News/Press
From the Board: 2024 in Review
This year, 2024, marked a significant milestone for Boughton Law as we celebrated 75 years of serving our clients, evolving as a firm, and leading in the legal industry. From exciting achievements, new shareholders, and firm leadership highlights to significant retirements and global collaboration, 2024 has been a year to remember.
Celebrating 75 Years of Legal Excellence
Reflecting on 75 years since our pioneering beginnings in 1949, this historic year gave us the opportunity to look back at our roots while celebrating how far we’ve come. Highlights included revisiting our firm’s storied history and achievements: Boughton Law Through the Years and Our Milestone Anniversary.
Awards & Recognitions in 2024
This year brought another series of awards recognizing Boughton’s excellence and the dedication of our lawyers. Among the highlights were:
- Canadian Lawyer Mag’s Best Western Law Firms – Firm (Dec 2024)
- 2025 Chambers Canada Guide – Firm (Sept 2024)
- Best Lawyers in Canada 2025 Guide – Multiple Lawyers (Aug 2024)
- Inaugural Edition of Canada’s Best Law Firms 2025 – Firm (Oct 2024)
- Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers – Firm (Apr 2024)
- 2024 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory – Multiple Lawyers (Mar 2024)
- BC’s Top Employers – Firm (Feb 2024)
New Shareholders
Earlier this year, we were thrilled to welcome Rose Shawlee and Shaun Driver as shareholders of the firm. Rose, a key member of our Wills & Estates and Individual Tax Planning Groups, brings over 15 years of experience to her practice, primarily focused on succession planning for families and businesses. Shaun, a skilled commercial litigator with more than a decade of experience, specializes in shareholder and contract disputes and is known for his practical and results-driven approach.
Both Rose and Shaun have played pivotal roles in the firm’s growth this year, and we look forward to their continued leadership in 2025.
Recognizing the Careers of Hugh Claxton and Lorraine Burchynsky
This year, we celebrated the remarkable careers of two long-time members of the Boughton Law family.
- Hugh Claxton, Chair of our Banking Group, has been a trusted advisor for over 27 years, guiding commercial lenders and borrowers across a variety of industries. Hugh’s depth of experience and practical approach have left a lasting impact on the firm and our clients, particularly in banking law, corporate transactions, and real estate matters.
- Lorraine Burchynsky, after 40 years with Boughton Law, leaves an equally impressive legacy. She has been the backbone of our Office Services, Central Records, and Facilities teams, ensuring the firm ran seamlessly behind the scenes. Her leadership and dedication have been instrumental to our operations.
We are grateful for Hugh and Lorraine’s immeasurable contributions and wish them both a well-earned and fulfilling retirement.
30 Years of Meritas
This year also marked 30 years of global collaboration with Meritas®, the international alliance of independent law firms. A special highlight for Boughton Law was the election of our President, Luca Citton, as Chair of the Meritas Board of Directors. This leadership role reflects not only Luca’s dedication but also Boughton Law’s prominence on the global stage.
As Board Chair, Luca represented the firm at key Meritas meetings across North America and Asia, driving discussions on firm management, lawyer development, and the evolving business of law.
Remembering Rob Walls
Earlier this year, we were deeply saddened by the loss of Rob Walls, our long-serving IT Manager and a beloved colleague. Rob had been with Boughton Law since 2007, leading our technology team with expertise, humor, and an unwavering calm during countless IT challenges. An active leader in the legal technology community, Rob’s impact reached far beyond the firm, and his absence is deeply felt by all of us.
Looking Forward
As we look to 2025, there is much to anticipate. Our new articling students, Lauren Sansregret and Elan Hannah, have already proven to be tremendous additions to the team. Summer students from this year will return for their articling term in late spring, and we’ve extended offers for next year’s group.
Our commitment to growth remains strong as we continue to bring in new talent—both lawyers and staff—to support our expanding practice groups.
As we close out 2024 and step into 2025, we are reminded once again of what makes Boughton Law exceptional: our people, our clients, and our shared vision for the future.
