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Robert (Bob) Little Made Lifetime Member of the Law Society of Upper Canada

Bob Little

May 13th, 2013

The first week in May marked celebrations of a significant milestone. On Wednesday May 1st, the lawyers of Cunningham Swan and their spouses joined old friends, family, and former colleagues for a dinner at the Queen’s University Club to honour Robert (Bob) Little on the fiftieth anniversary of his call to the bar of Ontario. Friends and former partners David Bonham and Peter Milliken recalled his career from his days as an articling student with the firm Cunningham and Cunningham when it was a 2 lawyer firm housed in what is now the Brew Pub. His son David spoke about how the firm became a second family for them all. Bob himself spoke about his colleagues, and recounted some of his adventures in politics including asking his boss for time off to work for the opposing party’s election campaign.

On Tuesday the 7th of May, 2012, members of the much expended Cunningham Swan firm gathered to honour Bob. It is rare, indeed, for a lawyer to practice for fifty years, let alone all at the same firm. In recognition of his long service, the Law Society of Upper Canada has made Bob Little a lifetime member. With typical self-deprecating humour, Bob recalled his first real estate deal with the sharp-tongued lawyer who taught him, and quoted a friend saying “Keep practicing, Bob, and one day you’ll be a lawyer!” On a more serious note, Bob commented that the biggest change he has seen in the profession over his years in practice has been the entry of women into law offices. As friends and colleagues, we have all benefitted immeasurably from Bob’s wisdom and breadth of knowledge, and the consistently high standards he sets.

Congratulations on 50 Years at the Bar!

Cunningham Swan competes in the Kingston Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee

May 7th, 2013

On Tuesday the 7th of May, 2013, Cunningham Swan was represented by Andrew Bonham, Carolyn Shelley, and Kalen Ingram at the 19th Annual Kingston’s Grate Groan-Up Spelling Bee. This is a fundraiser held by Kingston Literacy & Skills to support their Family Literacy Programs. The Cunningham Swan team made it to the 6th round, spelling basil, ermine, intaglio, ululate, and samphire correctly before going out with a bang… literally. The team was stumped with bhang – an Indian hemp plant concoction. Most importantly, the team raised important funds for a great cause and enjoyed a fun evening among Kingston’s active spelling community!

Hit the Links

Hit the Links

April 20th, 2013

On Saturday, April 20th, 2013, four of the firm’s hardworking associates hit the links. As the golfers reached the fourth hole, Mother Nature interrupted the round with a hail storm. In true Canadian style, the associates persevered and completed their round.

Associates pictured (left to right): David Munday, James McDonald, Brian Gillingham and (on the green) Greg Dobney.

Hit the Links

Bowl for Kids' Sake

Cunningham Swan participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters KFL&As annual Bowl for Kids Sake event

March 23rd, 2013

On Saturday March 23, 2013, two teams from Cunningham Swan participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters KFL&A's annual "Bowl for Kids' Sake" event. This was a special year because Big Brothers Big Sisters is celebrating 100 years of mentoring across Canada this year. The Cunningham Swan teams raised over $1,800 in support of the agency's worthwhile mentoring programs for children in our local community. The money will go a long way in sustaining the agency and providing children and youth in our local community with positive role models, giving them the support and mentorship necessary to reach their full potential. The Bowl for Kids' Sake event was a great success and Cunningham Swan is proud to have contributed to the agency's achievement of surpassing its fundraising goal.

Queen's Law School

Reception to recognize Cunningham Swan's financial contribution to Queen's Law School

March 21st, 2013

On March 21, 2013, Dean William Flanagan of the Queen's University Faculty of Law hosted a reception to recognize Cunningham Swan's financial contribution to Queen's Law School. Attended by approximately 75 faculty members, students and lawyers from Cunningham Swan, the reception officially opened the recently refurbished and upgraded Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP Classroom in MacDonald Hall.

