Bonn Law celebrates 50 years!! 

The Profession, The Memories and The Inspiration- A candid interview with Founder George Bonn

1. When you opened the doors in 1972, what was your vision for Bonn Law? How has it changed over the years to where we are now?

George: My vision was to provide high quality litigation representation.

2. If you could go back in time, what’s one piece of advice you would give yourself 50 years ago?

George: While representing my clients forcefully, diligently, honorably and skillfully, do so without excessive aggression.

3. In your 50 year history, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment/success?

George: Maintaining ongoing high interest in the law and our clients' cases since 1972 to now

4. In your 50 year history, what would you consider to be the biggest change in the legal profession?

George: The "softening" of litigation epitomized by the decline of "trial by ambush" since the 1980's (a good development).

5. What are some of the things you miss about the “good ole days”?

George: frequent short uncomplicated trials ….. Friday gatherings of lawyers at pubs ….. barristers' (litigation lawyers) respect for and collegiality with each other ….. Belleville judges having court house offices with open doors accessible to lawyers without going through hoops ….. no need for court house security measures ….. the unwritten rule that a law firm never offered employment to a member, staff or lawyer, of another firm without asking for the permission of that firm

6. What is one of your best memories when you think about Bonn Law over the years?

George: The day that Kris told me that he was going to law school …… the day that he told me that he would like join me at my Trenton firm ….. my contribution to the founding and development of the Ontario Trial Lawyers Association.

7. What’s been most surprising about the journey so far?

George: That after 50 years I still have some "fire in my belly" for law and clients

8. What trends do you foresee in the upcoming 5-10 years in the legal profession?

George: increasing interventions of judges, rules of procedure and court staff in lawyers' handling of cases ….. declining in-person trials in a courtroom ….. increasing rules and procedures to force settlements and eliminate trials in-person or remote

9. Based on your experience, do you have any advice for up and coming lawyers?

George: study the history of common law and procedures ….. develop a high level of professionalism ….. give minimum weight to "work-life balance" ….. work damn hard ….. work long hours …. keep current on law and trial skills

10. How would you describe the current culture at Bonn Law?

George: all of our staff and lawyers work with the purpose of helping our clients as best they can.