Our History

The roots of North & Company LLP Law Offices trace back to the 1920s, when Gilbert Paterson began his distinguished legal career in Lethbridge after returning from service in the First World War. Practicing primarily through the respected firm of Rice and Paterson, he became a prominent and trusted figure in the city’s legal community. His enduring influence on the region’s civic and legal life is reflected in the Paterson Building at Lethbridge Polytechnic and the Gilbert Paterson Elementary and Middle Schools, all named in his honour.

 

His legacy continued when his son, James D. Paterson, joined Rice and Paterson in 1951, serving the Lethbridge legal community for more than four decades. In 1973, Philip R.M. North joined James Paterson, ushering in a period of significant growth. During this era, the partnership expanded to include Wayne C. Petersen (1978), Douglas R. Lint (1979), Sandy G. McKay (1982), and Barrie G. Boughton (1984).

 

Today, North & Company is a full‑service law firm with its main office in Lethbridge and 12 branch locations across Southern Alberta, continuing the tradition of quality legal service and community commitment exemplified by Gilbert and James Paterson and Phil North.