In 2001, the Partners of Cunningham Swan originally donated $200,000 to the law school's capital campaign to build the classroom. Ten years later, the firm committed a further $150,000 toward refurbishing it. In addition to new lighting, flooring, and desks, the showpiece of the enhancements of student learning is a digital whiteboard that uses state-of-the-art technology.

Dean Flanagan used the occasion to unveil a plaque acknowledging the firm's recent contribution. Timothy Wilkin, the firm's Managing Partner, thanked Dean Flanagan and the assembled guests for hosting the event. He noted that 19 of the 24 lawyers currently practicing with Cunningham Swan are graduates of Queen's Law School, spanning more than 50 years of graduating classes, and many of the firm's lawyers have taught in the Faculty of Law. Cunningham Swan's contribution to the refurbished classroom, he said, which was one way to give back to Queen's Law School for having contributed so much to the firm's success.

Cunningham Swan Hosts 1st Annual International Women's Day Reception

March 8th, 2013

In honour of International Women's Day on March 8th, Cunningham Swan hosted their first annual reception for women in the Kingston community. Over 40 women from across a full spectrum of local business and institutional sectors attended the breakfast gathering in our new office in the refurbished Smith Robinson building. The purpose was to celebrate the economic, political, and social achievements of each other and women around the world.

The event was a resounding success; leaders in the community got a chance to connect with each other and to share their personal stories of triumph and adversity. The gathering also afforded everyone the opportunity to reflect upon the challenges that still exist for women in Canada and around the world. Thank you to all the women who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate this important day. Plans are already underway for next year's event!

James McDonald Receives Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal

James McDonald

January 22nd, 2013

We are very proud to announce that James McDonald of Cunningham Swan was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal in late 2012. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Diamond Jubilee on the occasion of her 60th anniversary as the monarch; as part of those celebrations, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal was awarded to a limited number of Canadians for outstanding service to Canada.

James McDonald was nominated for his outstanding community work, including his membership in the Kingston Rotary Club of which he is a Director, his membership on the Board of Directors of the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes, and for his service with Kingston's Naval Reserve Unit, HMCS Cataraqui, where he holds the rank of Leading Seaman.

Very few Canadians have been awarded this medal and accordingly, it is a wonderful accomplishment for James to have been recognized in this way for his work. Heartiest congratulations to James!

Cunningham Swan Sponsors Princess of Wales Own Regiment Sesquicentennial Celebration

Cunningham Swan Sponsors Princess of Wales Own Regiment Sesquicentennial Celebration

January 22nd, 2013

This year, the Princess of Wales Own Regiment celebrates its 150th anniversary. Since 1863, the members of Kingston's militia regiment have served Canada in every major conflict from the pre-Confederation Fenian Raids, through the Boer War in South Africa, the two World Wars, and the Korean War, up to the recent conflict in Afghanistan.

Cunningham Swan has a special connection to the PWOR because two of our firm's founders, Arthur Cunningham, and his son Brig. Gen. D.G. "Ben" Cunningham, were officers of the PWOR. From this Regiment Ben Cunningham joined the Canadian Army in which he served as a Major during the fateful landing of the Canadian Army at Dieppe and later as the commander of the 9th Infantry Brigade at the Normandy landing in 1944. Gen. Cunningham was awarded the Distinguish Service Order and the Commander of the British Empire medals. As one of the most decorated and distinguished soldiers to have served with the PWOR, General Cunningham later served as the Honorary Colonel of the PWOR from 1961 to 1967.

In recognition of our firm's close connection with the PWOR, Cunningham Swan sponsored the Regiment's sesquicentennial celebrations. Special Advisor, the Hon. Peter Milliken and Managing Partner Tim Wilkin attended the Regiment's Mess Dinner on January 12th, 2013. The Honorary Guests for the evening included the Chief Justice of Canada, The Right Hon. Beverly McLachlan, and the former Chief of the Defense Staff, General Walt Natynczyk, as well as other distinguished professional, business, and government guests.

As part of the evening's celebrations, Managing Partner Timothy Wilkin received a plaque from the Honorary Colonel of the Regiment Mark Hutchings, acknowledging the firm's contribution to the Regiment's celebrations, which continue for the remainder of the year.

