As the holiday season approaches, we reflect on the important role that law firms of all sizes play in their communities. While the holidays often bring a focus on personal and family connections, they also serve as a reminder of the broader impact that our profession can have on society. Small law firms, with their strong ties to local communities, are uniquely positioned to make a difference through charitable giving, volunteer work, and support for causes that matter most.
In this article, we highlight the inspiring efforts of small law firms that are embracing the spirit of the season by dedicating time, resources, and expertise to community involvement. From sponsoring and serving meals to at risk communities, to supporting local events, to partnering with charities around Alberta, these firms are making a tangible difference. As we celebrate this season of giving, we hope to inspire other legal professionals to join in these efforts, demonstrating that even small contributions can have a powerful impact on those in need.
West End Legal Centre
West End Legal Centre is a boutique firm with a close-knit team of seven, led by principal M. Jenny McMordie, K.C. The team also includes associate lawyer Derek Hetherington and articling student Tobe Osuagwu, as well as a wonderful team of loyal and enthusiastic staff. While each member of the staff brings unique interests and perspectives, they are united by a shared commitment to giving back—both to the profession and to the community.
West End Legal Centre’s community involvement spans a diverse range of initiatives, including supporting political campaigns, sponsoring the annual Sunalta Community Association’s Movie in the Park, taking a leading role at Toastmasters, contributing to the Calgary Urban Project Society, and engaging with arts organizations such as the YYC Music Awards and JazzYYC. The firm is also proud a supporter of and volunteers for local sports teams, the Black Community in Airdrie, various cancer fundraisers, many newcomer initiatives via the Calgary Immigrant Support Society and the Centre for Newcomers, and faith-based programs. The team firmly believe that a strong community is built through the collective contributions of its members, and is deeply invested in being part of that effort.
Within the legal profession, the West End Legal Centre team is equally dedicated to service and mentorship. All lawyers and articling students are always members of the Canadian Bar Association, and the team has actively contributed to many CBA initiatives, including branch executive positions, section leadership, joining the Auto Insurance Regulations Working Group, and supporting the CBA entry in the annual Pride Day Parade, where staff can march in support of just pride. Staff members have also volunteered extensively for organizations including the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society, the Law Society of Alberta, and Calgary Youth Justice. There are fine lines between membership, participation, and volunteer work, all of which can lead to friendship and community. Mentorship is one of the firm’s core contributions, whether guiding or supporting colleagues at different career stages or helping internationally trained lawyers navigate the path to articling and practice. The West End Legal Centre team understands that a stronger legal profession comes from collaboration, mutual support, and the willingness to extend a helping hand or share a word of encouragement.
For a firm of its size, these contributions are significant, and the West End Legal Centre staff are proud to share their time, knowledge, and resources. West End Legal Centre celebrates the privilege and joy of legal practice by striving to make a positive impact—both within the profession and in the communities it serves.
James H. Brown Injury Lawyers
As the holiday season approaches, James H. Brown Injury Lawyers stands out as a beacon of community care and commitment. For over 31 years, this firm has built more than a reputation for legal excellence—they’ve become a pillar of support for individuals, families, and communities across Alberta. Their ethos, “Helping People, Changing Lives,” guides not only their legal practice but also their philanthropic endeavors.
The firm’s community impact spans a wide array of initiatives, from healthcare to sports and non-profits. Their long-standing partnerships with organizations like the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Royal Alex and Lois Hole Hospitals, and STARS Ambulance exemplify a deep dedication to ensuring families have access to critical care when they need it most. By sponsoring events such as the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital’s Courage Awards, the firm honors the resilience and contributions of patients, caregivers, and healthcare leaders. This work goes beyond financial contributions; it’s a commitment to being a steadfast ally to those navigating life’s toughest challenges.
Their community spirit shines particularly bright during the holidays with their annual Fill-The-Net initiative in partnership with 630 CHED Santa’s Anonymous. Over the years, the firm has donated more than $150,000, bringing Christmas cheer to 1,500 children and families who might otherwise go without during the festive season. This campaign is a powerful reflection of their belief that every child deserves joy and hope, especially at Christmas.
