Business Details
49 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in St. John's, NL
Founded in 1977, MacNab Fagan & Murphy has built a reputation as a trusted legal firm serving Newfoundland and Labrador. Our team of experienced lawyers combines over 136 years of collective expertise to deliver practical, client-focused solutions across diverse legal disciplines. We specialize in arbitration, mediation, civil litigation, corporate and commercial law, family law, surrogacy, real estate, personal injury, and estate planning. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our membership with the Canadian Bar Association, Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and ADR Institute of Canada. We prioritize accessibility and diligence, ensuring clients receive personalized support tailored to their unique needs. Our proven track record in litigation and alternative dispute resolution underscores our ability to navigate complex legal challenges effectively.By maintaining a small, dedicated team, we ensure direct, transparent communication and cost-efficient services without compromising quality. Our lawyers have appeared before all provincial court levels and administrative tribunals, advocating for individuals, corporations, and public entities. We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of legal developments while upholding the highest ethical standards. Whether handling high-stakes litigation or drafting critical legal documents, our focus remains on achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. This enduring dedication to professionalism and client service continues to define our practice four decades after our founding.
Services
Arbitration/Mediation
Corporate/Commercial
Personal Injury
Wills & Estates
Civil Litigation
Family Law
Real Estate
Workplace Investigations
Surrogacy Law
Maritime Law
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We provide practical legal solutions tailored to client needs.
- Our team is accessible and dedicated to client support.
- We combine decades of legal expertise with personalized service.
- Our firm is committed to excellence and diligence in all cases.
- We are members of leading legal associations, ensuring high standards.
Associations and certifications
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
- ADR Institute of Canada
Services
Arbitration/Mediation
Our certified mediators and arbitrators facilitate fair settlements for labor, employment, and commercial disputes. With decades of experience in Newfoundland and Labrador, we handle complex cases involving public and private employers, educational institutions, and government agencies. Our team's 100+ published arbitration decisions demonstrate our commitment to impartial, well-reasoned outcomes that minimize litigation costs and preserve business relationships.
Family Law
We provide compassionate representation for divorce, separation, and child custody matters. Our services include drafting cohabitation agreements, negotiating property division, and securing spousal/child support arrangements. As certified mediators, we prioritize amicable resolutions while maintaining aggressive litigation readiness. Our surrogacy law practice handles international parentage orders and complex multi-jurisdictional agreements.
Corporate/Commercial
We advise businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and partnership agreements. Our services cover incorporations, contract drafting, debt collections, and regulatory compliance. With experience in provincial and federal tribunals, we represent clients in shareholder disputes, breach of contract claims, and commercial litigation. Our team provides ongoing counsel for business formation through exit strategies.
Real Estate
We handle residential and commercial property transactions including purchases, sales, refinancing, and lease agreements. Our services extend to title disputes, mortgage enforcement, and subdivision development. We coordinate with banks, surveyors, and municipalities to ensure smooth transactions. The firm also litigates real estate disputes involving boundary agreements and environmental contamination claims.
Wills & Estates
We draft wills, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives tailored to individual needs. Our probate services manage estate administration and resolve contested matters through negotiation or litigation. We advise on guardianship issues and long-term care planning, combining legal expertise with compassionate guidance during sensitive family transitions.
People
Anne M. Fagan
Partner
Admitted to the Newfoundland Bar in 1986, Anne Fagan specializes in family law, estates, and civil litigation. Appointed Queen's Counsel in 2011, she has served on the Law Society Disciplinary Panel and held leadership roles in the Canadian Bar Association. Her practice includes mediation, environmental law, and high-profile public inquiries.
Sheilagh M. Murphy
Partner
A 1998 UNB law graduate, Sheilagh Murphy focuses on labor arbitration and workplace investigations. Former Labour Relations Board chair, she serves as external adjudicator for the Canada Industrial Relations Board. Recognized for her 100+ arbitration decisions, she combines tribunal experience with private practice expertise in employment law.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in arbitration/mediation, family law, corporate/commercial law, real estate, wills/estates, civil litigation, and surrogacy law across Newfoundland and Labrador.
Do you offer alternative dispute resolution services?
Yes, our certified mediators and arbitrators handle labor disputes, commercial conflicts, and family law matters with 100+ published arbitration decisions demonstrating our expertise.
Can you assist with surrogacy arrangements?
Yes, we handle complex surrogacy agreements including international parentage orders, working across jurisdictions in Canada, Europe, and Australia.
What are your office hours?
Our St. John's office operates Monday-Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM with appointments available by request.
Do you provide legal services outside St. John's?
Yes, we serve clients province-wide with remote consultations and on-site visits arranged as needed.
Reviews (2)
Chocobot Nine
Jan 01, 2022
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My family and I dealt with Anne Fagan and were really disappointed in the experience. Mostly it was with lack of communication, and prompt replies. But also in terms of charges, there were many issues. In one case we were charged the already excessive 'email fee', even when the email I sent was to ask her to correct a mistake that SHE had made. I felt that at the very least, that one email could forgo the email cost, given that it was regarding fixing her errors. I would recommend avoiding this lawyer, and avoiding the unnecessary frustration that comes with.
Joe Earles
Sep 30, 2019
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I've found Anne and her team to be very thorough, reliable , professional and always a real pleasure to deal with.
