Emilio Dabed Executive Director

  • Emilio Dabed is a Palestinian-Chilean lawyer and Ph.D. in political science specializing in constitutional matters, international law, and human rights. Emilio has taught law at York University, An-Najah National University and Al-Quds/Bard College in Palestine, Columbia University, and Georgetown University Qatar.

    Emilio is a founding member of The Legal Centre for Palestine and the organization’s first Executive Director.

Faisal Bhabha Legal Advisor

  • Talia Joundi has been a member of the Centre since its inception, serving as one of the coordinators of the Legal Support Program and supervising law students and volunteers. She is a Toronto-based lawyer who earned her law degree from McGill University and a Master of Laws from York University. She has been called to the bar for eight years and is dual-licensed to practice in both Canada and the United States.

Ellie Burnham Fundraising and Communications Manager

  • Idman Waberi’s experience in nonprofit work spans over six years. Her work centres on bridging gaps in accessing legal services by dignifying and supporting individuals as they navigate complex matters. Previously at the Muslim Legal Support Centre, her experience with nonprofits has been instrumental in shaping her understanding of what it means to be an advocate. Idman holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto.


Stephen Ellis Legal Advisor

  • Faisal Bhabha is lawyer and professor of law. He has researched and published in the areas of constitutional law, multiculturalism, law and religion, disability rights, national security and access to justice. Previously, Faisal sat as Vice-chair of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (2008-2011). He has appeared as an expert witness before Canadian parliamentary committees and served as a member of the Equity Advisory Group of the Law Society of Ontario. He has lived and worked in the Middle East and South Africa, and has lectured and taught in many countries.

Idman Waberi Legal Support Program Intake Coordinator

  • Ellie Burnham is a professional in the nonprofit space with diverse experience in fundraising, communications, and outreach. Seeing resource mobilization through the lens of community organizing, she supports the Centre in telling its story and building connections throughout Canada. She has lived and worked in several countries across North and Central America and holds a Masters in International Studies from Simon Fraser University.

Bill Skidmore Human Rights Advisor

Talia Joundi Legal Support Program Advisor

  • Now retired, Bill Skidmore was a professor for 26 years in the Human Rights and Social Justice program at Carleton University.      

    Prior to Carleton University, Bill worked for three years with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in southern Africa. He has also worked for Canadian organizations which advocate for communities in the global south and indigenous peoples in Canada.

  • Stephen Ellis is an activist and lawyer. He practices in the area of human rights, employment and defamation law.

The Centre was built on, and continues to be fueled by, the participation of many talented and dedicated individuals who cannot be listed here. Without these individuals, the Centre would not exist. To all of our volunteers: Your work is seen and deeply valued, and our gratitude is profound.