Our Team & History
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I can help...
Handling all aspects of your business, from set up to sale either locally or internationally
Negotiating complex agreements including shareholder agreements.
Assisting in all aspects of commercial real estate transactions.
Expanding your business.
You might be interested to know...
I was born in Hungary
I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University
I hold a Bachelor of Laws degree from McGill University
I am recognized as one of the experts in construction lien law in Southwestern Ontario
I am an avid golfer and member of the London Hunt & Country Club as well as the Innisbrook Golf Resort in Florida
I help my community by...
Formerly acting as Director of Family Services London
Formerly serving on the Board of the London Boys and Girls Club
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
London Chamber of Commerce
London Hunt & Country Club
I can help...
Corporate and commercial law, including incorporations, shareholder agreements, share and asset transactions, corporate restructuring, negotiating leases and other commercial contracts.
You might be interested to know...
I was born and raised in London, Ontario.
I graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Double Major in Medical Cell Biology and Psychology. During my time at Western I played on the Varsity Water Polo team. After graduating, I returned to coach the Water Polo team to its first medal winning season in 10 years.
I obtained my Juris Doctor from the joint Canadian and American program from the University of Windsor and University of Detroit Mercy.
I help my community by...
Volunteering and fundraising for various local and international charities.
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
I can help...
Commercial and Civil Litigation and Personal Injury
Arbitration and Mediation
You might be interested to know...
I was born and raised in Goderich, Ontario
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and History
I earned a Master of Arts degree in History from the University of Western Ontario in 1984
I earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1988
I earned a Master of Laws degree in 2009
I help my community by...
Acting as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Western Ontario
Coaching with Basketball Ontario, developing future basketball stars and young people
Sponsoring the Sunshine Foundation of Canada’s annual charity golf tournament
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
Basketball Ontario
London Hunt & Country Club
I can help...
Commercial, Estates and Civil Litigation
Power of Sales
Corporate, Commercial and Civil Litigation Cross-Border matters between Ontario and Michigan
You might be interested to know...
I was born and raised in the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes area.
I graduated from Carleton University with an Honours Degree in Political Science, and a focus in International Relations. While attending Carleton University I worked in the athletics department as a fitness supervisor. This led to later becoming a certified trainer.
I graduated from the University of Windsor and the University of Detroit Mercy with my Juris Doctor as part of their joint, Canadian and American law program.
I am licensed to practice law in the Province of Ontario and the State of Michigan.
I help my community by...
Serving on the Executive of the Thames Valley Toastmasters Club
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
State Bar of Michigan
I can help...
Corporate and commercial law, including registration of business names, limited partnerships, incorporations and reorganizations, shareholder agreements, share and asset transactions, and commercial leases.
Residential and commercial real estate law, guiding you through purchase and sale agreements, assisting with financial details, and helping you organize any required security documents.
You might be interested to know...
I was born and raised in London, Ontario where I currently reside with my wife Jann and our three children.
I originally attended the University of Waterloo where I spent two years playing Varsity hockey for the Waterloo Warriors.
I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography with a specialty in Environment and Resource Management from the University of Western Ontario in 2001.
I earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in 2004.
I help my community by...
Serving on the Board of Directors for the London Regional Children’s Museum.
Coaching with the Oakridge Optimist Soccer Club.
Serving as a member of the Legal Advisory Service offering legal consultations at the London Small Business Centre.
Associations
Middlesex Law Association
London Chamber of Commerce
Sunningdale Golf & Country Club
At the end of the day, that’s what you need your lawyer to be – a problem solver. Our aim is to provide professional legal services and practical advice in a manner that is cost effective and develops our clients’ trust and confidence. We are service oriented with an emphasis on being problem solvers, for the issues facing you, your family, or your business.
Our History
The firm’s origin dates back to the 1940s when Martin Bitz commenced his legal career in London, with an exclusive focus on litigation that led to precedent-setting decisions at all court levels, including the Supreme Court of Canada. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to expand into manufacturing and farming and combined with his legal business, the firm thrived into the 1970s. Andrew Szemenyei joined Martin Bitz in the 1980s, followed by Douglas Ferguson, and David MacKenzie. The firm operated as Bitz Szemenyei Ferguson & MacKenzie through the 1990s. The firm officially became Szemenyei MacKenzie Group in early 2013. The firm’s consistent growth led to the acquisition and renovation of one of London’s most-distinguished downtown locations, which continues to be our home.
We are pleased to share our home with Dixon Winder, former partner of MacKewn Winder LLP, which incorporates the former London practices of E.M. Winder Q.C. and J.G. McNeil (Winder and McNeil) and the Tenant and Bartram practices acquired by E.M. Winder Q.C. in 1930 on Tenant’s appointment as Local Registrar at London, both dating from London’s early pioneer days. The MacKewn Winder firm has over 100 years of history and a trusted reputation in London and Southwestern Ontario. We are privileged to have Dixon Winder share his depth of experience and vast knowledge with us by acting as counsel to the firm.
Our Founder
Born in Saskatchewan, Martin Bitz attended the University of Saskatchewan before coming to Ontario. He received his M.A. from the University of Toronto and his law degree from Osgoode Hall. He was called to the bar in 1950. Martin retired from the practice of law in 1996. Martin passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 3, 2000, and is survived by his wife Elaine, daughter Ruth and two sons, Tom and Joe.
Martin chose to practice law in London where he became one of the most-respected members of our legal community. Described as a talented litigator, Martin Bitz passionately believed that everyone was entitled to justice, earning him the respect of his peers and the love and appreciation of his clients. As a colleague and friend he was fiercely loyal. In his life’s work, Martin Bitz was the embodiment of honesty and integrity and he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and professionalism of the highest order. Although he may be gone, his contributions and his friendship will not soon be forgotten.
Our Firm
We strive to offer comprehensive legal services in all areas of the law. Our office is located in downtown London, Ontario and we serve clients throughout Ontario and Canada. We work to develop lasting relationships by operating in a friendly and team-oriented manner. We are recognized in the community for our high ethical standards and client satisfaction. We treat each client with respect, ensuring the highest level of customer satisfaction. We offer our clients good judgment and exceptional legal expertise to solve their problems of today and plan for tomorrow.
