Heela Donsky Walker B.A.,J.D., TEP

Partner

  • She / Her / Hers

Bar Admission

Ontario, 2010

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Heela has earned a strong reputation for her attention to detail, leaving no stone unturned as she helps her clients manage their legacy through their estate plan. She enjoys getting to know her clients and learning about their unique goals and concerns. Heela is an approachable lawyer who explains difficult and nuanced tax and other legal concepts in a simplified manner.

As a Partner in our Wills and Estates group, Heela advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, estate administration and trust law. She also assists clients who have assets in multiple jurisdictions and is known for her ability to craft solutions in respect of Canada-US cross-border estate planning issues. Heela enjoys working collaboratively with her clients’ other advisors to maximize efficiencies, in particular when dealing with assets or beneficiaries across multiple jurisdictions.

Heela relies on various “tools” in her “estate planning toolkit” to create clear, tax-efficient plans for her clients and provides honest and timely communications. Commonly used tools include Wills, Powers of Attorney, Family Trusts, Alter Ego Trusts, Joint Partner Trusts, Bare Trusts, Domestic Contracts, Corporations, and Probate Applications.  

Heela holds the highly recognized Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation and sits on the Toronto Board of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP). She has a strong foundation in tax, having completed all three levels of the In-Depth Tax Course.

Prior to joining Robins Appleby, Heela worked at a large national law firm where she focused on tax and estate planning, family business succession planning, and wills and trusts. Thereafter, she practiced at a boutique law firm for several years where she focused on the complex and unique interactions between the Canadian and US tax systems.

Outside of the office, Heela loves to embark on travel adventures and has climbed one of the Seven Summits: Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. She also enjoys singing, going to concerts, cooking, and devoting time to her family.

  • Education
  • Memberships
  • Awards and Recognition
  • Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), In-Depth Tax Course, Levels I, II, III, 2019
  • CSI Global Education Inc., Canadian Securities Course, 2013
  • University of Western Ontario School of Law, J.D., 2009
  • York University, B.A., 2006
  • Law Society of Ontario
  • Ontario Bar Association
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Secretary of the Board, Toronto Executive Branch, Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP)
  • Past Co-Chair, Lawyers Division, UJA Campaign (2019, 2020)
  • Past Director of Sponsorship, Young Women in Law
  • Co-Founder, Junior Trusts and Estates Practitioners Group (JTEP)
  • Recognized in Best Lawyers for work in Tax Law, 2024
  • Recognized in Best Lawyers for work in Trusts and Estates, 2024