Our partner, colleague and friend, Charles Dunphy, died suddenly on Friday, March 1,2024.
All of us at Dunphy Burdett Lawyers LLP send our condolences to his family, particularly his wife, Beth and his trusty canine sidekick, Ollie.
Everyone at the firm bearing his name is deeply saddened by the loss of this well-regarded professional and community-minded man.
Charles joined the firm in 1984 and built a reputation as an experienced and respected lawyer who served his clients in the Stratford area with skill, commitment and professionalism. He primarily worked in the corporate and commercial field and assisted and advised many local family farms and businesses. Charles also helped his clients and their families with the important work of developing wills, estates, and trusts.
Charles had an enormous depth of knowledge and a detailed memory that ranged from nuanced case law and obscure legislation to intricate details relating to clients, their files, and their lives. He was often described by other lawyers and colleagues as one of the most skilled lawyers in Southwestern Ontario. He excelled at developing pragmatic and practical solutions for complex matters.
The lawyers Charles brought into the firm could not have asked for a better mentor, teacher and colleague. We all appreciated Charles’ commitment to the law, his wonderful personality, as well as his love for this area and its people.
Charles was much more than a skilled lawyer. He was a caring husband and family man who cared deeply about his community. Charles had served as President of the Alzheimer Society of Perth County, the Stratford-Perth Family YMCA, and the VON Perth-Huron.
Charles intended to retire at the end of 2024, a retirement richly deserved. His succession plan was happening. He was already transferring matters to other lawyers in the firm and was transitioning to being an advisor. With retirement in mind, Charles mentored, taught and advised the firm’s lawyers to ensure that a succession plan was in place to take over his practice and continue serving his clients.
Charles helped and touched many people over 40 years as a lawyer and active citizen in this community. He will be deeply missed.
We honour Charles as a friend, colleague and engaged member of our community.
Please contact Timothy S. Stock-Bateman to discuss any files you may have had with Charles. Dunphy Burdett will be happy to continue working with you and to deliver the same level of support and service you experienced with Charles.