Congratulations to WiCCD’s President Cassandra DeMelo on being named among the Top 20 Under 40 for London, Ontario – March 12 2026

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Anita Szigeti

Congratulations to Cassandra DeMelo, President of Women In Canadian Criminal Defence for being named among the top 20 under 40 in London, Ontario. Cassandra has served as WiCCD’s President for nearly a year now and was a founding member. She has unmatched energy and emotional intelligence as well as the strongest work ethic. I’m lucky to call her my good friend and delighted she volunteered to help me with a conference back in oh, maybe 2018 or thereabouts. Actually, the fact that I’ve only known her for 8 years shocks me, given what we’ve accomplished together. She’s gone from helper to leader in record time. She was always determined and her accomplishments at the tender age of 37 are absolutely remarkable. Richly deserved recognition!

20 Under 40: Cassandra DeMelo
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About Anita Szigeti

• Called to the Bar (1992) • U of T Law grad (1990) • Sole practitioner (33 years) • Partner in small law firm (Hiltz Szigeti) 2002 - 2013 • Mom to two astonishing kids, Scarlett (20+) and Sebastian (20-) • (Founding) Chair of Mental Health Legal Committee for ten years (1997 to 2007) * Founding President of Law and Mental Disorder Association - LAMDA since 2017 * Founder and Secretary to Women in Canadian Criminal Defence - WiCCD - since 2022 • Counsel to clients with serious mental health issues before administrative tribunals and on appeals • Former Chair, current member of LAO’s mental health law advisory committee • Educator, lecturer, widely published author (including 5 text books on consent and capacity law, Canadian civil mental health law, the criminal law of mental disorder, a law school casebook and a massive Anthology on all things mental health and the law) • Thirty+ years’ experience as counsel to almost exclusively legally aided clients • Frequently appointed amicus curiae • Fearless advocate • Not entirely humourless
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