Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Legal Services in Estevan, SK
Established in 1952, our firm has built a legacy of providing comprehensive legal services to clients in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba. Our practice spans oil and gas law, corporate and commercial matters, family mineral estate planning, agricultural law, family law, litigation, and real estate. We collaborate closely with clients' other professional consultants to design tailored corporate, trust, and tax planning structures. Our team combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of local industries, including agriculture, mining, and energy. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized legal solutions while maintaining active community involvement and professional leadership.Our attorneys have appeared in all levels of Saskatchewan and Manitoba courts, as well as federal tribunals, advocating for landowners, mineral rights holders, and businesses. Through our extensive experience in surface rights boards and specialized legal frameworks, we protect client interests in complex regulatory environments. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our roles as municipal legal advisors, frequent industry lecturers, and contributors to legal practice manuals. We maintain office hours Monday through Friday in Estevan, with branch services in Carnduff and Gainsborough on Thursdays.
Services
Oil & Gas Law
Family Mineral Estate Planning
Agricultural Law
Family Law
Litigation
Real Estate
Corporate Law
Wills & Estates
Mineral Rights
Surface Rights
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We offer 70+ years combined experience in oil & gas and corporate law
- Our team includes Queen's Counsel and frequent industry lecturers
- We maintain active roles as municipal legal advisors and community leaders
- Our attorneys have appeared in all levels of Saskatchewan and Manitoba courts
- We provide tailored legal solutions for agricultural, mining, and energy sectors
Associations and certifications
- Queen's Counsel (Saskatchewan)
- Canadian Bar Association
Services
Oil & Gas Law
Representing mineral owners and energy companies in surface rights agreements, petroleum leases, and regulatory compliance. Our firm negotiates fair compensation terms and protects landowner rights through customized legal frameworks. We handle complex mineral title issues and joint venture agreements for oil and gas development projects.
Family Mineral Estate Planning
Specialized estate planning for mineral rights owners. We create family mineral holding corporations and trust structures to streamline ownership and ensure tax-efficient intergenerational transfers. Our services include fractional interest consolidation and succession planning for mineral estates.
Agricultural Law
Comprehensive legal services for agricultural operations including farm corporation formation, property transactions, and mortgage arrangements. We assist with partnership agreements, estate planning for family farms, and regulatory compliance for agricultural businesses.
Family Law
Handling divorce proceedings, child custody matters, and property division cases. Our attorneys provide representation in spousal support negotiations and post-divorce modifications, focusing on protecting client interests while minimizing family conflict.
Litigation
Experienced courtroom advocacy in civil litigation matters. Our firm represents clients in oil and gas disputes, commercial litigation, and appellate proceedings. We appear before Saskatchewan and Manitoba courts, as well as federal tribunals and specialized boards.
People
Paul Elash
Partner, Queen's Counsel
Practicing since 1978 with expertise in oil & gas, corporate law, and litigation. Appointed Queen's Counsel in 2016. Active community leader and former City Solicitor for Estevan.
Aaron Ludwig
Partner
Specializing in petroleum leases and surface rights agreements. Admitted to the bar in 2009 with extensive experience in litigation and family law matters.
Genevieve Schrader
Associate
Focus on corporate law and family estate planning. Admitted in 2015 with background in agricultural law and community involvement in Estevan.
April Hilstrom
Financial & HR Administrator
Manages financial operations and human resources. Certified Notary Public with responsibility for administrative functions and client support services.
Jana Austin
Real Estate Specialist
Handles real estate transactions and mortgage arrangements. Certified Notary Public with expertise in property law documentation and client consultations.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in oil & gas law, family mineral estate planning, agricultural law, family law, litigation, real estate, and corporate/commercial law.
Do you serve clients outside Estevan?
Yes, we serve clients in southeastern Saskatchewan and southwestern Manitoba, with branch offices in Carnduff and Gainsborough.
What experience do you have with oil & gas legal matters?
Our firm has represented hundreds of mineral owners since 1952, negotiating leases and protecting landowner rights in oil & gas development.
Can you help with farm succession planning?
Yes, we assist with family farm transfers, partnership agreements, and estate planning tailored to agricultural operations.
