Our Firm
McDonald Simon LLP has been providing trusted legal services to Stratford and the broader Perth County communities for over 50 years.
Located in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, our firm provides legal services to businesses and individuals in the areas of business law, real estate law, wills and estates law, family law, appeals, and civil litigation.
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We strive to provide an environment where our clients feel welcome and encourage one-on-one meetings with our talented and friendly lawyers.
Mark E. Simon
Managing Partner
Mark focuses his practice primarily on the areas of Business law, Wills & Estates law, Real Estate law, and Appeals. Having completed an MBA specialized in accounting and with considerable experience in finance and tax, Mark seeks to provide the most efficient and beneficial solutions for his clients, whether they are buying or starting a new business, creating a succession plan, buying their first home, or expanding their real estate holdings.
Mark is a lifelong learner, having four university degrees, and he always seeks to improve his knowledge of the law in the areas he practices. In addition to his legal skills, Mark is known for his commitment to providing exceptional client service. He understands that legal matters can be stressful and overwhelming, and he works tirelessly to ensure that his clients feel supported and informed throughout the entire process.
After practicing with medium-sized firms in both Waterloo and London, Mark decided to move his practice to the City of Stratford in the winter of 2023. Starting a practice with Hugh D. McDonald, Mark is developing relationships throughout Perth County and is excited to help new clients and make new friends in the area.
When he is not working or studying new changes in the law, Mark is a passionate (yet challenged) golfer and a recreational hockey goaltender. He spends most of his spare time cooking, listening to his vinyl collection, or playing music with his lovely wife Jocelyn.
Shawn Stewart
Partner
Shawn focuses his practice in family and civil litigation. Shawn was the co-creator and inaugural President of the Windsor Family Law Society for Windsor Law, which continues on today. He also ran a civil litigation department, representing clients in Ontario Superior Court matters and various tribunals. Shawn and his team at McDonald Simon also successfully argued at the Ontario Court of Appeal in October 2023 — read more details on his win here:
https://coadecisions.ontariocourts.ca/coa/coa/en/item/22455/index.do
Shawn’s family practice focuses on separation and divorce, child and spousal support matters and adoption. He approaches family law with a client-centered approach, focused on resolving matters without the courts to keep family litigation affordable for his clients.
Shawn’s Civil practice focuses on contract breaches, real estate litigation, defamation and some personal injury work. He looks to resolve issues at the forefront, but will fight for his clients in the courtroom should the matter call for it.
After practicing at medium-sized firms in both Windsor and London, Shawn looked to get back to his roots, having grown up in a rural town outside London. Shawn now lives in Exeter with his wife and daughter and enjoys his short commute to Stratford, which he and his family have embraced as their second community, participating in community charitable events.
When Shawn is not at the office or in court, you can find him playing music, shanking golf balls, running and exercising, and trying to keep up with his young daughters.
Luke Reidy
Partner
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Luke is a dedicated advocate whose practice is focused on Criminal Defence and Civil Litigation.Known for tenacious advocacy and an unwavering pursuit of justice, Luke is committed to protecting the rights of clients and upholding the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
In the area of criminal law, Luke has earned a reputation for exceptional court room skill, honed through significant experience on highly complex and serious cases. He defends clients across Ontario in matters involving murder, assault, sexual assault, drug trafficking and firearm offences, and is developing a reputation as one of London's top criminal defence lawyers.
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Luke also maintains a robust Civil Litigation practice, with a focus on construction disputes. Before becoming a lawyer, he built a career in construction management, a background that provides a rare and practical insight into the technical and contractual nuances of construction conflicts. This unique perspective allows Luke to identify the precise nature of disputes and pursue early, effective resolutions for clients.
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Practicing throughout Ontario, Luke combines strategic thinking, strong courtroom presence, and a relentless commitment to clients in every case undertaken.
Hugh D. McDonald
Partner (Retired)
After an exceptional 52 years of legal practice, Hugh started his well-earned retirement on January 1, 2025. We congratulate Hugh on building a great practice and many excellent relationships, and hope very much to have the kind of positive impact on our clients that Hugh did on his.
Please contact our office if there are any questions or concerns about storage of materials or providing ongoing legal assistance relating to any of Hugh's files.
Antonia Evans
Associate Lawyer
Antonia is a dual licensed lawyer, licensed to practice in Jamaica and Ontario, with a background in real estate, estate administration and family law. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of the West Indies and earned her Legal Education Certificate from Norman Manley Law School. She was called to the Jamaican bar in 2019 and the Ontario bar in 2024.
Antonia is a fervent litigator, passionate about assisting her clients in navigating through the most difficult times in their lives. She lives by the mantra, "for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind", which she applies in all aspects of her life.
Outside of work, Antonia enjoys spending time with her family, going to the gym, reading a good book or trying a new restaurant.
Jordan Rosindale
Student-at-Law​
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Jordan completed his legal studies in the United Kingdom and is currently pursuing accreditation in Ontario through the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) process. Upon completion of his remaining NCA examinations, he will complete his articles with the firm.
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Jordan supports the firm's solicitor-side practice in Corporate matters, Wills and Estates, and Real Estate transactions.
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Prior to joining the firm, Jordan worked with an international organization conducting contract review and document analysis, developing a strong foundation in contractual interpretation, risk identification and detail-oriented legal work. During this time, he also began preparing for the New York Bar Examination as part of his goal to become licensed in both New York State and Ontario.
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Jordan brings an international legal background, and a practical, careful approach to client matters.
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Austin VanderBurgt
​Articling Student
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Austin is an Articling Student who will be called to the Ontario Bar in 2026. He brings a strong academic foundation, practical legal experience, and a client-focused approach to his work.
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He was born and raised in Komoka, a small community just outside of London, Ontario. Growing up in a close-knit town fostered a deep appreciation for integrity, accountability, and service to others. Hockey has been a constant presence in his life since the age of three, and he remains closely connected to the sport as both a fan and a coach.
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Austin completed his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at Western University, and later spent three years living in the Netherlands where he earned a Masters degree from Utrecht University. After returning to Canada, he pursued practical legal experience by working as a law clerk at a mid-sized London-based law firm while preparing for law school.
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He went on to attend law school through the Dual JD program at the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy, graduating in the spring of 2025 with both Canadian and American law degrees.
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Austin’s primary area of focus is family law, and he is committed to building a practice which highlights a collaborative approach to the field while maintaining strong and efficient advocacy when circumstances require it.
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When he’s not at the office, Austin can be found cooking, watching hockey or football, learning how to translate his slap shot into a golf swing, or spending time with his husband and son.