Excellence that no longer stays quiet
When Shawn Wolfson was elected managing partner of Blaney McMurtry LLP (Blaneys) in 2022, he stepped into the role with a clear message: Blaneys did not need to remain the “best-kept secret” of the legal community. The firm had long been known for excellent work, loyal clients, and deeply specialized practice groups, but for Wolfson, excellence didn’t need to be quiet. It was time to elevate the firm’s presence without losing the qualities that made Blaneys special.
Since then, Wolfson’s leadership has been driven by a people-centred philosophy paired with disciplined, strategic growth. Under his direction, the firm has seen sustained financial performance, with revenue increasing by 25 percent and profit by 23 percent during his tenure, and continued expansion of client work and market share.
Notably, this growth has not come at the expense of culture, integrity, or
service. If anything, Blaneys’ long-standing client relationships, many spanning decades, have only deepened as a result.
Wolfson’s ties to the firm began over 20 years ago. On May 4, 2026, he marked his 26th anniversary at Blaneys, where he began as an articling student and rose through years of dedication and leadership. Along the way, he became a partner in the firm’s real estate group before rising to managing partner, a path that reflects the culture of mentorship, loyalty, and long-term investment Blaneys continues to value.
Wolfson’s leadership is also backed by long-standing professional recognition within the legal industry. He has been ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners (Real Estate: Mainly Mid-market Canada) and has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers, Lexpert, and Thomson Reuters for his exceptional work in real estate law. These distinctions reflect not only technical excellence but also the trust and respect he has earned from clients, peers, and the broader legal community throughout his career.
“Shawn joined the firm with an excellent education foundation in law and quickly established himself as a thoughtful and well-respected leader who values collaboration and diverse perspectives,” says Brett Tkatch, partner at the firm.
He calls out Wolfson’s strong productivity and mentorship, qualities that surfaced early on, and adds that Wolfson’s practical business-minded approach was what drove his early appointment to the executive committee and later as managing partner.
This has contributed to strong retention, higher engagement, and an environment marked by transparency and mutual respect. In a sector defined by demanding hours and changing expectations around work, this people-first culture has become one of the firm’s greatest advantages.
Healy calls Wolfson’s approach “a rare combination of strategic vision, decisiveness, and genuine care for people.”
“Shawn has an exceptional ability to balance the business demands of a growing firm while remaining approachable, thoughtful, and deeply invested in the success of our clients and our team,” Healy notes.
Tkatch agrees, adding that he’s seen firsthand how Wolfson’s leadership style creates balance and provides clear direction – and how that’s paid off for Blaneys.
“We’ve continued to grow, attracting both new clients and talented lawyers while strengthening the firm’s overall position and culture,” he says.
Beyond the letter of the law
Throughout his term, Wolfson has ensured the firm did not lose sight of its family-oriented identity. In 2025, this ethos came to life through a million-dollar, long-term partnership with SickKids Foundation and The Hospital for Sick Children, a charitable commitment that resonated deeply across the firm. Nearly everyone at Blaneys has a personal connection to SickKids through family, children, or community. What began as philanthropy quickly became part of the firm’s shared meaning and purpose.
Outside the office, Wolfson is a devoted father of five children, including two sets of twins, a role that many who know him say further shapes his grounded leadership style, empathy, and ability to balance ambition with perspective.
Wolfson’s impact cannot be reduced to a single metric. His contribution is structural, cultural, and long term: a firm made more visible, more modern,
Spotlight
Leading by listening
For Marisa Healy, COO, Wolfson leads with an uncommon clarity and integrity.
“He encourages collaboration and empowers people to take ownership and grow professionally. We’ve seen the impact of that time and time again.”
But numbers only tell part of the story. Wolfson is widely recognized as a listener, a collaborator, and a connector. He actively seeks out voices across all levels of the organization, with the belief that people deserve to feel heard regardless of title or tenure.
Blaney McMurtry is a full-service law firm based in Toronto, Ontario, providing strategic legal advice to businesses, financial institutions, insurers, entrepreneurs, and private clients across a full range of practice areas. Since its founding in 1954, the firm has built a reputation for delivering practical, client-focused solutions with a commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation. The firm is dedicated to building long-term client relationships while fostering a culture that values professionalism, community involvement, and forward-thinking legal service.
Company Profile
72
Years in operation
Top 10
Ontario Regional Law Firm recognition
2
student scholarships provided yearly
Bio
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Milestones
Media
Accolades
Company Profile
Ranking and recognition
• Chambers Canada Guide for Real Estate (Mainly Mid-Market, Ontario) • Best Lawyers in Canada for Real Estate Law • Named a Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer in 2025
Shawn Wolfson
Managing partner at Blaney McMurtry LLP
Since becoming managing partner in 2022, Shawn Wolfson has grown Blaney McMurtry’s revenue by 25 percent and its profile significantly, all while deepening the people-first culture that has defined the firm for decades
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“Shawn encourages collaboration and empowers people to take ownership and grow professionally. We’ve seen the impact of that time and time again”
Marisa Healy,
Blaney McMurtry LLP
“Shawn joined the firm with an excellent education foundation in law and quickly established himself as a thoughtful and well-respected leader who values collaboration and diverse perspectives”
Brett Tkatch,
Blaney McMurtry LLP
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Published July 6, 2026
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Specialty
Commercial real estate and leasing
Deal work
• Acted for lead developer on a 1,500-unit mixed-use, affordable residential complex in Toronto • Acted for lender on a $235 million CMHC-insured construction financing in Ottawa • Acted for syndicate of lenders on a $300 million industrial complex financing in Caledon
A new space for a new chapter
Since becoming managing partner, Wolfson has led one of the most meaningful strategic decisions in the firm’s modern era: relocating after more than 20 years in the same office. What could have been a routine real estate decision became, under his leadership, a cultural milestone.
“We’ve been here for two decades; it’s time for new energy and a new space,” he told internal stakeholders.
The new premises are a modern environment aligned with how legal professionals collaborate today, intentionally being designed for connection, well-being, and client experience. From Healy’s perspective, this is a stand-out example of how Wolfson at the helm has modernized operations and positioned the firm for long-term success.
“He’s forward-thinking, solutions-oriented, and consistently focused on building a firm where people feel supported, challenged, and motivated to do their best work,” she explains.
and more purposeful, without losing the values and relationships that built it. Healy echoes that sentiment, noting that Wolfson’s impact on the organization cannot be overstated.
“I believe the firm is stronger today because of his leadership,” she says. “Not only for those of us there today but for generations of lawyers and clients it will continue to serve in years ahead.”
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