Our Team & History
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Corporate and commercial law, including registration of business names, limited partnerships, incorporations and reorganizations, shareholder agreements, share and asset transactions, and commercial leases.
Residential and commercial real estate law, guiding you through purchase and sale agreements, assisting with financial details, and helping you organize any required security documents.
You might be interested to know...
I was born and raised in London, Ontario where I currently reside with my wife Jann and our three children.
I originally attended the University of Waterloo where I spent two years playing Varsity hockey for the Waterloo Warriors.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with a specialty in Environment and Resource Management from the University of Western Ontario in 2001.
I earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2004.
I help my community by...
Serving on the Board of Directors for the London Regional Children’s Museum.
Coaching with the Oakridge Optimist Soccer Club.
Serving as a member of the Legal Advisory Service offering legal consultations at the London Small Business Centre.
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
London Chamber of Commerce
Sunningdale Golf & Country Club
At the end of the day, that’s what you need your lawyer to be – a problem solver. Our aim is to provide professional legal services and practical advice in a manner that is cost effective and develops our clients’ trust and confidence. We are service oriented with an emphasis on being problem solvers, for the issues facing you, your family, or your business.
Our History
The firm’s origin dates back to the 1940s when Martin Bitz commenced his legal career in London, with an exclusive focus on litigation that led to precedent-setting decisions at all court levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to expand into manufacturing and farming and combined with his legal business, the firm thrived into the 1970s. Andrew Szemenyei joined Martin Bitz in the 1980s, followed by Douglas Ferguson, and David MacKenzie. The firm operated as Bitz Szemenyei Ferguson & MacKenzie through the 1990s. The firm officially became Szemenyei MacKenzie Group in early 2013. The firm’s consistent growth led to the acquisition and renovation of one of London’s most-distinguished downtown locations, which continues to be our home.
We are pleased to share our home with Dixon Winder, former partner of MacKewn Winder LLP, which incorporates the former London practices of E.M. Winder Q.C. and J.G. McNeil (Winder and McNeil) and the Tenant and Bartram practices acquired by E.M. Winder Q.C. in 1930 on Tenant’s appointment as Local Registrar at London, both dating from London’s early pioneer days. The MacKewn Winder firm has over 100 years of history and a trusted reputation in London and Southwestern Ontario. We are privileged to have Dixon Winder share his depth of experience and vast knowledge with us by acting as counsel to the firm.
Our Founder
Born in Saskatchewan, Martin Bitz attended the University of Saskatchewan before coming to Ontario. He received his M.A. from the University of Toronto and his law degree from Osgoode Hall. He was called to the bar in 1950. Martin retired from the practice of law in 1996. Martin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, and is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Ruth and two sons, Tom and Joe.
Martin chose to practice law in London where he became one of the most-respected members of our legal community. Described as a talented litigator, Martin Bitz passionately believed that everyone was entitled to justice, earning him the respect of his peers and the love and appreciation of his clients. As a colleague and friend he was fiercely loyal. In his life’s work, Martin Bitz was the embodiment of honesty and integrity and he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and professionalism of the highest order. Although he may be gone, his contributions and his friendship will not soon be forgotten.
Our Firm
We strive to offer comprehensive legal services in all areas of the law. Our office is located in downtown London, Ontario and we serve clients throughout Ontario and Canada. We work to develop lasting relationships by operating in a friendly and team-oriented manner. We are recognized in the community for our high ethical standards and client satisfaction. We treat each client with respect, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction. We offer our clients good judgment and exceptional legal expertise to solve their problems of today and plan for tomorrow.
