For over 50 years Ewan & McKenzie has been a law firm providing legal advice and expertise in criminal and civil matters. Now, with co-owner Glenn Ewan retiring at the end of October, Brent Desruisseaux is the new co-owner of the firm and is excited about the new opportunity.
After graduating from the University of Alberta in 2014, Desruisseaux needed to complete an article or apprenticeship to get licensed. Desruisseaux articled under Ewan and became an associate a year after completing his articles. Now, two years later, in the summer of 2017, Desruisseaux became a partner.
Now, not only is he still responsible for his clients, but he is also responsible for keeping the business running and making sure employees get paid. Luckily for Desruisseaux, Bruce McKenzie is still there to help out.
“I’m grateful to have a partner as experienced as Bruce that can guide me through that,” Desruisseaux said.
Desruisseaux said he realizes his new responsibility in the new role and is ready for the challenges ahead.
“Well, I have some pretty big shoes to fill; Glen was practicing in the community for nearly 40 years. He’s a knowledgeable and respected guy, so if I’m taking over his share of the business, people will expect the same level of service from me, so I have some high standards to live up to,” he said.
Desruisseaux said he plans to keep the firm’s name, Ewan & McKenzie, but may consider changing it in the new year.
“Since my last name is so long and difficult to spell, it’s not going to be Desruisseaux and McKenzie,” he said. “So I think we’re going to keep it as Ewan & McKenzie for now since there is a significant amount of goodwill built up around the name, but I might consider something new in the new year.”
Completing his undergrad at the University of Victoria, Desruisseaux graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Wanting to do something with a real-world application, he decided to take the skills he learned and gained in the philosophy program and apply them to law school at the University of Alberta.
Desruisseaux decided to move to Golden because of the lifestyle.
“I thought it would be more fulfilling than working in a big downtown firm.”
As for what to expect when sitting down with Desruisseaux, “I generally give people a free initial consult, they can figure out what they want to accomplish, then we can discuss what it would mean for me to represent them, and they can decide whether I’m the right person for the job.”
Ewan & McKenzie is located at 515 9th Ave. N. in downtown Golden, BC.
