Celebrating our 65th Anniversary
December 2, 2011 marks the 65th Anniversary of the founding of the firm of Weiler, Maloney, Nelson which was originally known as Weiler and Weiler, and then as Weiler, Weiler and Maloney. In 1946 the two Weiler brothers, WJ, “Biff,” and GB, “Bernie,” decided to practice together after practicing alone in Geraldton (Bernie) and Red Lake (Biff) for a number of years. They purchased the existing practice of John Dyke which had begun in 1909. Their first office was in the Francis Block at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Brodie Street, and in 1953 they moved to the Chapple Building. In 2006 the firm moved to its present lovely modern location on William and Balmoral.
Many local lawyers received their start at the Weiler firm, and three went on to become judges, namely the late AW Maloney who became a Justice in the Supreme Court of Ontario, Karen Weiler who is currently at the Ontario Court of Appeal, and Erv Stach who became a Superior Court Judge. Four of our current lawyers, namely Fred Bickford, John Cyr, Ross Judge and Garth O’Neill, have been designated as Certified Specialists in their field by the Law Society of Upper Canada. At the present time, there are 8 partners, 2 Counsel, 3 Associates and 2 Students practising in the firm. There are currently 26 Support Staff, as well as the General Manager, Mike Thompson, and Office Administrator, Donna Kinnunen. A hallmark of the firm has been the number of employees over the years who have provided 25 years or more of service, thus ensuring a comforting level of continuity and connection for its many clients in Northwestern Ontario. Many staff members have also returned to work at the firm after raising a family, or upon moving back to the city, and their loyalty is very much valued and appreciated.
Weiler, Maloney, Nelson has had a proud tradition of giving back to the community in the form of corporate sponsorships and donations as well as the enthusiastic participation by all in local charitable fund-raisers such as the annual TBCA Wine Affair, the Dragon Boat races, the Shelter House Relay, the Chairs for Charity auction, the United Way’s Pennies for Heaven, the CIBC Run for the Cure, and the Big Bike for Heart and Stroke. Several lawyers have enjoyed playing roles in Magnus Theatre productions, and many lawyers and staff participate in golf tournaments, bowling, baseball and volleyball teams together. At Christmas the staff have chosen to contribute gifts to local charities in place of a gift exchange. All of these activities have created a sense of collegiality and conviviality helping to form close bonds as well as a sense of teamwork among the staff and lawyers.
Over the years the firm has received many awards such as the 2011 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award for Large Businesses, the 2006 Chamber of Commerce “Quality of Life” award, the United Way Gold Participation Award, the Shelter House “Most Money Raised” award, the Dragon Boat Spirit Award, as well as many “Thank You” awards for sponsorships and donations. The partners have contributed generously to Lakehead University’s ATAC building, to Confederation College’s REACH building, to the Regional Hospital, to St. Joseph’s Care Group and to a bursary for students at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), to name just a few.
After 65 years of service it is apparent that the firm owes much of its success and longevity both to the traditions and the philosophy set by the 2 Weiler brothers back in 1946 as well as to the combined efforts and loyalty of all who have worked here. It is this team effort, the sharing of everyone’s talents, the true sense of family, the values first espoused by “Biff” and “Bernie” and actively promoted by the partners over the years, which has contributed to its success and which will guarantee its success in the future. Weiler, Maloney, Nelson is truly a firm with a “Proud Tradition and a Progressive Approach”.
