Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Legal Partner in Hamilton, Ontario
Scarfone Hawkins is a client-focused law firm with a can-do culture that blends legal expertise with innovative problem-solving. Our team combines the wisdom of seasoned partners with the energy of dedicated associates to deliver tailored results. Since 1975, we have prioritized accessibility and community engagement, offering comprehensive legal solutions across 30 practice areas. Our approach emphasizes efficiency, strategic thinking, and a commitment to resolving complex cases with creativity. We maintain a strong local presence in Hamilton while serving clients throughout Southern Ontario, ensuring personalized service and continuous support even when lawyers are unavailable. Services
Personal Injury
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Real Estate
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of expertise in complex personal injury and commercial litigation.
- Our team provides 24/7 file accessibility with rotating associate support.
- We guarantee transparent communication and no hidden legal fees.
- Our firm maintains a 90% student retention rate for associate positions.
- We specialize in cross-disciplinary legal strategies for corporate and individual clients.
Associations and certifications
- Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Services
Personal Injury
Our personal injury team represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. We collaborate with medical experts to maximize compensation for physical, emotional, and financial damages. With over 45 years of combined experience, we ensure comprehensive case preparation and client advocacy.
Commercial Litigation
We handle shareholder disputes, intellectual property conflicts, and corporate restructuring cases. Our lawyers represent clients in Ontario Superior Court and administrative tribunals. We combine strategic litigation with business acumen to protect commercial interests through mediation or trial proceedings.
Corporate Law
Our corporate practice covers mergers, acquisitions, and secured financing transactions. We provide legal counsel for business formations, contract drafting, and compliance matters. The team offers tailored guidance for startups and established corporations across multiple industries.
Real Estate
We assist with residential and commercial property transactions, including title searches and development agreements. Our conveyancing specialists ensure smooth real estate closings while addressing zoning, land use, and financing requirements for buyers and sellers.
Estate Planning
Our estate lawyers create wills, powers of attorney, and trust arrangements to protect client assets. We provide probate guidance and estate administration support, ensuring compliance with Ontario succession laws and minimizing family disputes.
People
James A. Scarfone
Partner
Practicing personal injury law since 1975, James leads our litigation team with a focus on catastrophic injury cases. He mentors associates in trial preparation and client advocacy strategies.
Donald B. Hawkins
Partner
Donald oversees corporate transactions and commercial real estate deals. With 30+ years of experience, he specializes in cross-border business agreements and development projects.
Jennifer Vrancic
Associate
Jennifer handles personal injury claims and estate litigation. She graduated top of her class from Western Law School and focuses on client communication and case preparation.
Matthew Cino
Associate
Matthew specializes in commercial litigation and shareholder disputes. He represents clients in complex business conflicts and appellate court proceedings across Ontario.
Erin Guyitt
Recruitment Coordinator
Erin manages student programs and associate hiring. She coordinates articling placements and ensures seamless integration of new legal professionals into firm practice areas.
Questions
What practice areas do you specialize in?
We cover 30+ areas including personal injury, commercial litigation, corporate law, real estate, and estate planning. Our full-service model handles both litigation and transactional matters.
Do you offer student mentorship programs?
Yes, our articling program includes hands-on court experience, litigation rotations, and direct mentorship from senior partners across multiple legal disciplines.
How do you handle cross-border transactions?
Our corporate team manages international business deals through strategic partnerships and compliance expertise in Canadian and U.S. regulatory frameworks.
What accessibility accommodations are available?
We comply with AODA standards, offering document formatting assistance, physical office access, and communication support for clients with disabilities.
Can I schedule after-hours consultations?
While standard hours apply, our lawyers prioritize client needs and accommodate emergency consultations through direct contact with assigned legal teams.
How are legal fees structured?
We provide transparent billing with fixed-fee options for specific services. Complex cases receive detailed cost estimates before proceeding with representation.