Student Reception

January 21st, 2013

Each year Cunningham Swan LLP hosts an event for law students who are interested in practicing law in Kingston. The event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the practice of law in Kingston, to meet the lawyers at the firm and to learn more about the firm's summer and articling student opportunities.

This year, the lawyers of Cunningham Swan LLP invite law students to a reception at their new office in the heart of downtown Kingston at 27 Princess Street, Suite 300, on Monday January 21, 2013, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Jodi Tarle at 613.544.0211 ext. 8057 or jtarle@cswan.com.

B'nai Brith Event

November 22nd, 2012

B'nai Brith Event

Congratulations to Peter Milliken!

Peter Milliken

November 22nd, 2012

On the evening of November 22nd, Cunningham Swan was the Presenting Sponsor at the B'nai B'rith's "An Evening with Jean Chretien". Twenty members from the firm were present at this sold-out event attended by over 350 people from across the business and professional community. As usual, the evening raised well over $100,000 on behalf of a large number of organizations that benefit our entire community.

The new Queen's Surgical Skills Suite at Hotel Dieu Hospital (to advance the fight against colorectal cancer with a colonoscopy simulator for training gastroenterologists) was the recipient of a spontaneous fundraising effort amongst the crowd that alone raised over $80,000.

Cunningham Swan had the pleasure of hosting former Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Jean Chretien, at one of our tables; and managing partner, Tim Wilkin, introduced him to the assembled guests. At 78 years of age, Mr. Chretien was still in fine form and delivered a speech with his usual mix of insight and self-deprecating good humour that received a standing ovation.

One of the highlights of the evening was the awarding to the firm's Special Advisor, the Hon. Peter Milliken P.C., of the prestigious Ray Kizzell Award in recognition of his exemplary service to Canada and Kingston.

An Evening With Jean Chretien

November 18th, 2012

Cunningham Swan will be the Presenting Sponsor of "An Evening With The Right Honourable Jean Chretien" presented by the B'nai B'rith Kingston Lodge on Thursday, November 22.

For more than 40 years, former Prime Minister Jean Chretien served in public life. As one of 19 children of a paper mill worker from Shawinigan Québec, Prime Minister Chretien is a classic Canadian success story, winning three consecutive majority governments during a time of considerable political and financial turmoil in Canada.

Under Mr. Chretien's leadership, Canada tackled its growing national debt problem and produced a series of surplus budgets that set the foundation for Canada's financial success at a time when the rest of the world was itself in turmoil.

Mr. Chretien has also been a strong defender of Canada nationally and on the international stage, representing the No side during the Québec referenda in 1980 and 1995 and also saying No to Canada's participation in the Iraq war.

Recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth recognized Mr. Chretien's service by awarding him the prestigious Order of Merit.

During the evening, the B'nai B'rith will also be awarding the Ray Kizzell Award to the Hon. Peter Milliken, P.C., the former Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands and the longest-serving Speaker of Canada's House of Commons. Mr. Milliken is now a Special Advisor with Cunningham Swan.

For the past 50 years, the B'nai B'rith Kingston Lodge has been holding its annual fundraiser in support of local charities and organizations. The event will be held this year at the Kingston Banquet & Conference Center at Days Inn and will feature a tantalizing array of fine food and drink from Kingston's leading chef and restaurateur, Clark Day.

Over 350 guests from across the Kingston business and professional community will be attending this sold-out event.

South East Ontario Municipal Seminar

October 17th, 2012

On Wednesday, October 17, 2012, the Municipal and Land Use Planning Law Group at Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham held the first South East Ontario Municipal Seminar at the Kingston Banquet and Conference Center. We were pleased to co-host the event with the Royal Bank of Canada.

The seminar was very well attended by senior municipal administrators from across South Eastern Ontario.

RBC kicked off the half-day program with a presentation on leasing issues led by JD Christman, Macquarie Equipment Finance, and Kathie Emms, RBC Leasing. Attendees learned about innovative ways to lease equipment and at the same time manage cash flow and budgeting.

