Growth phase for law firm: New associate at Staples & Swain has Lindsay roots

Waylon Skinner has always gotten fired up over injustice.

As a young lawyer who has just become an Associate at Staples & Swain in Lindsay, he’s certainly in the right place. Skinner graduated from Queens University last year and did his articling in Cambridge – but he’s no stranger to Lindsay, where he was born and raised.

Skinner attended Leslie Frost and then I.E. Weldon Secondary School, and then completed his undergraduate Business degree at Western University in London before law school at Queens.

And although he’s been away for nearly a decade, he still has family here and visited frequently. He’s got the pulse of the city, in other words, something law partners Heather Richardson and Angus McNeil noticed when he was brought on board to expand their team.

“He was so marvelously trained that he hit the ground running,” says Richardson, who saw in him the perfect opportunity to expand their team.

Skinner – who was called to the bar in May — is building a practice which focuses on helping clients with a wide variety of corporate matters, including incorporations, shareholder agreements, commercial lease agreements, and assisting with various employment matters.

He also helps clients navigate residential Real Estate transactions.

The new lawyer says he chose this path to make a positive difference in his community.

“I like the kind of work where I can give back. Working with small businesses in the area, for instance, is very satisfying,” he says, given how important they are as the backbone of the community.

Staples & Swain is not only growing in the number of lawyers representing the firm but in its physical space as well. Its location at 10 William St. S., in downtown Lindsay has gotten bigger, now that Lindsay Shoe Repair has closed.

McNeil and Richard see an opportunity for a main floor reception, a boardroom, and a chance to expand their support staff.

“A healthy balance is important to all of us,” says McNeil, noting everyone has young families to spend time with.

Richardson agrees. “We want to expand mindfully and take our time with this.”

As for Skinner, his addition to the team seems like a natural progression for the firm – and it’s also a great opportunity to say hello to another Kawartha Lakes alumni who has found his way home.