Tributes
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.
Ann Catherine Wilton, M.A. (OXON), LL.B.
(1952-2024)
We mourn as a firm the tragic and “too soon” passing of our long serving research lawyer and associate Ann Wilton. For many decades Ann was an involved and vital member of our team and we miss her greatly. Condolences to Paul and her family from all her friends and colleagues at MPLLP.
-
Our Tribute to Ann
Ann was awarded her B.A. (English) at the University of Toronto; M.A. University of Oxford. She later studied law at Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1981.
Ann always supported clients' interests with her extensive knowledge of the law and ability to locate the appropriate case law. Her deep legal experience and skills provided invaluable research that helped her advise her clients and prepared their materials for the courts.
Ann was a research lawyer with 30 years of experience who contributed significantly to the highly respected books produced by MacDonald & Partners LLP. AdvocateDaily.com captures the release of Ann's second edition spousal support book examining entitlement.
Ann Catherine Wilton, M.A. (OXON), LL.B.
(1952-2024)
We mourn as a firm the tragic and “too soon” passing of our long serving research lawyer and associate Ann Wilton. For many decades Ann was an involved and vital member of our team and we miss her greatly. Condolences to Paul and her family from all her friends and colleagues at MPLLP.
-
Our Tribute to Ann
Ann was awarded her B.A. (English) at the University of Toronto; M.A. University of Oxford. She later studied law at Dalhousie University and the University of Ottawa, and was called to the Ontario Bar in 1981.
Ann always supported clients' interests with her extensive knowledge of the law and ability to locate the appropriate case law. Her deep legal experience and skills provided invaluable research that helped her advise her clients and prepared their materials for the courts.
Ann was a research lawyer with 30 years of experience who contributed significantly to the highly respected books produced by MacDonald & Partners LLP. AdvocateDaily.com captures the release of Ann's second edition spousal support book examining entitlement.
