History
MLT Aikins has a long, rich history in Western Canada. Founded in 1879 by Sir James Aikins, a key figure in establishing the Canadian Bar Association and former Lieutenant-Governor of Manitoba, MLT Aikins has grown into one of Canada’s largest law firms.
Formed in 2017 from the merger of Aikins, MacAulay & Thorvaldson and MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman, MLT Aikins now employs more than 300 lawyers and nearly 500 additional team members across six offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina and Winnipeg. MLT Aikins lawyers continue to be recognized for legal excellence by publications such as Lexpert, Chambers Global, Martindale-Hubbell, Best Lawyers and Benchmark Canada.
MLT Aikins timeline
Notable alumni
- Sir James Albert Manning Aikins, K.C. – founder of the Winnipeg firm in 1879; first president of the Canadian Bar Association (1914-1927) and later named honorary life president; Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba (1916-1926)
- Murdoch A. MacPherson, Q.C. – founder of the Regina firm in 1920; Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan (1924-1934) ; Attorney-General of Saskatchewan (1927-1932)
- Hugh Robson – founder of University of Manitoba Law School; Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (1927-1930); Chief Justice of Manitoba
- Gunnar Solmunder Thorvaldson, Q.C. – Senator, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (1941-1949)
- Brian Dickson – Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
- Marshall Rothstein – Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
- A. Lorne Campbell, Q.C., President of the Canadian Bar Association and member of the Wilson Committee
- Donald K. MacPherson – Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench of Saskatchewan
- John Klebuc – Chief Justice of Saskatchewan
- Robert Richards – Chief Justice of Saskatchewan
- Robert Leurer, Q.C. – Chief Justice of Saskatchewan
Truth & reconciliation
MLT Aikins supports the work of reconciliation though meaningful action and education.
Diversity, equity & inclusion
We cultivate an environment that respects differences and encourages sharing diverse perspectives.