Feature: Kendall Barban, lawyer

On the day I met with local lawyer Kendall Barban of O’Neill DeLorenzi Nanne Barristers & Solicitors, I was immediately struck by how personable and friendly she is, much like her law clerk, Sandy Holmberg, who had reached out to me regarding advertising here on Sault Business Matters. 

I admit that I really wasn’t sure how this interview was going to go as the subject matter is very  different from the features I have been doing to date. 

This worry soon went away when I started chatting with young Kendall and one of the thoughts that went through my mind was, if I needed a lawyer, she would be one that I would be comfortable speaking to.  

Barban obtained her law degree at the University of Windsor just a few short years ago and then spent some time traveling in India.  After a very rewarding and fulfilling time in India, she returned to Windsor and was called to the bar in June of 2019. 

What is worth noting is that Barban is an example of a growing trend happening in Sault Ste. Marie. She is a young person returning to build a career because of a genuine love and desire to be back here. 

She has traveled a lot but Sault Ste. Marie is where she wanted to be at heart and so in August of 2019, she moved back and joined the O’Neill DeLorenzi Nanne law firm.  The law firm prides itself in being a full service one that has been serving the community since 1969. 

Despite some changes in the firm makeup over the years, the one philosophy that remains the same is to work closely with clients to achieve the desired results in an expeditious and cost effective manner.  The firm has a long history of satisfied clients who have been served at fair and reasonable prices and clients are always represented in an honest and ethical way. 

The firm has really been a stepping stone for some amazing opportunities with five former partners having been elevated to various courts in the Province of Ontario.

Currently, there are three partners, Brian DeLorenzi, Michael Nanne and Michael O’Neill, and lawyers Richard DeLorenzi, Rob MacRae, Jesse Cond, and Kendall Barban making up the talented team at the firm with yet another young attorney scheduled to start in July — and she is yet another young Sault person continuing the trend of returning to the city after having lived elsewhere.

When  I asked Kendall what the biggest misconception is about lawyers, she quickly replied that everyone thinks all lawyers go to court, like what you see on television. This is not true at all, especially in her type of law practice which is mainly real estate, wills and estates and corporate law. 

For those like me, not familiar with corporate law and what it entails, she explained it can involve things like asset purchase agreements, copy righting of trademarks and basically everything that a company needs to do business. Barban tells Sault Business Matters that what she enjoys most about her practice is that she gets to meet and work with so many people because her practice involves a lot of client meetings. It is perfect because she is a people person. 

I also asked Barban what she thinks people should hire an attorney for and again, her response was quick — to get a will prepared.  People don’t want to think about it and may see it as morbid but if you are reading this and don’t have a will prepared, please do your family a favour and get one done.  

Barban commented that people think they don’t need one because they don’t have much, but there is nothing worse than family members having to sort things out and having estates in limbo because their loved ones didn’t have a will.  She also suggests that people might be reluctant to see a lawyer for their will preparation thinking it is expensive but she advises they are far more reasonably priced than you think. And at O’Neill Delorenzi Nanne, follow them on Facebook because they often run promos for such things as will and estate planning and it is the best way to keep up to date on these promos. 

It is no secret that the firm is going through a time of change right now with partner Heather Mendes having departed after being appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice in Greater Sudbury in May of 2019 and so there have been a few hirings, like Barban and as mentioned another new lawyer soon to join this July. 

Barban makes it clear that even though she and others recently added to the team are young and new to the profession, there still remains a culture of guidance and expertise sharing in the firm. Both long time partners and experienced attorneys Mike O’Neill and Richard DeLorenzi, who although they are not as actively taking on clients, still act as advisors and provide a lot of expertise. They are happy to guide the newer team members so the great reputation of the law firm will continue to be intact for years to come!

The entire team including the clerks and legal assistants are all very helpful, collaborative, and fun loving which has certainly helped to make them an attractive place to work.  The firm has a well-rounded team that is energetic and wants to continue the tradition of excellence that the firm has built itself on. 

The areas of law covered by the firm includes Insurance Defence, Civil Litigation, Family & Child Protection, Corporate & Commercial, Real Estate, Labour & Employment, Criminal and Quasi-Criminal, and Wills, Estate Planning & Succession. 

The firm also likes to support community and is actively involved with the Rotary Club, the Chamber of Commerce, and Strive Young Professionals Group. 

To schedule an appointment with Kendall or any of the lawyers at the firm, call 705-949-6901 or stop by in person at 116 Spring St. in the Sault’s downtown.

And don’t forget to follow their Facebook page for promotions or community events they are involved in and visit their website at www.saultlawyers.com for a full description of the services provided.