The Smith, Hardy & Miller law firm evolved into The Miller Law Group in 2003.  In addition to this transformation The Miller Law Group purchased the law practice of Andy Cochran in 2007. This Muskoka based law firm consists of three Huntsville based lawyers practicing in Business Law, Estate Administration, Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Executorship.

The Miller Law Group provides legal services to Parry Sound, Haliburton, GTA, Muskoka and surrounding area. The firm caters to business owners, full-time residents, cottagers, and vacationers. From handling a family's estate in Huntsville to assisting a business owner in Bracebridge, the lawyers at The Miller Law Group provide exceptional and personable client care. 

DEREK MILLER  B.A., LL.B. 

  • Honours B.A, Political Science and History, Graduated with High Distinction, University of Toronto, 1992

  • LL.B. Osgoode Hall Law School, 1996

Derek has been practicing law in this area since 1998 and in 2003 Derek established The Miller Law Group. 

Practice areas include business law, legal needs of business owners, estate planning, assisting clients with the succession of their business and their assets, estate administration, assisting families with legal matters after the passing of a loved one, expropriation law, aiding clients whose land and businesses are impacted by the construction of new roads and other types of infrastructure construction. 

In addition to his law practice Derek owns several other businesses in and around Muskoka. His first hand experience as a business owner provides him with the ability to appreciate and understand his business clients. It's this unique combination of law and entrepreneurship that brings Derek great perspective to his client's legal needs.

“Practicing law in Muskoka provides me with the chance to work with wonderful people, serving great clients in one of the most beautiful places in Ontario. My wife and I are fortunate to be able to raise our four active Muskoka kids in such a beautiful place, and all the while I am helping others achieve their goals.”


REBEKAH C. DUNSMORE  B.A. (Hons.), J.D., TEP., CFP.

  • Honours B.A. Political Science, Graduated with Distinction, University of Guelph, 2007

  • J.D. (Juris Doctor), Graduated with Honours, University of Toronto, 2010

  • Called to the Bar, June 2011

  • Articled with Department of Justice, Toronto, in tax law and litigation, federal prosecutions with the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and immigration security law

  • MBA Essentials Certificate, London School of Economics, 2020

  • Trusts and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Rebekah has been with The Miller Law Group since shortly after her call to the Bar. Since then her areas of practice have grown to include estate planning and administration, corporate, commercial and business law. She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners (Canada) and is a registered Trusts and Estates Practitioner (TEP). Rebekah also holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM) degree with specializations in Financial Law and Taxation.

Rebekah admires her workplace and its ability to handle complex corporate transactions, and the practice of law at a level that she has not witnessed anywhere else in Muskoka. It’s this intellectually challenging atmosphere, combined with an exceptionally supportive staff that provides Rebekah’s clients an ideal environment for customer satisfaction.

         “My work is most satisfying when I help clients obtain peace of mind. Whether it's by organizing their estate plans, assisting with a business expansion, or helping to start a new venture, I can help set them out on the right path. I enjoy helping my clients organize, understand, and make sense of the important matters that affect their livelihoods. My strengths include quick thinking, developing innovative and creative solutions, and negotiating optimal results. When clients leave our office, I want them to feel relief and security that their affairs are in good order, and in good hands. My ideal day ends when I can wish a client “congratulations.”

Rebekah enjoys spending time with her young family in Lake of Bays, and enjoys travel, great food, yoga, and music. She also sits on the Faculty Council of Osgoode Hall Law School, the Planned Giving Committee of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, and the Board of Directors of Muskoka Community Futures Development Corporation.


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ALEX J. NICHOLS B.A. (Hons), J.D.

  • Honours B.A., Geography and Legal Studies Option, Graduated with Distinction, Sir Wilfrid Laurier University, 2014

  • J.D. (Juris Doctor), Lakehead University, Bora Laskin Faculty of Law, 2018

  • Called to the Bar, September 2018

Alex is a recent addition to the Miller Law Group after returning home to Huntsville. Before joining the Miller Law Group Alex gained valuable experience assisting clients with all aspects of their residential real estate transactions. He seeks to continue in the area of real estate law while developing his expertise in estate planning, corporate law, commercial and business law.

“I admire the Miller Law Group’s ability to operate efficiently and with a high degree of professionalism, while at the same time maintaining a supportive and welcoming environment for staff and clients alike. I look forward to continuing to assist our clients and growing my career with the Miller Law Group team.”

When Alex is not working, he can be found at the hockey arena, on the volleyball court or taking advantage of the many outdoor recreation activities offered in beautiful Muskoka.

Laurie Cumming-Fehr | Muskoka Lawyers | Miller Law Group

LAURIE CUMMING-FEHR   Law Clerk

A Law Clerk graduate from Humber College, Laurie has brought thirty-two years of experience with her to the Miller Law Group. She's a veteran when it comes to  attention to detail and excellent organization. Staff and clients appreciate her tremendous skill set.

  'Creating a relationship with the client, helping them through their situations, and receiving feedback are the most important aspects of my job.'

Her Muskoka work - life balance consists of being involved in the Huntsville community and soaking up outdoor Muskoka adventure.

 
Valerie Tanner
 
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VALERIE TANNER  Law Clerk

Valerie Tanner has had a career in the field of Law for 31 years. She has worked along side Derek Miller since 1999 and within The Miller Law Group since 2003 as a Law clerk. Valerie embraces the uniqueness of each individual client and strives to give personalized attention.

 ‘My co-workers have a great sense of humour and outlook on life. I stand in awe of the expertise we each bring to the table. Couple this with a great leader and we are able to offer top notch services to our clients.’

Valerie enjoys the wonderful scenery each season brings as she travels from her home in the Almaguin Highlands.



SUE LALONDE
Office Administrator

Sue's multi-faceted background in the world of business has given her an incredible foundation in business operations and office management. Having owned and operated a variety of businesses throughout Muskoka Sue has a deep understanding of customer care and relations. 

'I thoroughly enjoy making a client's experience super efficient, very thorough, and most of all - enjoyable! When clients reach out to us or walk through our door it's an opportunity for us to shine.'

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BECKI CARLETON
Law Clerk

Becki is a graduate of the Legal Assistant Program at Canadore College.  She has decades of experience in the field of law and has spent the majority of her career here in Muskoka and the Almaguin area. Becki has garnered ample experience in a breadth of legal areas and is continuing to build on her expertise in estate planning, business law and executorship.

“I enjoy the pace of work here at The Miller Law Group. The team is always warm and welcoming and that translates into how we approach serving our clients.”

 

JANICE FRENSSEN Law Clerk

Janice graduated from Canadore College in 1982 and moved to Bracebridge in 1987, where she still resides today.

She joined Miller Law Group in October 2021, specializing in estates and estate planning.

“I have a great relationship with lawyers and clerks – I am really fortunate to be working with these wonderful people.'“