Burchells LLP to join practices with Wickwire Holm and Blois, Nickerson & Bryson in Halifax

A view of downtown Halifax from the water. Photo: HR Law Canada/Canva
By Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP.

There’s soon to be a new law firm in town.

On January 1, 2023, Burchells LLP, Wickwire Holm, and Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP joined practices, combining not only the defining elements of three of Halifax’s most established firms, but also the talents and skills of over 40 lawyers and 40 staff.

Introducing Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP.

“We are delighted to share this news,” says Jason Cooke, co-managing partner of Burchells LLP and chair of the Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP merger committee. “As a group we saw this as a great opportunity and took it. Going forward we can continue providing top tier legal services, but now with more depth of experience and bench strength than ever before.”

Burchells LLP traces its roots to the firm’s founding in 1912; just six years later, founding partner C. J. Burchell would find himself acting as counsel to the inquiry investigating the Halifax Explosion.  In the 110 years since inception, Burchells LLP has established itself as one of the Atlantic region’s most trusted full-service law firms.  Among other areas, Burchells LLP was the first Atlantic law firm to focus on Aboriginal law, becoming the region’s top firm in the field.

Similarly, Wickwire Holm has been providing legal services to a wide variety of clients in a diverse array of sectors for more than 150 years.  The firm has set itself apart by its entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, elevating the lawyer-client relationship beyond legal counsel, to trusted strategic advisor.  A highly-regarded and busy labour law group complements Wickwire Holm’s thriving commercial and litigation practices. 

Since 1864, the lawyers of Blois, Nickerson & Bryson LLP and its predecessors have offered a solid and diverse framework of legal representation in a wide variety of disciplines.  Relationships underpin the Blois, Nickerson & Bryson approach, taking the form of teamwork in the office and collaboration with clients.

Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP brings together extraordinary firms with complementary practice strengths, goals, approaches and priorities.  With a combined complement placing it among Nova Scotia’s largest full-service law firms, BWB will continue to make its clients – people and businesses with legal issues of all shapes and sizes – a top priority.  The new firm will continue to deliver effective, collaborative, stalwart and ethical counsel. 

“This is very exciting for all of us,” says Cooke. “Our three firms have similar cultures and approaches to practice, making this a great fit.  Combining forces will give each lawyer the benefit of the varied experiences and backgrounds of our new colleagues.  This new depth will pay dividends to each one of the clients we serve.  We can’t wait to get started.”

Burchell Wickwire Bryson LLP’s offices will be at 1801 Hollis Street in downtown Halifax, with the main reception on the 18th floor.