It’s a new decade, and while 2020 has ushered in some significant changes to SCC, some things are staying the same. Family law continues as our primary practice area whether it is helping individuals navigate the oft-gruelling separation process, assisting clients in protecting their assets through contracts or bringing joy through the completion of an adoption. Julia Cornish, QC, with more than 35 years’ experience, now heads the family law team, which is rounded out by senior associate Jennifer Kooren, associate Gillian Lush, paralegal Donna Kerrivan and financial administrator Jacqueline Savage. (Plus golden retriever Carmen, presently on parental leave.)

Julia formerly co-lead the family law team with Doug Sealy, QC. After restricting his practice to mediation for a number of years, Doug decided to focus his considerable negotiation skills on his granddaughter, who he has not yet convinced to sleep through the night! Also retiring is business and property lawyer Peter Coulthard, QC, whose new “office” is likely to be a back woods site at Keji. Meanwhile, criminal and regulatory offense lawyer Don Murray, QC, can be reached at Smith Evans, where he continues his practice. 

After a “soft open” in October, Touchstone Legal Services has officially opened as a boutique law firm within our shared premises, providing legal services in the areas of corporate and commercial, trusts, estate planning and administration, elder law, real property, and tax. Former SCC lawyers Jessica Lyle, TEP and Megan Parker will be offering their estate and trusts services under the Touchstone banner, along with experienced business and tax lawyer Jamie Angus and staff members Alice Croft and Patty Pickles. 

We want to salute Doug and Peter for their long, distinguished careers. Although we’ve lost our two biggest Neil Young fans (see our website banner), we vow to hold to the firm’s pledge of “better down the road” on behalf of all our clients, present and future. Here’s to 2020!