Tribute
James C. MacDonald, LLB, Q.C.
(1934-2019)
We wish to acknowledge Jim MacDonald's contribution to our firm and to the practice of family law in Canada.
- Our Tribute to Jim
Together with Justice Lee Ferrier, Jim founded MacDonald and Ferrier, the first law firm in Canada devoted solely to the practice of family law. In 1967, he persuaded the Canadian Bar Association to establish a separate section in family Law. In 1969, the text, MacDonald and Ferrier, ‘Canadian Divorce Law and Practice’ was published. It remains the standard work today. He went on to write or co-write seven more family law books.
Jim served as the Director of The Bar Admission Course from 1970 to 1975, while maintaining a busy practice. His leadership and innovation led to the establishment of the Law Society’s successful Continuing Legal Education program, which included many nationwide seminars. Jim was a gifted teacher and mentor to more than one generation of lawyers.
In 1992, Jim chartered a new course and founded the firm that would become MacDonald & Partners LLP. He continued his efforts to seek improvement in the resolution of family law matters, fostering the use of mediation and collaborative law. One of his most significant achievements was moving the practice of law from a largely adversarial forum to a more conciliatory settlement-oriented pursuit. His outstanding contribution to the law was guided by a strong belief in Buddhist teachings and an endless intellectual curiosity.
We will always be grateful for his example, leadership and mentorship.
James C. MacDonald, LLB, Q.C.
(1934-2019)
We wish to acknowledge Jim MacDonald's contribution to our firm and to the practice of family law in Canada.
- Our Tribute to Jim
We wish to acknowledge Jim MacDonald's contribution to our firm and to the practice of family law in Canada.
Together with Justice Lee Ferrier, Jim founded MacDonald and Ferrier, the first law firm in Canada devoted solely to the practice of family law. In 1967, he persuaded the Canadian Bar Association to establish a separate section in family Law. In 1969, the text, MacDonald and Ferrier, ‘Canadian Divorce Law and Practice’ was published. It remains the standard work today. He went on to write or co-write seven more family law books.
Jim served as the Director of The Bar Admission Course from 1970 to 1975, while maintaining a busy practice. His leadership and innovation led to the establishment of the Law Society’s successful Continuing Legal Education program, which included many nationwide seminars. Jim was a gifted teacher and mentor to more than one generation of lawyers.
In 1992, Jim chartered a new course and founded the firm that would become MacDonald & Partners LLP. He continued his efforts to seek improvement in the resolution of family law matters, fostering the use of mediation and collaborative law. One of his most significant achievements was moving the practice of law from a largely adversarial forum to a more conciliatory settlement-oriented pursuit. His outstanding contribution to the law was guided by a strong belief in Buddhist teachings and an endless intellectual curiosity.
We will always be grateful for his example, leadership and mentorship.
