Message from the Chair
When you deal with Miller Thomson, expect professional sophistication delivered in a down-to-earth manner by capable business-minded lawyers and staff. Expect advice that reflects a deep understanding of the communities and the markets of your interest. And expect lawyers who live a team approach.
Moving forward together, we will all succeed.
E. Peter Auvinen, Chair
Executive Committee
E. Peter Auvinen
Chair
Sandra L. Hawes
Managing Partner, Western Canada
Nora F. Osbaldeston
Ontario Regional Managing Partner
Philipp Park
Quebec Regional Managing Partner
Jay M. Hoffman
Chair, Business Law Group
Adam Stephens
Chair, Disputes
Jill W. Wilkie
Member At Large
David Pickwoad
Chief Operating Officer
Office Managing Partners
Business Services Team
Pascale Cloutier
Partner and General Counsel
Lise Monette
Chief Markets Officer
David Pickwoad
Chief Operating Officer
Keith Talley
Chief Administrative Officer
Jessica Watkins
Chief Talent Officer
Chris Issar
Chief Financial Officer
Our Commitments
Service Excellence
We provide practical, creative and cost-effective advice, combined with an unyielding service commitment to our clients. This describes the people we are, and the way in which we operate at Miller Thomson.
The service you are provided and the overall client experience are of paramount importance. You can expect to receive:
- An excellent legal product, based upon an understanding of your business and industry;
- Availability at your convenience with timely responses to your enquiries;
- Clear and informative communication from advisors who listen;
- Integrity and transparency in all things at all times;
- A fair price
All of the members of our firm have taken our Service Commitment pledging service excellence.
Community Involvement
Miller Thomson has always been committed to the growth and wellbeing of the communities where we work and live. From chairing hospital executive committees to lacing up our sneakers for a charity run, we bring skills and genuine heart.
We take a proactive approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, through donations and more importantly our time and expertise. Miller Thomson firm members are encouraged to pursue charitable work and our culture of volunteerism is embraced by everyone.
There are countless initiatives and causes to which our lawyers and administrative professionals across the country have very personal connections, contributing generously to them without a second’s thought. Great differences are being made every day by that individual giving. The same can be said for the support provided through the Miller Thomson Foundation by our firm as a whole.
Miller Thomson Foundation partners with community foundations
Working through Canada’s national network of community foundations, the Miller Thomson Foundation invests in endowments that have been established to address pressing issues like poverty, unemployment, hunger and housing in and around the cities where we have offices. They also support arts, recreation, healthcare, education, the environment and safe and inclusive neighbourhoods.
As a connection to community is central to what we stand for as a firm, these Miller Thomson endowments represent an ideal approach to giving back – providing sustainable solutions in Canadian communities we call home – where our clients, employees and their families live, work and play, and where much of the context for our legal work takes shape.
Together, we’re building a stronger Canada, community by community.
Pro Bono
Miller Thomson has a long-standing tradition of community service, and pro bono legal services are a key part of that tradition. We encourage lawyers to serve the communities in which we work and live.
Our formalized pro bono program is designed to work with other established pro bono organizations. We supply a full range of legal services, including:
- serving as duty counsel in court programs for self-represented litigants
- working with universities, colleges and accelerator centres to assist students with their personal legal needs as well as their start-up business ideas
- working with community agencies that assist individuals of very modest means
- involvement in law and policy reform and community legal education
- acting for clients on selected files that meet our pro bono policy criteria for litigation assistance or solicitor work for business needs
We are proud to help people and communities who would not otherwise have access to this extended range of legal services.
Accessible Services
In fulfilling our mission, Miller Thomson strives at all times to provide its services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. We are also committed to giving people with disabilities the same opportunity to access our services and allowing them to benefit from the same services, in the same place and in a similar way as other clients.
Learn more about our accessibility policy.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Miller Thomson’s Indigenous Reconciliation Committee drives meaningful change by advancing cultural competency, expanding educational and employment opportunities, and supporting Indigenous businesses. Our initiatives include enhancing legal education, fostering Indigenous inclusion, and promoting reconciliation through strategic, community-focused actions aligned with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility)
At Miller Thomson, inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA) are critical components of our vision, values, and strategic plan.
As a national law firm representing a diverse client base, we are committed to attracting, retaining, promoting and developing talented legal and administrative professionals to better enable us to serve our clients creatively, to reflect our clients’ workforces and values, as well as the communities in which Firm members live and work. Everyone within our Firm is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people are comfortable sharing ideas, expanding their knowledge, and contributing to the Firm in a positive way.
