Blackburn Lawyers first opened its doors in Richmond Hill in 1975. The firm began with a modest office equipped with just a black telephone, a typewriter, and couple of desks. But their vision was far greater.
Now, 50 years later, that vision has become the firm’s legacy — one built on excellence in the services provided, community commitment, and an unwavering dedication to treating every client with the same respect and care we would each want for ourselves.
Our Two Founders
The story of Blackburn Lawyers began with Bob Blackburn and Alf Stong, two Richmond Hill lawyers who believed that York Region deserved the same caliber of legal service as downtown Toronto. Together, they created a firm that balanced practical legal advice with fierce courtroom advocacy.
Alf made his mark as a litigator with a stellar courtroom reputation, while Bob focused on helping families and businesses navigate their legal needs. Their complementary talents, combined with their deep local roots, quickly made Stong & Blackburn the trusted name for legal services in Richmond Hill.
Over the years, the firm evolved and grew, bringing in new partners, growing its team, and outgrowing its suite at 10350 Yonge Street to take over the fourth floor of the building. By 2006, the firm outgrew that building and created its own offices at 10800 Yonge Street, which stands as a local landmark today.
With growth came change, including a name that evolved to Blackburn Lawyers, honouring the legacy of the firm’s co-founder.
Specialized Expertise & The Personal Touch
From the start, Blackburn Lawyers believed in doing things differently. Rather than expecting lawyers to wear multiple hats, the firm championed the idea of specialization. Each lawyer focused exclusively on a specific area of law, from real estate, to wills and estates, corporate law, family law, and litigation.
This focus ensured clients received the highest level of expertise, the kind typically associated with big-city firms, but delivered with the personal touch of a community-focused practice. It’s a philosophy that continues to set Blackburn apart today.
A Commitment Beyond the Courtroom
Blackburn Lawyers’ impact wasn’t limited to the cases it fought for its clients. Both Bob and Alf believed that a great law firm should also be a great community partner.
Bob dedicated countless hours to Mackenzie Health, eventually serving as chair of the board, while Alf’s passion for public service led him to serve as both a Member of Provincial Parliament and later, a Superior Court Justice— a rare honour and testament to both his legal expertise and his strong sense of civic duty.
Even as new partners and lawyers joined the firm over the decades, this spirit of community involvement remained a cornerstone of Blackburn’s culture.
Proud of Our Past, Focused on the Future
Today, Blackburn Lawyers has grown into a team of experienced lawyers supported by 20 dedicated staff, but the heart of the firm remains the same as it was in 1975. Every client who walks through the door, whether they’re buying their first home, planning their estate, or seeking expert representation in a dispute, is treated with care, respect, and the highest standard of service.
As the firm looks ahead, it continues to grow on this rock-solid foundation, adding professionals who share the core belief that every client deserves to be treated the way we would want to be treated ourselves.
Reaching a 50-year milestone speaks volumes about the trust earned from generations of clients who have relied on Blackburn Lawyers for some of life’s most important decisions.
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or you’re discovering us for the first time, we invite you to experience the difference that comes with five decades of excellence. Contact Blackburn Lawyers today and trust your matter to a firm that’s been a proud part of our region’s story for 50 years. The Lawyers at Blackburn can’t wait to see what their next 50 years of excellence will bring.
* Please note that the information in this article is not intended as legal advice, but rather as a general overview on the subject. If you are seeking legal advice, please consult with a lawyer.
