Madlyn is a recent graduate of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University, where she earned a Juris Doctor. Upon entering law school, Madlyn was awarded several major scholarships, including the J. Gerald Godsoe award from Dalhousie University and the McCall MacBain Scholars Atlantic Region Award. During her time at the Schulich School of Law, Madlyn was selected for a Student Placement at the Nova Scotia Supreme Court (Family Division) as well as a pro bono research project for Nova Scotia Legal Aid regarding child protection matters. She further developed her passion for family law as a Representative on the Dalhousie Family Law Society and continues to assist the Society in an advisory capacity today. Madlyn also remains involved in the Schulich School of Law community as part-time faculty, coaching the law school’s first ever team to participate in the Walsh Family Law Moot, which sees teams from Canadian law schools compete for a variety of prizes annually in Toronto.

Carter is happy to return to Sampson McPhee as an Associate Lawyer after working at the firm as a summer student since completing his second year of studies at the University of New Brunswick. Carter received his Juris Doctor from the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law in May of 2024 where he received the New Brunswick Law Foundation Scholarship during his studies.

During his time at the University of New Brunswick, Carter volunteered his time at the Fredericton Legal Advice Clinic assisting in providing legal advice and assistance to low-income earners living in New Brunswick.

Born and raised in Sydney, Carter is thrilled to be continuing his legal career at home on Cape Breton Island looks forward to offering legal services to clients in a variety of practice areas.

With over 12 years of specialized experience in immigration law and 14 years of legal practice, Jamie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will further enhance the firm’s ability to serve both individuals and businesses in Cape Breton and beyond.

Throughout her distinguished career, Jamie has earned a reputation for providing expert guidance to large transnational corporations across multiple industries, advising on complex workplace management and immigration-related matters. Her experience also extends to helping small businesses navigate immigration challenges, including facilitating the on-boarding of foreign nationals, conducting compliance audits, and assisting with succession planning in rural communities facing population decline.

On the individual side, Jamie has assisted countless people in their immigration journeys, from couples navigating the spousal sponsorship process to international students seeking permanent residency in Canada. Her diverse experience also includes guiding clients through various temporary and permanent residency applications.

Murray began his professional life in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Lieutenant. He attended Fleet School at CFB Esquimalt as a Maritime Surface Officer and served on Minesweepers and Destroyers. After obtaining a Law Degree, Murray worked as a Legal Advisor to the Judge Advocate General’s Office (JAG), obtaining the rank of Captain.

Over the course of his career, Murray has developed a strong property law practice serving both commercial and residential clients all over Cape Breton Island. He is also one of the most seasoned Estate practitioners on the island. A great asset to our team, Murray also mentors other lawyers regarding property issues and Estate Planning.

Murray was Director of the Nova Scotia Legal Aid Commission and was active in increasing access to justice. He also served as chairman of the Cape Breton and Victoria Counties Residential Tenancies Board where he worked to resolve landlord and tenant disputes.

Kelly is a highly talented lawyer who is respected by clients and colleagues for her legal skills, experience and practical approach to her work. Her talent and diverse range of legal knowledge has and will continue to contribute greatly to the firm’s success and growth.

A fearless advocate for her clients since joining Sampson McPhee as an associate in 2019, Kelly has grown her busy practice to be focused on estate planning, probate matters, administrative law and diverse and complex litigation matters. Kelly’s litigation work includes estates, commercial and residential real estate, family and Indigenous law matters. She has represented clients before all levels of Court in Nova Scotia.

Kelly is passionate about assisting clients through difficult times and advancing every effort to find the right solution for her clients.

Kelly is also a  Full Member of STEP and a registered Trust and Estate Practitioner.

Liam returned home and joined Sampson McPhee Lawyers in 2015, after articling with a large regional law firm in Halifax. He received his Juris Doctor from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie, where he attended on a $16000 annual Law Foundation of Nova Scotia scholarship. Liam’s practice consists primarily of civil litigation and personal injury. He also focuses his practice on corporate and commercial law, labour & employment and property law.

Liam has appeared before all levels of court in Nova Scotia and a diverse set of administrative bodies and tribunals. He has represented clients in negotiating with, and taking action against, insurance companies in order to recover damages under automobile insurance policies. He has represented individuals, businesses and insurance companies in property insurance, long-term disability and negligence claims, among other civil actions. Additionally, Liam has been involved in many commercial litigation proceedings, protecting and pursuing the interests of individuals and businesses.

Tyler joined Sampson McPhee in 2015 after articling with the firm and has developed his practice with a particular focus on the areas of corporate and commercial law and property law. He has advised and assisted clients with a variety of corporate and commercial law subjects such as choosing a business model, corporate restructuring, shareholder disputes, developing contracts, winding down a business and tax planning.

Tyler also has extensive experience dealing with both residential and commercial property transactions. Additionally, he practices in the areas of taxation, wills and estates and aboriginal law.

Born and raised in Whitney Pier, Tyler is looking forward to building his practice at home in Cape Breton in the years to come.

As a senior partner at Sampson McPhee, Elsbeth began her working life as a chartered accountant and business valuator; she draws on this experience in her work as a corporate and tax lawyer. In addition to this, she maintains a thriving estate planning practice.

Elsbeth remains active in the business community through her work, but she also volunteers on numerous professional society committees, presents courses to colleagues as part of their professional development, publishes articles, and presents conference papers on tax and corporate law, with a special focus on business law and small business taxation. Elsbeth’s reputation as a steadfast, principled advocate has earned her the respect of clients and peers alike.

Harvey has been a senior partner with Sampson McPhee for over 20 years. For over thirty years, Harvey has provided diligent representation to clients in injury cases, as well and residential and commercial proceedings, corporate and civil litigation, estates, wills and trusts. He has experience at both the Nova Scotia Supreme Court and the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal. Harvey attributes his designation as Queen’s Counsel to being a passionate advocate for his clients during difficult times in their lives. Steadfast, firm and a strong presence, Harvey is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for his clients.

Harvey shares his experience with the legal community through continuing legal education lectures on insurance and litigation, and gives his time to the wider community.

With over thirty-five years’ experience, Robert is a founding partner of Sampson McPhee. Robert operates a multi-faceted practice. His client work is broad-based, with a provincial, national and international scope. From fisherman, farmers, labour relations, small business owners to CEOs, his clients come to know and benefit from a passionate ally. Robert practices primarily in the areas of corporate and commercial law, estate planning, and real estate. Robert is particularly proud of the role he plays in facilitating opportunities in Cape Breton.

Giving back to the community is very important to Robert. In addition to his involvement in various local economic growth activities and boards, he serves as the Chairman of the Celtic Colours International Festival and presently sits on the board at Cape Breton University. Robert also volunteers his time providing advice to many community organizations.