Matthew Villeneuve and James Elsley to Lead the Firm as Managing Partner and Associate Managing Partner

Matthew Villeneuve has been named the firm’s Managing Partner, effective December 1, 2023.

Matthew is an experienced lawyer and the leader of McKenzie Lake’s family law practice group. He held the role of Associate Managing Partner for the past three years, working alongside the Managing Partner to lead the firm in its strategic initiatives. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he completed an Honours Business Administration degree at the University of Windsor, then continued his studies both at the Institut De Formation Internationale in Rouen, France and the HEAO Arnhem International Business School in the Netherlands. Matthew’s business background is an advantage he brings to client service and firm leadership.

James is an experienced corporate and real estate lawyer who held the role of Associate Managing Partner from 2017-2020. His paramount goal is to ensure a high level of client service and a client experience that is tailored to clients’ needs and business objectives. Jim applies this dedication to client satisfaction to firm leadership, along with his scientific education background which allows him to hone in on the details and unique characteristics of each legal transaction, and every challenge.

Michael Peerless will step down after a three-year tenure as Managing Partner. Mike oversaw the strategic growth and development of McKenzie Lake with the addition of new partners, numerous new associates, students and staff. This also included the joining of Chinneck Law in January 2020, and the launch of a new Guelph office in July 2020 which has since grown to nine lawyers. Mike will remain the department head with the Class Actions Team.