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Blakely & Company What are some of the elements that make a “top” lawyer? Knowledge, commitment, attention to detail, leadership, extensive skill sets, and depth of experience. These are the words that spring to mind. But how about some other characteristics such as passion, commitment to community, tenacity, creativity and dedication. Blakely & Company has these and more. Blakely & Company is a leader in the community. Whether it’s through assisting local organizations with small or large legal issues, or serving as president of the Vernon Estate Planning Council, Don Blakely has
continually demonstrated passionate commitment to his community and his profession. Recently the Community Recognition Award of Excellence was bestowed on Don Blakely by his mayor and city council. The nomination by former mayor Gerry Oglow was heartfelt, and quite moving, touching on difficult times in the community. This recognition followed closely on the on the heels of an Award of Excellence for Exemplary Service from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat. These and many other accolades earned over the years are concrete proof of the characteristics that make a “top” lawyer. Don Blakely is as passionate about his clients as he is his community.
Don Blakely has been honoured for his 25-plus years of dedication to search and rescue with the Armstrong Community Recognition Award of Excellence and the National Search and Rescue Secretariat Award of Excellence for Exemplary Service.
Don is a solicitor. He laughingly says, “Most people don’t know what a solicitor is so I just tell them that I’m a “paper” lawyer. A long time ago I completely gave up court work to focus my skills, training and practice solely on the paper side of law. This means that I have more than the usual amount of experience in certain areas such as estate planning, corporate work, senior’s issues, etc.” This depth of focused knowledge and experience enables Don to produce finely tuned and well-crafted solutions for his clients. Don’s term as a founder and president of the Vernon Estate Planning Council has given him an opportunity to pass on his experience to other professionals in the North Okanagan. Don launched this season’s presentations with his own seminar on Discretionary Trusts for Disabled Persons. Don also participates with other professionals in providing free community seminars on estate planning and other legal topics. Don says, “I think that free presentations to the public have a double benefit. They provide an education and a better understanding of legal issues for the citizens of our community. They also provide a good base from which clients can make informed decisions when they consult me on more complex matters. Helping them out makes my job easier.” Don also mentors other lawyers— some of whom do not share his specialties or may be just starting out. “By lending them my assistance and experience I help improve the standard of practice Photo contributed
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may 2013 okanaganlife.com
13-05-14 10:01 PM
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