About Us

Learn about the legacy and expertise that define Watson & Company. Our commitment to excellence and personalized legal service has made us a trusted partner in the Kootenays for over 20 years.

Serving the kootenays since 2001

Watson & Company is the law firm with the greatest years of combined experience in the region. By working collaboratively, our lawyers leverage their extensive experience to provide the highest quality legal services. This team-based approach ensures that our clients benefit from the collective expertise and insights of our entire legal team.

Our Firm

Watson & Company is the law firm with the greatest years of combined experience in the region. By working collaboratively, our lawyers leverage their extensive experience to provide the highest quality legal services. This team-based approach ensures that our clients benefit from the collective expertise and insights of our entire legal team.

Over Years of combined experience

Our History: Watson & Company was founded by Ken Watson in 2008. Ken’s vision was to create a law firm that offered personalized, high-quality legal services to the residents and businesses of Nelson, British Columbia, and beyond. In recent years, the firm has been handed over to Matt Scheffelmaier, who continues to uphold the values and standards set by Ken. Despite this transition, Ken remains an active and integral part of our team, bringing his decades of experience to our clients.

Our Team: Watson & Company is made up of four experienced lawyers, each with diverse areas of practice. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every case, ensuring our clients receive the best possible legal representation. Our lawyers work collaboratively to leverage their combined years of experience. This team-based approach allows us to provide comprehensive and effective legal solutions, drawing on the collective wisdom and skills of our entire team.

Our Location and Service Areas: Based in Nelson with a second office in Trail, Watson & Company proudly represents clients throughout the Kootenays. Our service areas include Trail, Castlegar, Nelson, Creston, and Cranbrook. We are dedicated to providing top-tier legal services to the communities we serve.

Core Functions of Our Legal Practice: Our approach to legal services is guided by seven core functions:

  1. Educate: We enlighten clients about their legal position.
  2. Analyze: We assess the situation with respect to the law.
  3. Advise: We provide recommendations based on our analysis.
  4. Negotiate: We negotiate on behalf of our clients.
  5. Advocate: We advocate for our clients’ rights and interests.
  6. Minimize Risk, Stress, and Cost: We aim to reduce the risks, stress, and costs associated with legal issues.
  7. Litigate: We represent clients in court when necessary.

Commitment to Our Clients: At Watson & Company, our mission is to provide comprehensive and personalized legal solutions. Whether you are dealing with business law, wills and estates, civil and commercial litigation, criminal law and private prosecutions, real estate, or family law, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Welcome from Our Owner

Welcome to Watson & Company. As the current owner, I am proud to continue the legacy of excellence established by Ken Watson since our founding in 2008. Our firm is deeply rooted in the Kootenays of British Columbia, with offices in Nelson and Trail, serving communities across Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Creston, Cranbrook, and beyond.

At Watson & Company, we understand that navigating legal issues can be challenging and stressful. That’s why our team of experienced and dedicated lawyers is here to provide you with the support and expertise you need. Each member of our team brings a wealth of knowledge in their respective areas of practice, working collaboratively to ensure you receive the highest quality legal services. Our collective experience and teamwork enable us to offer comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Our commitment to the communities we serve in the Kootenays is unwavering. We take pride in being a trusted legal resource for individuals, families, and businesses in Nelson, Trail, and the surrounding areas. Our approach is client-centered; we listen, analyze, and provide sound advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether you need assistance with business law, estate planning, civil litigation, criminal defence, real estate transactions, or family law matters, we are here to guide you through every step of the legal process.

Building trust and delivering exceptional legal representation are at the heart of what we do. We are honoured to have earned the trust of our clients over the years, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Kootenays with integrity and dedication.

Thank you for considering Watson & Company for your legal needs. We invite you to reach out to us for a consultation and experience firsthand the difference that our experienced legal team can make.

Sincerely,

Matt Scheffelmaier
Owner
Watson & Company

Our Offices: Serving the West Kootenays

Nelson Office

Our main office is located in the heart of Nelson, BC, a vibrant community known for its rich culture and beautiful scenery. From this central location, we provide comprehensive legal services to individuals, families, and businesses throughout the West Kootenays. Our Nelson office is equipped to handle a wide range of legal matters, ensuring that our clients receive the highest quality of service and support.

 

Trail Office

To better serve our clients in the southern part of the region, we have a second office in Trail, BC. This office allows us to extend our reach and provide more accessible legal assistance to the residents and businesses of Trail and the surrounding areas. Whether you need help with real estate transactions, corporate law, family law, or estate planning, our Trail office is here to meet your needs.

 

Unparalleled Experience in the Kootenays

 

At Watson & Company, we bring decades of legal expertise to the West Kootenays. With seasoned lawyers like Ken Watson, who has been practicing law since 1969, and a team of dedicated professionals including Matthew Scheffelmaier, Alan Perello, Peter Beug, and Doug Wilson, our firm offers a wealth of knowledge and experience. We have successfully handled a wide range of cases in business law, real estate, family law, criminal law, and estate planning. Our extensive experience in the Kootenays ensures that we understand the unique legal landscape and can provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Comprehensive Legal Services for the West Kootenays

 

Our firm provides a full spectrum of legal services from our offices in Nelson and Trail, ensuring that we are accessible to clients throughout the West Kootenays. Whether you need assistance with complex civil litigation, business transactions, real estate deals, or family law matters, we have the expertise to help. Our commitment to serving the community is reflected in our involvement in local organizations and our dedication to providing personalized, effective legal solutions. We strive to be your trusted legal partner, offering support and representation across a wide array of practice areas.

 

Client-Centered Approach and Community Involvement

 

Watson & Company is deeply rooted in the Kootenay community. Our lawyers not only work here but live here, participating actively in community organizations and events. We understand the importance of a client-centered approach, which means we listen to your needs, communicate clearly, and provide honest, transparent advice. Our lawyers, like Alan Perello and Peter Beug, are involved in local boards and volunteer efforts, showcasing our commitment to making a positive impact in the region. By choosing Watson & Company, you are partnering with a firm that values integrity, clear communication, and community engagement.

 

Firm-Wide Philosophies

1

Commitment to Integrity and Transparency

At Watson & Company, we believe that honesty and transparency are the foundations of a strong client-attorney relationship. Our lawyers provide straightforward, transparent advice, ensuring that clients fully understand their legal situations and trust the guidance they receive. We prioritize ethical practices and integrity in all our interactions.

 

2

Dedication to Personalized Client Service

We adopt a client-centered approach to legal practice, recognizing that each client’s situation is unique. Our team listens carefully to clients’ needs, communicates clearly, and works diligently to provide personalized solutions. We strive to make our clients feel supported and informed throughout their legal journey, ensuring that their best interests are always at the forefront.

3

Active Community Engagement and Support

Our firm is deeply committed to the communities we serve. Our lawyers are actively involved in local organizations and volunteer efforts, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact in the Kootenays. We believe in giving back to the community and supporting local initiatives, which enhances our connection with clients and helps us understand the unique needs of the region.

Let’s Work Together