The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Woman and Girls is pleased to announce that Susan Vella will be the Lead Commission Counsel and will build the National Inquiry's trauma-informed legal team.

She is a pioneer in advancing claims on behalf of survivors of sexual and institutionalized abuse, and sexual harassment in the civil litigation context for over 25 years.  Susan also represents Indigenous persons who are victims of sexual trauma, and Indigenous organizations and First Nations in relation to various matters.

Related:

• NWAC welcomes launch of national inquiry, cites some concerns
• Commissioners named for MMIW national inquiry
• FSIN and families welcome launch of national inquiry
• Missing people remembered

Susan received the Law Society Medal and the Advocates' Society Award of Justice, in recognition of her work on behalf of survivors of sexual violence. 

Susan has appeared at all levels of court in relation to civil litigation involving sexual violence, including at the Supreme Court of Canada in relation to the landmark sexual abuse vicarious liability decision of Bazley v. Curry.

Susan has a number of publications on various aspects relative to the issue of pursuing civil justice on behalf of survivors of sexual violence, including co-authoring the textbook, Civil Liability for Sexual Abuse and Violence in Canada.

Susan is a member of the Ontario Civil Rules Committee. Most recently Susan was Counsel to the Ontario Minister of Health and Long Term Care's Task Force on the Prevention of Sexual Abuse of Patients.  She was also Commission Counsel to the Ipperwash Inquiry, which examined the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Dudley George by a member of the Ontario Provincial Police. She was called to the Ontario bar in 1988. 

Susan comes to the National Inquiry from Rochon Genova LLP where she is senior counsel.