Next, David Munday, Associate in the firm's Land Use Planning and Real Estate Groups, presented on the law of RFP's and tendering. David took the audience through a detailed review of the differences between RFP's and tenders and some of the common pitfalls of both as well as recent developments in the law in this ever-changing area.

Dana Goldhawk of RBC then reviewed critical issues related to cheque fraud that plague municipal organizations, and provided practical and easy-to-implement solutions to deal with fraud.

Tony Fleming, Partner and Certified Specialist in Municipal and Land Use Planning Law, ended the formal presentations with a review of a number of new developments in municipal law, including conflicts of interest, recovering fees and charges, public private partnerships, brownfield redevelopment, and the intersection between human rights and land use planning.

After lunch Peter Milliken, former Speaker of the House of Commons and Special Advisor to Cunningham Swan, provided an interesting keynote address, recounting his time as a Member of Parliament and his interactions with municipalities.

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. One CAO commented that:

"The content was simply excellent and well worth both my staff and myself attending. To be truthful, I have paid large sums of registration fees for other sessions in the past and received not even near the quality and scope of the agenda offered yesterday."

To enquire about this or future events, please contact us at info@cswan.com.

Global Beat Series 2012

November 7th, 2012

For the third consecutive season, Cunningham, Swan is proudly sponsoring the Global Beat Series of performances at Kingston's Grand Theatre in 2012/2013. No other arts organization in the region has the experience or capacity to deliver such a diversity of world-class programming to so many. The Grand Theatre has a lasting legacy of showcasing the performing arts in our community and this season's theme of tradition and innovation continues that legacy well. The Cunningham, Swan Global Beat Series includes the following performances:

The Royal Drummers & Dancers of Burundi - October 16, 2012 at 7:30 pm

The Royal Drummers & Dancers of Burundi

One of the greatest percussion ensembles in the world, the Royal Drummers and Dancers of Burundi have performed in the same way for centuries, passing down traditions and techniques from father to son. Their performances are as much a spectacle of dance as music. A dozen great log drums, made from hollowed-out tree trunks covered with dried animal skins, are pounded by the drummers in traditional Burundi costume.

"… a celebration of ability, the sheer pleasure of competitive creativity, and - strikingly similar to what happens in a jazz jam session - more virtuosic than sentimental." —The New York Times

Cirque Chinois – November 23, 2012 at 7:30 pm

Cirque Chinois

Great Teeterboard, Grand Flying Trapeze, Group Contortion, Straw Hats Juggling and more!

Direct from Beijing, the National Circus of the People's Republic of China, Cirque Chinois was founded in 1953, making it one of the longest running and most distinguished circus troupes in China. During the 1980s, the company developed a new style of acrobatic expertise that influenced the pioneers of Cirque du Soleil. The award-winning troupe bring their exciting new show to the Grand Theatre stage as part of their first ever U.S. and Canadian coast-to-coast tour.

The Pipes, Drums and Highland Dancers of 1st Battallion

The Black Watch and The Band of the Scots Guards – February 5, 2013 at 7:30 pm

The Black Watch

Formed in the 1700s, The Black Watch is an historic regiment that still serves as a fully operational Battalion in the modern British Army. These triumphant soldiers, resplendent in traditional Highland gear, have toured extensively bringing their pomp and majesty across the globe and in some of the most spectacular extravaganzas staged in Great Britain. The regimental splendor, pageantry and history come alive through bagpipes, drums, highland dance and military marches. Three centuries in the making, The Pipes and Drums of the Black Watch and the Band of the Scots Guards are ready to make their Kingston debut.

ScrapArtsMusic – March 4, 2013 at 7:30 pm

ScrapArtsMusic

ScrapArtsMusic stars five extraordinary drummers who excite the senses with intricate rhythms, raw energy, athletic choreography and the hottest, most creative reuse of materials on stage today. Using 145 invented instruments, all hand-crafted by leader and composer Gregory Kozak, ScrapArtsMusic's performances have been enthusiastically embraced by audiences the world over.

