Our Firm
History
Long before our firm was called The Alliance Lawyers, it was known for its various “alliances” of distinguished local lawyers. Our story begins around 1950, when Harold Van Wyck began practising law after his service in the Second World War. After moving to Owen Sound, Mr. Van Wyck joined William Patterson Telford Jr., forming the office of Telford and Van Wyck in the Professional Centre on Third Avenue East. Telford brought decades of experience to Mr. Van Wyck, having practised since the turn of the twentieth century and served as a member of the Canadian House of Commons.
Since Then
The Alliance Lawyers have grown, changed, and continuously evolved to meet the needs of our community. Our partners have included John Kirby, James L. Van Wyck, John McGibbon, Don Gordon, and Clayton Conlan. In 2010, Kirby, Robinson, Treslan and Conlan entered an alliance with Brian Barrie, a since-retired renowned criminal lawyer. Our office was moved to 142 10th Street West – the historic Victorian building we call home today.
Mr. Gordon was appointed to the Bench of the Superior Court of Justice in 2001, followed by Mr. Conlan in 2011. This is a high level of judicial output for a relatively small firm.
We are proud of our firm’s history, and are grateful to our community for their continued trust in our services.
Special thanks to John Kirby for his help in compiling this brief history.
Community Values
Community service has long been a priority for our firm. Our partners and associates have served as board chairpersons for the Hospital Board, the Hospital Foundation, the Y.M.C.A., Victim Services of Bruce Grey & Owen Sound Inc., the Women’s Centre (Grey & Bruce) and the Chamber of Commerce and have served as board members of the Tom Thomson Art Gallery and Summer at the Roxy.
The firm continues to provide a wide variety of legal services primarily to clients in Grey and Bruce Counties.