Kevin Simonett Law Corporation Becomes Longstone Law Corporation
Gemma and Kevin Simonett and Porter in front of their new building on Cedar Street
CAMPBELL RIVER – Kevin Simonett has a new name and location for the growing law firm he owns with his wife, Gemma.
Longstone Law Corporation replaced the Kevin Simonett Law Corporation as the title above the door in September, and the firm moved into its new home at the top floor of 1210 Cedar Street in November, where they’ll offer their corporate, commercial, real estate, wills, estate planning, probate and notary services.
“It’s not often that you have a husband and wife team in a larger law firm where they’re both lawyers,” he observes, adding the firm has 11 staff, including three lawyers. “We’ve found it’s unique in mid-north Vancouver Island, and it works well. We’re very proud of the expertise and professionalism of the staff we have. That is the strength of our firm.
“Gemma has been here for a number of years. She handles complex corporate commercial deals and estate planning, wills, estates and family trusts,” he explains. “I handle a large quantity of files, specifically in real estate which have a quick turn over. There is a good yin and yang going on between us. We pride ourselves in providing down-to-earth solutions to what can be complex problems.”
Porter, their black lab, is also on hand to greet clients, as Kevin notes “First impressions can’t be made twice, and he knows how to make a good one.”
Originally a commercial fisherman and gill netter skipper, Kevin looked ahead and decided to make a career change in 2006.
The famous Longstone fishing reel that inspired the name for the corporation
“Commercial fishing was awesome. It was a highlight of my life,” he recalls. “But it was clear when I was 19 we were already talking about the ‘good old days’, and if I wanted to have a family, I wasn’t convinced commercial fishing would be a strong move.”
He studied geological engineering, but during his second year the Bre-X scandal happened to dampen that industry. Then it was computer science, but the dot.com bubble burst. During a 10-year school reunion, a friend, Darren Williams, recommended he consider becoming a lawyer.
“Darren said every business you get into, there’s a lawyer attached to it, so I decided I was going to law school and get a new career path and a smart wife. I met Gemma at law school in Calgary, and basically talked her into giving the Island a try.”
They both worked for another firm upon arriving in Campbell River in 2009, and while Gemma became a partner, Kevin set out on his own.
“Once you’re a skipper, it’s hard not to drive the ship,” he recalls. “I worked for a local developer for a year and then started my own firm in our basement, distinguished myself as a lawyer that did builders’ lien work for builders and contractors, then expanded into corporate work and conveyancing.
“Now our firm also provides a wide range of legal services for business owners, individuals and families. If our firm cannot deal with a matter, we are usually successful in referring it out to an appropriate firm or professional.”