Discovered while busking in Vancouver, and then invited to perform at an NBA half-time show, ScrapArtsMusic has travelled the world over and were part of the closing ceremonies at the 2010 Olympic Games.

"Sexy, ultra physical." -- THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER

Bowfire - March 22, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Bowfire

The top virtuoso violinists and fiddlers of North America are returning to The Grand Theatre for one electrifying performance – and Kingston has been waiting with bated breath for them to return since their triumphant show in 2008. An ensemble of world-renowned musicians takes audiences on a journey that moves seamlessly from jazz to classical to bluegrass to Celtic to rock to World music, in this completely new production. The unique combination of master musicians, choreography and vocals is complemented by stunning costumes and set design.  

"BOWFIRE demonstrates what the violin and fiddle can do in the hands of masters… awesome!" - The Record

For more information about this season at the Grand Theatre or to order tickets, please see the theatre's website. We hope to see you there!

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Estates Breakfast Seminar 2012

October 4th, 2012

Cunningham Swan Lawyers

On Thursday, October 4, 2012 the Estates Group at Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham held its second annual Breakfast Seminar at the Donald Gordon Centre.

The seminar room was packed with estate planning and estate administration professionals from across the Eastern Ontario region.

Speaking first, Andrew Bonham, Tax Partner, discussed the recent tax case of Sommerer v. The Queen, providing in-depth analysis of this important decision and its impact on the law of attribution for trusts under section 75(2) of the Income Tax Act.

Next, Brian Gillingham, Associate in the firm's Estates Group, presented on disclaimers and surrenders as tools for post-mortem estate planning. Brian explained how these devices can be used after the death of a testator for tax planning purposes, to accelerate capital interests in a trust, and to assist in creditor protection.

Finally, Mary-Alice Thompson, Estates Partner and Certified Specialist in Estates and Trusts Law, provided an overview of the current law on jointly held property and transfers between family members, and explained how the new regime under the Estate Administration Tax Act may affect them.

The morning ended with a short panel discussion and question and answer session. Those who attended found the morning not only informative but also an opportunity to meet with other estate planning professionals from across different sectors to discuss current issues.

To enquire about this or future events, please contact us at info@cswan.com.

Articling Students

Cunningham Swan Lawyers

October 2nd, 2012

Cunningham, Swan is pleased to welcome our new Articling Students, Kalen Ingram and Fareeaa Abdool. At Cunningham Swan, our Articling Program offers the opportunities and exposure one would expect at a larger law firm in a larger centre but with the hands on experience and collegiality that can only be achieved in a small firm environment. As Articling Students at Cunningham Swan, Kalen and Fareeaa will be exposed to a broad range of practice areas, including litigation, family law, labour and employment, wills and estates, real estate, business law, municipal law, land use planning, development and environmental law, education and health law. Kalen and Fareeaa will experience close supervision and mentorship, while having the encouragement to focus on their areas of interest as they develop. We look forward to seeing Kalen and Fareeaa excel both personally and professionally as they launch their legal careers!

Welcome Brian Gillingham!

Brian Gillingham

July 10th, 2012

Cunningham, Swan is pleased to announce that Brian Gillingham has joined our firm as an Associate in the Wills and Estates, Real Estate Law and Business Law Groups.

Brian joined Cunningham Swan in 2011 as an articling student and returned as an Associate lawyer following his Call to the Bar in 2012. Prior to joining the firm for his articles, Brian was employed as a summer law student with the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines in Toronto.

Brian completed his undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Ottawa and obtained his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.

