When you think of law, you automatically think of … knitting, right? Well, if you’re Gelman & Associates Law Clerk Rita McHorgh, it makes total sense. She helped create a knitting group that largely consists of law clerks, and they create shawls, baby blankets, and all sorts of wonderful things for hospitals, churches, and charities.

You might also say that as the perfect liaison between client and lawyer, Rita is a bit like the yarn that holds the knitting together. She especially enjoys interacting with clients, and she is admired for her equanimity under pressure, making her a calming presence when people are under stress. She’s also a highly organized person, which makes her a bit … well, like the yarn that holds the knitting together!

Her liaison talents haven’t just been used in her capacity as a law clerk, however. She has also served as a liaison between parents and parks and recreation officials to provide input for evening school programs.

Rita obtained her certification as a law clerk in Windsor in 1973 and worked in several areas of law from real estate to estates to construction law to civil litigation before settling in family law in 1988. She has lived in Toronto since 1974 and joined Gelman & Associates in 2006.

Rita speaks and reads Italian and frequently visits antique shows (although not usually at the same time), and she also loves classical music. People describe her as friendly, outgoing, and funny, but one of her most highly regarded traits is her reliability. So, you won’t be surprised to learn that she has been married for 36 years and has two lovely children.