Seabourne's Experience
Although born and raised in Alberta, Seabourne has a strong connection with Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes. She was baptized in Peterborough and spent many a summer visiting her grandparents on Rogers Street, and the family cottage on Lake Catchacoma.
Her interest in the law began as a child listening to the family stories of her great grandfather Edward Armour Peck, a founding partner of the Peterborough law firm that became HOWELL FLEMING.
Seabourne studied law in Cardiff, Wales and at the University of Ottawa Law School. She was called to the Ontario Bar in 1997, realizing her dream of following in her great grandfather’s footsteps. She took a sabbatical from the daily practice of law to raise her 2 children, while continuing to hone her legal skills through research, and part time law placements.
What do you enjoy about your job?
Everything. It is truly a pleasure and privilege to be able to assist clients as they come to me with their legal issues. I respect so much that these legal issues are also personal issues and makes them who they are people.
At the end of the day, it is the uniqueness and individuality of each client and the issues they bring to me, small or big, and the recognition that to my client, their issue is all that matters in the moment, and they have asked me for advice or guidance to resolve that issue. It is seeing my client smile or simply relieved when the file is closed, knowing that they feel better, that they have an answer.
Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- Peterborough Law Association
- STEP - Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
- Peterborough Estates Planning Council
- Canadian Bar Association
- Ontario Bar Association
- Peterborough Women’s Business Network
- Peterborough Regional Hospital Centre Foundation: Board Member
What is your goal when a client comes to see you?
When I meet with my clients, my goal is to understand their wants, goals and objectives. My goal is to get to know my clients and for them to get to know me. This begins at the initial meeting through discussion when I not only hear what my clients tell me, but I listen to what they are actually saying, that is, to the story behind the words. The foundation is established for our relationship as we go forward, and I am able to guide and advise my clients according to their particular needs.
What is something interesting about you that you'd like your clients to know?
Seabourne and her family settled in Peterborough in 2005. In 2012 she joined Doug Walker and brought her love and knowledge of estate planning and estate administration to a thriving real estate and commercial practice. Seabourne quickly embraced real estate law and developed a reputation as a lawyer who is willing to go "the extra mile" for her clients while providing hands on, personalized care.
While also practicing real estate law, estate planning and administration remain Seabourne's passion. In 2018 she was awarded a STEP diploma certifying her as a Registered Trusts and Estates Practitioner. Seabourne has become the lawyer people go to in Peterborough for their complex estate planning and for planning which requires personalized attention to detail. Her approach is both calm and pleasant. Seabourne believes that her clients should be part of the planning process and she involves them in the planning through ongoing conversation.
As a mother of two adult children, Seabourne has been involved in many aspects of the local community, from hockey to speed skating to Arrowsmith School. Seabourne is also actively involved as a Board member at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation where she believes it is important to give back to a hospital that gives so much to this community.
Fun Fact
- Seabourne was a Junior Forest Ranger Supervisor in Alberta for five seasons while she was attending university. These summers remain fond memories.
- Seabourne was also a Pampered Chef Consultant. She LOVES cooking and baking!
- You may see Seabourne out and about walking with her husband and two collies.
Professional Stats:
- 1985: University of Alberta, Bachelor of Arts
- 1988: University of Wales, LLB
- 1995: University of Ottawa, LLB
- 1996: Articled with respected Ottawa firm
- 1997: Call to the Law Society of Upper Canada
- 2002: Call to the BC Bar
- 2003-2005: Contract Lawyer with well respected Immigration Firm in Toronto
- 2006-2012: Contract work
- 2012-2021: Lawyer, Douglas F. Walker Professional Corporation
- 2021: Lawyer, Sullivan Law