A native of the Kingston region, Brian is an active participant in many community sports leagues and a volunteer with the Kingston chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Brian can be reached by email at bgillingham@cswan.com or by telephone at 613.546.8081

Summer Students

July 9th, 2012

Cunningham Swan is pleased to welcome our Summer Students, Erin Gwynne and Warren WhiteKnight. At Cunningham Swan, our Summer Student and Articling Programs offer the opportunities and exposure one would expect at a larger law firm in a larger centre but with the hands on experience and collegiality that can only be achieved in a small firm environment. As Students at Cunningham Swan, Erin and Warren will be exposed to a broad range of practice areas, including litigation; family law; labour and employment law; wills and estates law; real estate law; business law; municipal law; land use planning, development and environmental law; and education and health law. Erin and Warren have each completed their second year at Queen's University Faculty of Law and following their graduation will be joining our firm as Articling Students for the 2013/2014 Articling period. We look forward to seeing Erin and Warren excel both personally and professionally as they move forward in their legal careers!

Recognition for Peter Millken

Peter Milliken

May 29th, 2012

Peter Milliken, our Senior Advisor, was recognized recently for his outstanding record of public service to Canada.

At a ceremony on May 8 at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, with the Governor General, Prime Minister, and family and friends looking on, Peter was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council of Canada. The Council is composed of all living members of the Federal Cabinet, and a few other notables, including former Speakers of the House of Commons.

On the same occasion, Peter was also awarded a Queen's Jubilee medal.

The following day there was a "public hanging" of Peter Milliken, with the unveiling of an official portrait of the former Speaker at a ceremony in the House of Commons attended by many parliamentarians, members of Peter's family, and friends.

At a convocation at Queen's University on May 25, he was also awarded an honorary degree - a Doctor of Laws.

Congratulations to Peter on all counts – well deserved recognition.

Bowl for Kids' Sake

Bowl for Kids' Sake

March 25th, 2012

On Saturday March 25, 2012, Cunningham Swan participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters KFL&A's annual "Bowl for Kids' Sake" event. The Cunningham Swan team raised over $900 in support of the agency's worthwhile mentoring programs for children in our local community.


Cunningham Swan announces the appointment of Peter Milliken, B.A, M.A. LL.B., as his firm's Special Advisor

Peter Milliken

January 11th, 2012

Cunningham, Swan proudly announces that Peter Milliken, the longest-serving Speaker of the House of Commons in Canadian history, and the longest-serving MP in local history, will be re-joining our firm as Special Advisor, Peter has deep roots in the community and unparalleled and extensive knowledge of the people, firms and the public institutions in the area, and the problems they are facing in today's world. Together with his extensive experience and judgment, he is in a unique position to provide strategic advice and guidance on a broad range of issues that will benefit our firm's clients in the years ahead.

A former Partner with the firm for 15 years, Mr. Milliken was first elected by area residents to the House of Commons in 1988. He was returned locally at six further general elections. In 2001 MPs of all parties chose him as their Speaker. In 2004 Speaker Milliken was acclaimed and MPs elected him to the crucial Common's position twice after, in 2006 and 2008. In October 2009 he surpassed the previous record and became the longest-serving House Speaker in Canadian history.


The NFP Rules are Changing. Is Your Organization Ready?

NFP Rules are Changing

November 23rd, 2011

On Monday November 21, 2011, Lisa Asbreuk, an Associate in our Business Law Group, participated in a seminar hosted by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area regarding the new Canada Not-For-Profit Corporations Act and Ontario Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. Co-presenting was Carrie Thompson of KPMG LLP. Lisa discussed how the new rules will affect not-for-profit organizations in such areas as organizational structure, membership, governance, reporting requirements, the duties and obligations of directors and what organizations need to do to be in compliance. Carrie discussed how the new rules may impact financial reporting and Canada Revue Agency's increased scrutiny of not-for-profit organizations.

"This seminar was an excellent opportunity to share our insights and analysis with the community most impacted by the federal and provincial legislative changes", said Lisa. "The new legislation represents a complete overhaul and modernization of not-for-profit law provincially and federally, and the lawyers at Cunningham Swan are pleased to provide this type of service in helping the community understand the impact of the changes and providing a practical to-do list for organizations going forward."