James H. Brown Injury Lawyers also plays a pivotal role in fostering community spirit through their support of local sports. By sponsoring teams and events, they bring people together, encourage youth development, and promote the values of teamwork and perseverance. This focus on sports extends the firm’s belief that building strong, connected communities starts with creating opportunities for people to come together.
Non-profit organizations also benefit greatly from James H. Brown’s support. Partnerships with the WIN House, Hope Mission, Little Warriors, Easter Seals, Kids Up Front, Brain Care Centre, Newcomers Centre and many others are more than symbolic gestures—they are vital lifelines. James H. Brown Injury Lawyers’ contributions provide essential funding that keeps these organizations operational, enabling them to save lives and support families in critical moments. By investing in grassroots initiatives that address mental health, education, and access to justice, the firm empowers these groups to create meaningful change. These contributions often go beyond just monetary donations; they provide strategic guidance and resources to help these organizations amplify their impact.
“Community support is deeply woven into our identity,” says Trent Brown, the firm’s leader and a celebrated member of the All-Time EE Football Team. “We see it as our responsibility to give back to the people and places that have supported us. It’s about more than charity—it’s about building a better future.”
This spirit of giving extends to the firm’s innovative approaches to storytelling, such as their reel For Love of the City. Highlighting their work with local hospital foundations, sports teams, and non-profits, the reel underscores the firm’s belief that cities thrive when their people thrive. It’s a powerful reminder that their work isn’t confined to the courtroom but reaches into the heart of the community.
James H. Brown Injury Lawyers exemplify how a law firm can be a transformative force for good. Their holistic approach to giving—combining financial support, active participation, and strategic collaboration—creates lasting change. By focusing on healthcare, community connection, and the empowerment of local organizations, they continue to inspire hope and opportunity. Through their actions, they remind us all that true success lies not in what you achieve for yourself, but in the lives you touch along the way.
Balbi & Company Legal Centre
Balbi & Company Legal Centre, a boutique family law firm in Calgary, has long been a dedicated to community service, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals in the city. Founded by Lonny Balbi, the firm has built a reputation not only for its legal expertise but also for its deep commitment to charitable service. This dedication is most prominently demonstrated through the firm’s longstanding support of with the Mustard Seed, a nonprofit organization providing support to Calgary's homeless population.
For years, Balbi & Company has made it a tradition to sponsor and serve meals to Calgarians in need every January. This initiative, which has become a hallmark of the firm’s community service efforts, is part of their broader commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Each year, up to 30 law students, lawyers, and even judges join Lonny Balbi in volunteering their time and energy to serve hot meals to hundreds of people at the Mustard Seed, ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness or hardship can experience warmth, dignity, and support during the harsh winter months.
This annual event is more than just a meal delivery; it represents a unified effort from the local legal community to engage directly with those in need. The tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the role lawyers can play in society beyond the courtroom or the board room. Through this partnership, Balbi & Company underscores its belief in the importance of giving back, fostering a culture of empathy and service that has inspired many in the legal profession to become more active in community outreach.
What makes this initiative even more impactful is the involvement of law students and judges alongside experienced lawyers, creating a multigenerational and collaborative environment focused on service. The tradition has grown over the years, with more participants from the legal community eager to contribute to the event each January.
The firm’s support of the Mustard Seed reflects a long-term, sustainable commitment to alleviating the challenges faced by Calgary's unhoused population. As a result, Balbi & Company Legal Centre stands as a shining example of how law firms, big or small, can make a lasting difference in their communities, not only through their professional work but also through the heartfelt service they provide to those in need.
From all of us at CBA Alberta, we celebrate each and every lawyer and firm who gives so generously of their time and expertise during the holiday season and beyond. We wish you a joyous holiday season, and a very happy New Year.
For readers who wish to submit an article, or highlight what their firm or organization is doing to give back to the community, please visit our committee page to contact the Co-Chairs of the Editorial Committee.