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Offering a down-to-earth, straightforward approach, our clients receive expert legal services at fair rates for the best possible outcome.
About Brown Beattie O’Donovan LLP
We are a full-service law firm with over 75 years of experience, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the individualized attention they deserve. Our reputation for delivering expert legal services at fair rates precedes us, and we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible representation.
Please note that a lawyer and client relationship will not be established until a retainer agreement has been signed.
Practice Areas
Giving Back to the Communities Where We Live and Work
Volunteering time and expertise to local organizations to coaching kids’ soccer and hockey teams, community is part of our culture.





Frequently Asked Questions
These questions and answers are for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice, nor do they create any retainer or relationship between the reader and Brown Beattie O’Donovan LLP.
- All
- Accident & Personal Injury Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law & Liens
- Corporate & Commercial Law
- Family Law
- Family Mediation
- Insolvency & Bankruptcy
- Insurance Litigation
- Intellectual Property Law
- Motor Vehicle Accidents
- Occupational Health & Safety
- Real Estate Law
- Trademark Law
- Trusts, Wills & Estates Law
Whether or not you need a lawyer will depend on the circumstances of your case. For more information, please submit your contact information as well as a brief description of the issues in the form provided and we will get in touch with you.
Unfortunately, we do not accept legal aid as a payment option.
The length of proceedings will depend on the circumstances of your case. Factors that can affect the timeline include: whether and how vigorously it is defended, availability and quality of evidence, court availability etc. For more information, please submit your contact information below and we will get in touch with you.
For cases like car accidents, slips and falls, and medical malpractice (among others), we generally invoice on a contingency basis. That means that we are paid a percentage of the settlement plus expenses — you don’t pay until we win. Our initial consultation is free.
Most personal injury cases will be resolved within 3 years. However it is important to understand that the particular circumstances of a case may have a significant impact on the length of time needed to resolve it. For more information, please submit your contact information below and we will get in touch with you.
If you are thinking about starting a lawsuit, we suggest you contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Deadlines for commencing a lawsuit apply in virtually every case. The particular deadline will depend on the nature of your claim and the facts of the case.
For general litigation cases, we require a retainer before taking any action. The retainer is not an indication of the final fee. Fees are charged on an hourly basis and our lawyers’ hourly rates will vary depending on their level of experience. Contact us for further details.
For real estate purchases, sales, or refinances, we usually charge a set fee plus usual disbursements and land transfer tax. In most cases, we can give a fairly accurate quote once we have the details of the property subject to transaction.
With most real estate purchases, the first step is to send us your signed offer using fax or email. This will allow our clerks to get the process started, which will typically take 3 weeks.
For wills and power of attorney, we have a set fee, but the fee can vary depending on the complexity of the estate. Please contact us for further details.
If it is straightforward, a will can usually be prepared within 2 weeks. The biggest questions you’ll need to consider and be prepared to answer are: who will take care of the estate (executor)?; if you have minor children – who will take care of them?; and where/to whom do you want your assets to go?
Small Claims Court is for claims up to $35,000; you can sue for money or the return of personal property. The Court is set so claims can be handled without a lawyer’s assistance. You can go to the courthouse and ask for a small claims package – the instructions are easy to follow.
If your lawyer practiced with Brown Beattie O’Donovan, Cram & Associates, Seabrook, Miller & Trudell, Marcus Tobin, Gent Schuessler, or Gent Park, we likely still have the will. We have the wills from the following retired and/or deceased lawyers as well as those prepared by our current lawyers.
Charles Brown
William Beattie
Vincent O’Donovan
Joseph M. Dillon
Andrew King
Robert Hutton
David Laws
Martin Marcus
Barry Tobin
David Miller
Paul Trudell
Robert Livingstone
Thomas Gibson
John Cram
Daniel Mailer
Robert Furlonger
Leo Gent
Scott Schuessler
Horace Park
Hugh Fraser
Leon Shanfeld
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We are delighted to announce Débora’s promotion to Partner at Brown Beattie O’Donovan!
Called to the Ontario Bar in 2013, Débora has worked extensively in family law helping clients navigate their way through separation and divorce as well as custody and support issues with the goal of minimizing family conflict.
Learn more about Débora here 👉 t.ly/17qL-
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#LondON #OntLaw #FamilyLaw #brownbeattieodonovan
We are delighted to announce Ciara’s promotion to Partner at Brown Beattie O’Donovan!
Ciara’s construction litigation practice is focused on all aspects of construction law, including liens, breach of trust claims, tendering, and contract disputes.
Ciara holds memberships in the Law Society of Ontario, the Advocates’ Society, and the Middlesex Law Association. She is actively involved in London’s non-profit community, volunteering her time to various charitable organizations.
Learn more about Ciara here 👉 t.ly/qk5C6
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#LondON #ConstructionLaw #LegalServices #brownbeattieodonovan
Welcome to the team, Arthur!
Arthur brings a broad range of experience to his practice, with a focus on family law and child protection.
Practicing in London, Ontario, Arthur has developed a reputation for being a steady, thoughtful, and client-focused advocate, with a strong ability to navigate complex legal and emotional issues with clarity, empathy, and practical judgment.
Learn more about Arthur here: t.ly/0uYk1
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#LondON #OntLaw #FamilyLaw #brownbeattieodonovan
Happy New Year from all of us at Brown Beattie O’Donovan! 🎉
Thank you to our amazing community for another great year. We truly appreciate your trust and support. We’re looking forward to the opportunities, connections, and growth the new year will bring.
Wishing you and your family another great year! ✨
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#HappyNewYear #ThankYou #LondonOntario #BrownBeattieODonovan
Please join us in celebrating Bob Hutton as he retires after an incredible 55-year career with BBO and one of its predecessor firms.
Called to the bar in 1970, Bob has been a key partner in our Civil Litigation Group, focusing on construction law and representing clients across the industry. Bob’s dedication and excellence have earned him a Distinguished Martindale-Hubbell® rating, recognition as a Lexpert® Ranked Lawyer, and inclusion in Best Lawyers® in Canada for Construction Law.
We are grateful for Bob’s leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact on our firm. Congratulations, Bob, and thank you for your remarkable contributions. Wishing you a wonderful and well-earned retirement!
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#Lawyers #LondonOntario #BrownBeattieODonovan
✨ Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season! ✨
May your holidays be filled with cozy moments, joyful celebrations, and time spent with the people who mean the most. From everyone at Brown Beattie O’Donovan, we hope this season brings you peace, happiness, and plenty of cheer. ❄️🎄
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#HappyHolidays #SeasonOfGiving #ThankYou #HolidayCheer
The season of giving is here, and our Social Committee is kicking things off with one of our favourite holiday traditions! 🎅✨
We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys and donations for Toys for Tots to help bring big smiles and extra holiday magic to children in our community. 💝
A huge shoutout to our incredible Social Committee and staff. Thank you for your generosity, your spirit, and for always stepping up to make a difference. You’re helping spread joy one toy at a time! 🎄❤️
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#ToysForTots #HolidayGiving #CommunitySpotlight #BrownBeattieODonovan
Get ready for Teddy Bear Toss Night with the London Knights on Tuesday, December 3rd!
Canada Life Place will be filled with holiday spirit for one of the most heartwarming traditions of the season. 🏒🐻
🎟️ Grab your tickets and bring a teddy bear (or a few!) to toss onto the ice after the Knights score their first goal. All stuffed animals collected will be donated to local charities to bring comfort and joy to children and families in need this holiday season. ❤️
Will you be there cheering on our @londonknights?
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#GoKnightsGo #LondonKnights #LondONT #TeddyBearToss
