Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP

Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP Serving the legal needs and interests of clients living and working in the Niagara Region in Ontario

Our lawyers and staff deliver skill and experience to clients. Individuals, families, business owners, partnerships and professionals count on us as their trusted advisors. Our legal practice areas include:

Personal injury

Civil litigation (advocacy)

Corporate/commercial law

Family law

Wills, trusts, estate planning and administration

Real estate law

Land planning and development

On this Earth Day, we’re proud to share a few of the ways we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint at Martin ...
04/22/2026

On this Earth Day, we’re proud to share a few of the ways we’re working to reduce our environmental footprint at Martin Sheppard Fraser.

Our efforts start with our newly built office, which features automatic lighting with motion sensors and timed shut offs. We also operate as paperless as possible while still meeting all legal requirements, and support flexible work-from-home arrangements to help reduce daily commuting emissions.

We know there’s always more to do, but we believe consistent, thoughtful changes make a meaningful impact over time.

Let us know the small actions you take to help reduce your environmental footprint in the comments!

Meet Erica Blythe (Van de Laar) Born and raised in the Niagara Region, Erica brings deep local roots and a strong work e...
04/20/2026

Meet Erica Blythe (Van de Laar)

Born and raised in the Niagara Region, Erica brings deep local roots and a strong work ethic, shaped by her family’s multi-generational farm, Van de Laar Vineyards Inc.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Management (Honours) from Western University on a full tuition scholarship for academic excellence and leadership, before completing her Juris Doctor in 2019 at Western University.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 2020, Erica quickly established herself in practice before returning home to join Martin Sheppard Fraser. Erica is known for her client-focused approach, strong communication, and dedication to helping others - both in her practice and through her community speaking engagements on estate planning.

Outside the office, you’ll find her with her husband and two sons, staying active, reading, or helping out on the farm.

Click the link in our bio to learn more or book an appointment with Erica.

Meet Erica Blythe (Van de Laar) Born and raised in the Niagara Region, Erica brings deep local roots and a strong work e...
04/20/2026

Meet Erica Blythe (Van de Laar)

Born and raised in the Niagara Region, Erica brings deep local roots and a strong work ethic, shaped by her family’s multi-generational farm, Van de Laar Vineyards Inc.

She earned her Bachelor of Business Management (Honours) from Western University on a full tuition scholarship for academic excellence and leadership, before completing her Juris Doctor in 2019 at Western University.

Called to the Ontario Bar in 2020, Erica quickly established herself in practice before returning home to join Martin Sheppard Fraser. Erica is known for her client-focused approach, strong communication, and dedication to helping others - both in her practice and through her community speaking engagements on estate planning.

Outside the office, you’ll find her with her husband and two sons, staying active, reading, or helping out on the farm.

Click the link in our bio to learn more or book an appointment with Erica.


Thank you to the Niagara Falls Bar Association for hosting an engaging afternoon with the Honourable Doug Downey (Attorn...
03/12/2026

Thank you to the Niagara Falls Bar Association for hosting an engaging afternoon with the Honourable Doug Downey (Attorney General for Ontario).

We’re pleased to introduce Mikayla DePalo, Associate at Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP. ⚖️Mikayla joined the firm as a law s...
03/12/2026

We’re pleased to introduce Mikayla DePalo, Associate at Martin Sheppard Fraser LLP. ⚖️

Mikayla joined the firm as a law student in 2024, completed her articles in 2025, and was called to the Bar in 2026. Her practice focuses on civil litigation, including Small Claims Court, Estate Litigation and Landlord-Tenant matters.

Born and raised in the Niagara region, Mikayla earned her BA (Honours) from Brock University and her Juris Doctor from Griffith University in Australia.



Today, Erica Blythe spoke at Cavendish Manor in Niagara Falls as part of their Golden Age, Smart Choices series.Her pres...
03/11/2026

Today, Erica Blythe spoke at Cavendish Manor in Niagara Falls as part of their Golden Age, Smart Choices series.

Her presentation, Legal Considerations for Seniors, covered topics including estate planning basics, real estate considerations in later life, RRSP-related tax considerations, and Estate Administration Tax.

Thank you to Cavendish Manor for hosting and to everyone who attended.

If you are interested in discussing your estate planning, please feel free to contact Erica at [email protected].

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make our firm what it is.We are proud...
03/06/2026

In recognition of International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make our firm what it is.

We are proud to be led by our partners, Denise Elliott and Becky Peters, whose leadership, experience, and dedication continue to guide and strengthen our firm.

Alongside them are our associate lawyers, Erica Blythe and Mikayla DePalo, who represent the future of our team and the next generation of women in law.

We are also grateful for the outstanding women who make up our administrative staff, including our law clerks and accounting and reception team. Their hard work, professionalism, and support are essential to everything we do.

We celebrate the women who lead, support, and inspire our work every day.

👩🏼‍⚖️🤍




Denise Elliott brings extensive experience and a commitment to excellence in estate planning, trusts, and corporate law....
02/26/2026

Denise Elliott brings extensive experience and a commitment to excellence in estate planning, trusts, and corporate law. As a lifelong resident of Niagara, she is proud to serve the community she calls home.

If you require assistance with your estate or corporate planning needs, we invite you to contact our office or visit our website to arrange a consultation.




We’re pleased to share that Erica Blythe, will be speaking at Cavendish Manor as part of their Golden Age, Smart Choices...
02/19/2026

We’re pleased to share that Erica Blythe, will be speaking at Cavendish Manor as part of their Golden Age, Smart Choices series.

Erica will present Legal Considerations for Seniors, an informative session designed to help seniors and their families plan ahead with clarity and confidence.

Topics include:

• Estate planning basics
• Real estate considerations in later life
• RRSP-related tax considerations
• Estate Administration Tax
• Q&A period

We look forward to sharing practical guidance to help seniors and their families make informed decisions for the future.

Where: 5781 Dunn Street, Niagara Falls, ON
When: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, 2:00-3:00p

Love is built on trust and good planning.Whether you’re moving in together, getting engaged, or purchasing property, a c...
02/13/2026

Love is built on trust and good planning.

Whether you’re moving in together, getting engaged, or purchasing property, a cohabitation agreement or marriage contract can help create clarity and peace of mind for both partners.

→ Contact Erica Blythe to learn more.

Wishing you a happy Valentine’s Day from Martin Sheppard Fraser.

♥️




Address

B1/7085 Morrison Street
Niagara Falls, ON
L2E0A8

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+19053541611

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