The joint presentation was attended by more than 100 pre-registered individuals (with more attendees joining the day of the seminar). The presentations were well received by the full room of community members, most of whom are officers or directors of local not-for-profit organizations. Special thanks to Vikram Varma and Jana Stanistreet for organizing the seminar and handling the logistics. Thanks are also kindly extended to Carrie Thompson at KPMG for co-presenting. If you have questions about the seminar or the not-for-profit law changes please contact Lisa Asbreuk at lasbreuk@cswan.com or 613-546-8080.

Event Poster: Open PDF

Carrie Thompson's Presentation: Open PDF

Lisa Asbreuk's Presentation: Open PDF


Women in Business 2011

Women in Business 2011

November 7th, 2011

Congratulations to Patience McLeod, our Office Administrator, on her nomination for the 2011 Kingston Woman in Business Award. We also extend our sincere thanks to all of the women at Cunningham, Swan for their continued efforts and support. What an impressive group of outstanding women we have working in our business!

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Nipissing University Alumni Achievement Award 2011

Ashley Brown receiving Nipissing University Alumni Achievement Award 2011

November 6th, 2011

Cunningham Swan congratulates Ashley Brown, who was presented with the 2011 Nipissing University Alumni Achievement Award. This award is presented annually to an alumnus/a who demonstrates leadership abilities, community involvement and displays promise of significant accomplishment in his/her chosen profession.


Moving Downtown

Kingston's largest law firm returns to downtown with move to historic S&R building

October 11th, 2011

Kingston's largest law firm returns to downtown with move to historic S&R building

Kingston: Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP Managing Partner Tim Wilkin is pleased to announce that his firm is returning to Kingston's dynamic downtown core.

Effective Spring 2012, his firm's 25 lawyers and total staff compliment of more than 60 will be locating to the anchor downtown location that was, until recently, home to the famed S&R Department Store.

"Our firm's roots in this community date back to 1894," Wilkin said, "and outside of the last decade, during which time we have been located at City Place on John Counter Blvd, we have always been a downtown firm. Our long-term business needs require both more space and a return to the downtown."

"Our Partners are very impressed with the vision of Hank Doornekamp. He and his team at ABNA Investments have shown leadership in spear-heading the re-development of this crucial building in the heart of Kingston's downtown. We look forward to our partnership with them in helping to make the Smith Robinson Building key to the continued vitality of downtown in a new era."

Wilkin also praised the ample parking for clients in the area that the City of Kingston has increased in recent years.

"As a past president of the Downtown Kingston BIA Board, I am also very pleased about this decision on a personal level," Wilkin added.

Martin Skolnick of DTZ Barnicke played a key role in arranging the new partnership between Cunningham Swan and ABNA.

The attached picture, courtesy Cunningham Swan, shows (left to right), Doug Ritchie, Managing Director, Downtown Kingston! B.I.A., Tim Wilkin, Managing Partner of Cunningham Swan and Hank Doornekamp of ABNA Investments going over the plans for Cunningham Swan`s new offices Friday morning at the Smith Robinson Building.

For further information contact Tim Wilkin at twilkin@cswan.com, or by phone at 613.546.8074.

The lawyers at Cunningham Swan Carty Little & Bonham LLP offer a broad range of legal services to individual and corporate clients in the private and public sectors in Kingston and south-eastern Ontario. Areas of practice specialty include: Business Law, Wills & Estates, Family Law, Litigation, Real Estate Law, Labour & Employment Law, Municipal Law, Education & Health Law, and Land Use Planning, Development & Environmental Law.


Run for the Cure

Run for the Cure

October 2nd, 2011

Braving the wind and rain, Team Cunningham Swan successfully completed the Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 2nd, 2011. Raising more than $1,700 for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the team members, Ellen Foley, Brian Gillingham, Sean Millar, Lili Kramil-Marcus, Lesley Kendall, Carolyn Shelley and her step-son, Osiris Gray, Barb Tessier and her son, Brett, put forth a strong showing. Some members set personal bests in their running times and all members had fun. Special thanks also to Patience McLeod for her support of Team Cunningham, Swan!

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