Bill Shanks

Biography

Bill’s practice began with Cheadles after law school and continues for over three decades!   As senior managing partner Bill ensures an efficient and smooth delivery of value added services to clients.  Timely completion of work based on exceeding client’s reasonable expectations is the litmus test for success.  Litigation – standing on one’s feet before a decision maker—is what keeps Bill engaged and enthusiastic

Family Law, Insolvency, and Management side Labour and employment law are the principal areas of his practice.  Experienced staff make all the difference in keeping client matters on track and on time.  Bill has appeared before all levels of Courts in Ontario, including appellate Courts to the Ontario Court of Appeal, recently involving video hearing.  His primary Court of practice is the Superior Court of Ontario.  Appearances before the Ontario Labour Relations Board, WSIAT, and Arbitration panels make for an experienced counsel in labour related issues.

As past President of United Way of Thunder Bay,  past chair of Nor-West Gyro.

Educational Background

• Studied at University of Western Ontario now Western University for pre-law studies
• LL.B. — University of Ottawa
• Barrister and Solicitor – Law Society of Ontario

Professional Associations

Bill is a member of the Litigation and Law Practice sections of the American Bar Association, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and a member of the Advocates’ Society and the Thunder Bay Law Association

Community Involvement

Bill’s personal time focuses on many and varied largely outdoors activities befitting his residency situate in the outdoor paradise we call Northwestern Ontario.  Currently Bill is the Commander of the Lakehead Division, Canadian Power Squadron both expanding his personal knowledge of boating through the excellent courses offered by the Squadron which he provides direction and guidance.  The Northern Light Campers Association has elected Bill as its President to advocate on behalf of the Association’s interests in one of the most pristine wilderness areas in North America.  Muskie and Pike are the fish he likes to seek out in his outdoor adventures.  Bill is keenly interested in the traditional life of Canadians and their proximity to and reliance on the land and all its creatures.  Bill enjoys downhill skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, canoeing, and other modes of accessing the wild.

Bill is a past Director of the Hogarth-Westmount Hospital. He is the Past-President of the United Way of Thunder Bay, Past Vice-President of Junior Achievement, and a former Treasurer of Nor’West Gyro.