Our Team
Philip Hershman
Me Hershman is an experienced Montreal-based Civil and Commercial Lawyer whose practice focuses on construction law, real estate law and shareholder disputes.
He earned a Bachelor of Civil Law from Université de Montréal in 2012 and became a member of the Quebec Bar in 2013.
He regularly represents entrepreneurs, co-owner syndicates, private lenders, general contractors and sub-trades before various judicial and quasi-judicial bodies in Quebec, including the Court of Appeal and arbitration tribunals. He also provides general counsel and corporate services to his clients with respect to real estate holdings, asset management, buying and selling businesses and strategic conflict resolution.
Vanessa Malenfant
Vanessa graduated in paralegal technology from O'Sullivan College in 2018 and is an active member of the Canadian Association of Paralegals. Specializing in litigation and corporate law, she brings her legal skills to the firm with rigor and professionalism.
Since 2020, Vanessa has played a key role as Administrative Director at Hershman Avocats. In this strategic position, she manages day-to-day operations, coordinates the various departments and supports the legal team. Her expertise helps optimize the firm's efficiency, implementing practical and innovative solutions.
Kevin Lafrenière
Me Lafrenière assists businesses and individuals in most types of disputes they may face, including those against the public administration.
He is recognized by his clients for his human approach and by peers for his and ability to resolve the most complex legal issues, particularly in appellate cases.
Me Lafrenière has been and continues to act as a lecturer at various universities in Quebec, where he teaches contract law and the general law of obligations.
Erica Picillo
Me Picillo focuses her practice on civil and commercial litigation at Hershman Law, where she strives to ensure that clients feel supported at every stage of the litigation process.
Before joining Hershman Law, she completed her articling at a national law firm, where she worked on a wide range of litigation matters in construction, contract, banking, and administrative law. She also gained experience working for a Member of Parliament and contributing to legal research for the development of a Private Member’s Bill.
Called to the Bar in 2025, she first earned her Bachelor of Civil Law from the Université de Montréal in 2023. During her time at the Université de Montréal, she and her colleagues earned third place in the Laskin Moot, a national bilingual competition in administrative and constitutional law.
Outside her practice, Me Picillo serves on the executive committee of a political youth organization, where she actively contributes to policy discussions and initiatives to get youth involved in active politics.
Justine Bouchard
Justine is completing her bachelor’s degree in law at the University of Montreal and will be doing her articling at Hershman Law.
With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from HEC Montreal (B.A.A.), Justine has acquired interpersonal skills and business knowledge through her education that will be useful in her future practice.
Having had the opportunity to work in a boutique law firm during her first year of law school, she developed a strong interest in civil and commercial litigation.
Justine is grateful to be part of a dynamic team and to learn alongside experienced mentors.
