Emery Jamieson, established in 1893, is one of Edmonton’s oldest, most trusted and reliable law firms and has been providing legal services over the years in many areas of the law including litigation, corporate, commercial, administrative and government law, estate and family law and more.
W. Paul Sharek, K.C. was admitted to the bar in 1971. He spent many years helping to chronicle the firm’s history for its 100th anniversary, resulting in a beautiful book that describes how Emery Jamieson LLP has been ingrained in the practice of law in Edmonton and Alberta for more than a century. Now, as Emery Jamieson LLP celebrates 130 years this October, Sharek is happy to share highlights from the firm’s history.
“On October 1, 1893, Nicholas Du Blois Dominic Beck and Edward Corrigan Emery opened Beck & Emery. The balance between their personalities and unique skill sets were the ideal parameters for success. Emery put forth a code of ethics for the firm that still persists to this day.”
Sharek continues, “When you look back at the firm’s history, you see how many lawyers over the years were heavily involved in community activities – sitting on boards, volunteering, etc. Many of our people served the Law Society of Alberta including several who were Benchers, which is very significant because Benchers are elected by their peers to this voluntary position. The firm was prepared to have people participate in the governance of the profession.” Members of the firm were happy to serve because of their passion for law and desire to uphold the integrity of the profession. For example, Frank Ford became a Bencher shortly after the inception of the Law Society, and later became a Judge.
“The tradition of service to the profession has not waned as the years went on,” Sharek, who was a Bencher for six years, says. “Phyllis A. Smith, K.C. was a Bencher for more than 10 years, and at the end of her Bencher career in the early 1990s she was elected as the first woman president of the Law Society. The Honourable Frederica L. Schutz was a Bencher during the 2000s and was appointed a Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench, then later to the Court of Appeal.
He also points out that although it is not possible to name them all, many other firm members were appointed to the Court, such as founder Nicolas Beck, who had been appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court and then the Court of Appeal, and William Sinclair who in the early 1970s became the first Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta.
Sharek continues, “We are not one of the largest firms; we are mid-sized, so the number of Benchers and court appointees is a true testament to the competency and integrity of the people here.”
The integrity of the firm has always carried weight. Sharek adds, “You saw this when we went to court. If you said you were from Emery Jamieson LLP, they knew you could be relied on and that you were prepared. That means a great deal. Our people knew they were carrying the firm’s name and they rose to the occasion.”
As the times changed and the decades ticked over into a century of service, Emery Jamieson LLP changed with the times too. This meant adopting technology and dealing with new legal matters. One of the ways the firm evolved was to join Lawyers Associated Worldwide (LAW), a global network of independent law firms.
“LAW allows us to provide better service for our clients,” Sharek explains. “If I have a client in Edmonton who does business in Vancouver or London, England, etc. I can refer that person to lawyers we know and trust in those cities.”
Kember Handzic, the managing partner, has a unique perspective based on the firm’s most recent decades.
“That which made us successful a 100 years ago is different now,” he says. “However, the common thread connecting each era is adaptability. We have always been able to adapt to the changing times, from generation to generation. The composition of our firm changed. The average age has changed. We are now a much younger firm and we are bringing it up to speed in terms of technology and values that mesh with this timeframe. We are expanding the firm by absorbing quality sole practitioners or small firms and expanding our footprint across the city to make access easier for our clients.”
Handzic explains that Emery Jamieson LLP looks for reputable, well-established firms and lawyers to merge with as this helps both firms continue their legacies and dedication to the profession.
“A merger respects both sides,” he points out. “It’s not only a business decision but one that helps us all perpetuate the practice of law.”
One thing that will never change is Emery Jamieson’s passion for service. In addition to high firm representation among the Benchers, participation on several boards and working with educational institutions to instruct the next generation, Emery Jamieson LLP, as a firm and the individual lawyers within the firm, are very active in the community. Just some of the charitable and non-profit organizations they support include the Salvation Army, Canadian Mental Health Association, CIBC Run for the Cure, the Citadel Theatre and Catholic Social Services.
Handzic adds, “Emery Jamieson LLP also supports scholarships for legal studies, including a First Nations scholarship. We understand the value of education. It is the foundation of a good and successful life; we seek to contribute to that aspect of one’s growth. A number of our members have been on the board of Alberta Art Gallery, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and many more. We like to participate in the life of the city because this is our community – it matters to us.”
For 130 years Emery Jamieson LLP has been providing outstanding representation for clients, supporting and driving meaningful change in the profession, remaining responsive to change, growing with the times and supporting Edmonton from education to cultural initiatives. The firm has, from day one, been grounded in integrity, passionate about the profession and a firm community supporter.
“What comes next?” muses Handzic as he ponders the future of the firm. “That will be dictated by the next generation of our lawyers. Factoring in work life balance and diversity are prominent.”
On behalf of the firm he adds, “This is a service industry and ultimately, client relationships drive this profession. I say a very big thank you to our clients, who are the foundation of our success. We are grateful for our clients and long-term relationships, and our will and efforts to continue providing outstanding service reflects this.”
He concludes, “The real reward of being in the firm of Emery Jamieson LLP is that we are always working to improve and contribute to the legacy. In 130 years, every generation of lawyers here has mattered and has worked to preserve the integrity of the firm for the future generations.”
Downtown Office:
MNP Tower – 2400, 10235 – 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3G1 | 780.426.5220
Southside Office:
4311 Savaryn Dr SW
Edmonton, Alberta T6X 2E8 | 780.434.7787