published 05/20/2026
TDS Congratulates Frank Lavitt, K.C. on Receiving University of Manitoba Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP (TDS) congratulates Winnipeg-based lawyer Frank Lavitt, K.C. on receiving the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award, recognizing his distinguished career in tax law, leadership in the legal profession, and contributions to legal education in Manitoba.
“Frank has spent his whole career dedicated to the betterment of the legal profession and his community. His resume details this dedication. He is manifestly deserving of the Outstanding Alumni Award.” — James Ripley, K.C., General Counsel
About the Award and Recognition
The University of Manitoba Faculty of Law Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement in their legal career and who have shown dedication and commitment to the betterment of the legal profession while exhibiting integrity and professionalism.
Recipients are selected based on sustained contribution to the legal community, leadership in practice, and long-term commitment to excellence in legal education and service.
Read the official University of Manitoba Faculty of Law announcement here: Official Faculty of Law announcement
About Frank Lavitt, K.C.
Frank is a partner at TDS and practises:
- Corporate and commercial tax law
- Tax dispute resolution
- Corporate governance
- Wills, estates and trusts
He is regarded as an imaginative, forward-thinking, and highly effective tax lawyer with deep expertise in tax, wills, estates, and trusts, and is consistently recognized for his principled and ethical approach to practice.
Frank holds a Bachelor of Commerce (1976) and a Bachelor of Laws (1979) from the University of Manitoba and was appointed King’s Counsel in recognition of his professional excellence, integrity, and leadership in the legal profession. He is also an inaugural appointee to the Jurists of Robson Hall in recognition of his service to the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law.
Legal Education and Professional Contribution
Frank is a long-standing contributor to legal education in Manitoba. He currently teaches Corporate Tax Law and Income Tax and Policy at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Law and has contributed extensively to professional legal and accounting education throughout his career.
Recognition and Professional Distinction
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honours and distinctions, including “Tax Lawyer of the Year” from Best Lawyers™, along with a range of professional and community awards.
Nomination remarks from Maria Grande, Partner at TDS, highlighted Frank’s longstanding mentorship within the profession, including his advocacy for women and mothers in the legal profession.
Colleagues and nominators further described Frank as an imaginative and effective lawyer whose technical knowledge, professionalism, and commitment to the legal community have earned him longstanding respect across Manitoba’s legal community.
Team & Client Service
Frank often notes that his practice is supported by a trusted and highly experienced team that plays an essential role in delivering responsive and practical client service.
Working alongside Frank are lawyers Elmer Gomes, Maria Grande and Nik Nucci, together with senior paralegals Laurie Sapischuk and Amber Roschuk. Their combined experience across corporate, tax, financing, commercial law, litigation, wills and estates, and professional corporation matters contributes significantly to the strength of the group and the service provided to clients.
Clients regularly engage with members of the broader team to ensure questions are addressed efficiently and matters continue moving forward seamlessly and proactively.
Learn More
Learn more about Frank by visiting his bio page: Frank Lavitt, K.C. | TDS Law
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