Our Firm
Providing over 50 years of legal service to Stratford and the broader Perth County communities.
Located in the heart of Stratford, Ontario, McDonald Simon LLP provides legal services for businesses and individuals in the areas of business law, real estate law, and wills and estates law.
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, and Real Estate law. 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.
Hugh D. McDonald
Partner
Hugh grew up in rural Perth County. He attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree in 1970. After articling in London he was admitted to the Bar of Ontario in 1972 and has practiced in Stratford for over five decades. Hugh is devoted to corporate, commercial, agriculture, real estate, mortgages, and wills and estates. Hugh is an active member of the community having been involved in many professional, cultural and charitable organizations. He is currently a director for L'Arche Stratford.
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. Shawn also ran a civil litigation department, representing clients in Ontario Superior Court matters and various tribunals. Shawn is also set to appear in the Ontario Court of Appeal this fall.
Shawn’s family practice focuses on separation and divorce, child and spousal support matters and adoption. Shawn 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. Shawn 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 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 daughter.