occupied a variety of volunteer leadership positions in the legal community with the Ontario Deputy Judges Association, the Attorney General’s Committee on Contingency Fees, the Province’s Rules Committee for Small Claims Court, the Central West Bench and Bar Committee, the Ontario Bar Association and the Wellington Law Association.

Don is an active member of the Guelph Kiwanis Club and has been involved with the Elora Music Festival. He and his wife Barb have three adult children. He is an avid reader and movie goer. He stays active by playing a variety of sports including downhill and cross country skiing, golf, sailing and motorcycling. Don enjoys cottaging at Parry Sound.

Don retired on June 30, 2020.

Diana Piccoli

Diana Piccoli has been appointed a Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, a member of the Family Court Branch and a Judge ex officio of the Court of Appeal for Ontario. 

Diana Piccoli has practised law with SV Law since 1997 and has been a partner since 2001. She has significant experience in family law  and residential real estate, as well as the preparation of wills and powers of attorney.  

Diana received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Waterloo in 1990 and her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Ottawa in 1993. She was called to the bar on February 16, 1995.

As a native of Guelph, she and her family continue to reside in and enjoy the city. Diana is actively involved with the Guelph community, particularly as past Chair of the Foundation of the Guelph General Hospital, past Chair of Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis and the fundraising committee for the Children First Campaign of Family & Children's Services of Guelph & Wellington County.

Diana retired on May 3, 2019.

John Valeriote

John Valeriote had practised law for 43 years at SV Law. His areas of practice included planning & municipal law, corporate commercial law, real estate law and wills & estates.

John holds a Juris Doctor degree from Osgoode Hall Law School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame. He was called to the bar in 1968.

Being involved in the community is important to John. He was a Board Member and Vice Chair of the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, Trustee of the Rotary Foundation of Guelph, and Chair of the Guelph Museum’s Fundraising Campaign. Previously he had been Board Member Homewood Corporation, President of Rotary Club of Guelph, Chair of St Josephs Home, Board Member Guelph Foundation, Chair Save the Carousel Campaign, Chair Guelph Fountain Campaign. 

John has a great interest in the history and character of Guelph. He also enjoys woodworking, vehicle restoration, gardening and all things mechanical. He is an avid reader of historical, biographical and architectural literature. He and his wife, Sherron of 47 years have three children, Noelle, John- David and Timothy, as well as six grandchildren.

John retired on December 31, 2018.

David Smith

One of the founding partners of the firm, David Crawford Smith had extensive trial experience at all levels of Courts in Ontario. In addition, he has appeared before many Administrative Tribunals and Boards.

David holds a Bachelor of Arts, Political Science degree from the University of British Columbia, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario. He was called to the bar in 1966.

David is involved with Hospice Wellington, was a member of the Guelph Court Management Committee and the Legal Aid Area Committee for many years.  He was also a frequent lecturer on estate planning, wills and power of attorney. David was a former board member of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, past President of the Wellington Law Association, past Chair of the Psychiatric Review Board.

David and his wife Marie have four children, and ten grandchildren. When he is not busy with his family, David enjoys traveling, gardening, photography and playing golf.

David retired on December 31, 2017.

Ron Sansom

Ronald (Ron) Sansom had extensive experience working with clients on the acquisition, financing and development of land. He also regularly provided advice to clients on the creation of wills and the planning and administration of estates.

Ronald holds a Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Queen’s University. He was called to the bar in 1970 and had been with SmithValeriote Law Firm LLP for more than 21 years.

Ron is a past President of the Rotary Club of Guelph, Director of the Rotary Club of Guelph, Charitable Foundation, past President and building committee chair of the Elliott Group, past Treasurer of the Belwood Lake Sailing Club, former Director of Big Brothers, former Director and coach for the Guelph Minor Baseball Association, and Director of Guelph Slo-Pitch. In addition to his extensive community involvement, Ronald also enjoys sailing, playing slo-pitch, golfing, cycling and traveling.

Ron retired on June 30, 2016.

Rick Gazzola

Richard (Rick) Gazzola practiced law for over 40 years. His areas of practice included real estate law, family law, labour and criminal law, personal injury claims, and construction liens. 

Rick joined the firm as a partner in 1978, after initially practicing as a sole practitioner in Guelph, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Engineering and a law degree from the University of Windsor. He was called to the bar in 1974.

Rick has always been deeply involved in his community. He served as the Honorary Italian Vice-Consul, was a trustee of the Wellington County Separate School Board, and was a member of the Guelph Minor Hockey Association, the Italian Canadian Club of Guelph, and Holy Rosary Parish. He is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Ontario, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, and the Insurance Institute of Canada.

A native of Guelph, Ontario, Rick is passionate about supporting his local community. In addition to his legal practice, he has contributed significantly to various organizations and causes.

Rick retired from practice in 2012.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith was a founding partner of the firm that is now SV Law, establishing it in 1965 alongside his law school classmate and friend, David Smith. Over the years, the firm underwent several name changes, including Smith Smith, Payne Smith Smith, Payne Smith Smith & Campbell, Smith Smith Gazzola Sansom & Holub, SmithValeriote, and ultimately SV Law.

In the early years, Paul was known for his steadfast leadership and deep commitment to both the firm and its people. His guidance was a constant through periods of change, including the transitions from one managing partner to the next. For those who worked with him, Paul was the true leader—respected by all for his integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to the firm’s success. One former colleague recalls joining the firm in 1993 as an articling student at Smith, Smith, Gazzola, Sansom & Holub. During the next 15 years, Paul’s influence was both profound and subtle. As the firm’s chief financial officer, Paul managed its finances and gradually transitioned that responsibility to his colleague. With great care, he passed on the reins of financial oversight in a way that was almost imperceptible, demonstrating the same quiet leadership that marked his entire career. His door was always open, and his advice was consistently sought.

Despite a changing leadership landscape, Paul’s steady presence and leadership remained unwavering, providing the firm with a foundation of trust and stability. Paul retired in 2007, but his influence continues to resonate. Though no longer physically present in the office, his legacy remains an integral part of the firm’s culture and values. His commitment to the firm’s long-term success and his ability to lead by example are lessons that still guide those who were fortunate enough to work with him.

Paul was a gentleman, a devoted family man, and a respected community leader. He took great pride in helping others—whether through mentorship, client relationships, or service to his community—and he made a lasting impact on all who knew him. Paul's legacy lives on in the work we do today at SV Law, and his presence is still felt in the firm’s culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence. He will never be forgotten, and his wisdom, generosity, and leadership continue to inspire those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Paul Smith - March 6, 1938 - February 9, 2025