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41 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Sydney, Nova Scotia
At Sampson McPhee, we have built a reputation as a trusted legal partner for Cape Bretoners since 1985. Our firm combines over 35 years of experience with a commitment to innovative solutions, serving individuals and businesses across provincial, national, and international jurisdictions. Our team of 9 lawyers specializes in diverse practice areas, including corporate law, family law, criminal defense, and administrative law, ensuring comprehensive legal support tailored to client needs. We prioritize community engagement, offering pro bono services and supporting local causes, reflecting our dedication to social responsibility. Our track record of securing over $50 million in client settlements underscores our advocacy excellence.

With a focus on transparency and client education, we guide clients through complex legal processes while maintaining accessibility for both immediate and long-term legal needs. Our multidisciplinary approach allows us to address both everyday legal matters and high-stakes litigation with equal proficiency. As the largest law firm in Sydney, we leverage our resources to deliver personalized representation backed by collective expertise. Our tradition of excellence continues to evolve, integrating modern legal strategies to meet emerging challenges in technology, international economics, and regulatory frameworks. This enduring commitment to client success forms the foundation of our practice.
Services
Corporate Law Family Law Criminal Defense Immigration Law Wills and Estates Taxation Law Civil Litigation Administrative Law Real Estate Law Aboriginal Law
Details
  • Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
  • We have over 35 years of legal experience serving Cape Breton clients.
  • Our team includes 9 lawyers with expertise in diverse legal disciplines.
  • We provide pro bono legal services to community organizations and entrepreneurs.
  • We have secured $50 million+ in client settlements through litigation.
  • Our multidisciplinary approach handles both local and international legal matters.
What people say
Top notch service Kept me informed Handled complex cases Proven results Community involvement
Services
Corporate Law
Our corporate law practice advises businesses on formation, governance, and transactions. We represent clients in mergers, acquisitions, and commercial agreements, serving both startups and established corporations. Our team provides strategic counsel on regulatory compliance and risk management.
Family Law
We handle all aspects of family law including divorce, custody, and property division. Our lawyers advocate for fair outcomes in spousal and child support negotiations. We specialize in complex cases involving high-net-worth individuals and business assets.
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense team represents clients facing charges under the Criminal Code and regulatory statutes. We defend cases involving fraud, drug offenses, and impaired driving. We provide representation in trials, appeals, and bail hearings across Nova Scotia courts.
Immigration Law
We assist individuals and businesses with immigration matters including work permits, permanent residency, and citizenship applications. Our practice covers family sponsorship, refugee claims, and compliance with Canadian immigration regulations for corporate clients.
Wills and Estates
Our estate planning services include drafting wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. We guide executors through probate processes and resolve estate disputes. The team specializes in complex asset distribution and tax-efficient succession planning for families.
People
Robert Sampson
Founding Partner
With over 30 years' experience, Robert Sampson specializes in multi-jurisdictional legal matters. He represents clients ranging from small business owners to CEOs, focusing on labor relations and corporate governance.
Harvey McPhee
Senior Partner
Harvey McPhee has practiced law for over 30 years, specializing in personal injury cases and civil litigation. He has extensive experience in estate law and commercial property disputes across Nova Scotia courts.
Elsbeth Cassidy
Partner
Elsbeth Cassidy combines legal expertise with accounting experience to advise on corporate taxation and estate planning. She maintains a specialized practice in business valuations and trust administration.
Tyler MacLennan
Partner
Tyler MacLennan focuses on real estate transactions and aboriginal law. He provides legal counsel on property development and taxation matters, serving both residential and commercial clients in Cape Breton.
Liam Gillis
Partner
Liam Gillis represents clients in insurance litigation and administrative law cases. He has appeared before all Nova Scotia court levels and specializes in recovering damages from insurance companies for policyholders.
Questions
What legal services does Sampson McPhee offer?
We provide corporate law, family law, criminal defense, immigration law, wills and estates, and administrative law services among other practice areas.
How long has Sampson McPhee been in business?
Our firm has served Cape Breton since 1985, with our lawyers collectively having over 200 years of legal experience.
Do you serve clients outside Cape Breton?
While based in Sydney, we handle cases provincially, nationally, and internationally through our multidisciplinary legal team.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Contact us at 902-539-2425 or through our website to book a confidential consultation with one of our lawyers.
What community initiatives does the firm support?
We provide pro bono legal services to community organizations and participate in local fundraising efforts across Cape Breton Island.
What distinguishes Sampson McPhee from other firms?
As Cape Breton's largest law firm, we combine local expertise with national capabilities across 9 practice areas and 35+ years of experience.
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