Judge’s Comments

Mr. Philbert impressed me as knowledgeable counsel…
Robertson D.J. (Young v. Fogarty, Court File No. SC-12-00254-00, Small Claims Court, Owen Sound)

Both parties’ factums were clear, concise and extremely helpful to me and I am grateful to counsel for their hard work.
Lemon J. (Mudronja v. Mudronja, 2008 CarswellOnt 8080; [2009] W.D.F.L. 712; [2009] W.D.F.L. 728; [2009] W.D.F.L. 762; [2009] W.D.F.L. 799; [2009] W.D.F.L. 803; 173 A.C.W.S. (3d) 871)

Given the detail of the materials filed on the motion and the relative equivalence of the time incurred by both sides, I conclude that the hours claimed by the respondent are reasonable. Mr. Philbert is a 2002 call. The Bill of Costs seeks $225.00/hour for Mr. Philbert; his full indemnity rate is $350.00. I consider the partial indemnity rate sought for Mr. Philbert to be reasonable, and I see no problem with the $80.00/hour sought for the law clerks.
D.M. Brown J. (Urbisci v. Urbisci, 2011 ONSC 3 (CanLII))

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not observe (as I did during trial) that both counsel conducted this case in an efficient, effective and cooperative way that made the difficult task of making a decision in this case easier. I thank them for that.
Le May J. (De Matos v. De Matos, 2016 ONSC 5138)

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not observe again that Mr. Philbert and Ms. Bateman handled a very difficult and contentious case in an efficient, effective and cooperative way. I appreciate their assistance.
Le May J. (De Matos v. De Matos, 2017 ONSC 2045)

Family Law Testimonials

Shawn is an impeccable lawyer who knows the law and doesn’t engage in bs. He is the litigator you want advocating for your family and he truly does so like it’s his own child he is protecting. His attention to detail and his commitment to his cases is evident in his prompt communication no matter your concern…during devastating times and high levels of turmoil. His level of preparedness and delivery of motion material blows away other lawyers, leaving them mumbling, fumbling, trembling, and repeating themselves.

In fact, an unethical and unprepared lawyer up against Shawn, was/is swiftly suffering a hit to their 28 year reputation in attempting to provide their client with messy, salacious, unsubstantiated, repetitive material loaded with hearsay that a judge immediately deemed unadmissable. You will NOT have that problem with Shawn. He dots his i’s and crosses his t’s and is sure that your material is well done for a judge and isn’t frivolous nonsense.

Trust Shawn to swiftly move any matter forward in as timely a fashion as possible so that you can maintain your wellness and prioritize your children. If you are dealing with a high conflict case and an unreasonable party on the other side, you will have ease with Shawn as your counsel. Judges trust and rely on his case law compilations in their own endorsements and it was very evident that he is a highly respected litigator with judges. In my case, a top judge trusted his application of case law and his analysis of the case itself to come to Shawn’s exact determination of what the law insist he rule and he did.

Similarly, you won’t ever have to ask Shawn to do anything…he just DOES it. His team has a wonderful system of including you in every piece of communication; which is a huge relief to the nervous system. Once you give him the background and the facts and evidence, he preps docs without insisting that you do all the work and even in advance of receiving the other party’s material. Getting to see his game plan in advance of every step is how I kept my sanity during such a stressful and devastating time. Shawn serves justice and he truly IS the lawyer that wants what is RIGHT, what is TRUE, and what is BEST for his clients and mostly for the children behind the paperwork (that sadly suffer when high conflict litigants misuse the system). If u have an urgent matter, this is who u want on your side to get through it. Shawn also fights for costs….doesn’t have to be told how or when or how much and he WINS. I won’t ever use another lawyer now that I have truly found the best.

(C.M.) October 2025 – Google Review 5 stars

 

I can’t thank SMP Law enough for the way they handled my case. Their hard work and dedication helped me win everything I was fighting for, plus I was awarded $85,000 in legal fees. I was fighting for my life savings and without this outcome, the loss would have been financially crippling.  I don’t know how I would have been able to move forward. Legal battles are not only financially draining but also mentally exhausting. I honestly don’t think I could have asked for a better team to represent me. Shawn and his team were professional, supportive, and guided me every step of the way, and I’m truly grateful for their dedication. This is beyond a five-star review, it’s a 10/10. Highly recommended!

(S.P.) September 2025 – Google Review 5 stars

I engaged Shawn Philbert for a family law matter and what stood out to me the most was how he balances professionalism with genuine empathy. He took the time to really listen and understand my case, and I never felt like I was just another case file. It felt like I was dealing with a human being, not just the cold, calculated approach you get from most lawyers.

Shawn consistently went above and beyond. He made time to respond to my questions and emails, even on weekends, and ensuring that every detail was handled with care. His commitment and dedication truly set him apart.

His team is also exceptional. You can expect the same level of professionalism, responsiveness, and care when working with his office. The support I received from his staff reflected the same values Sean embodies. They are thorough, approachable, and genuinely invested in helping their clients.

If you’re looking for a lawyer who not only delivers excellent results but also makes you feel heard and supported throughout the process, I cannot recommend Sean and his team enough.

(A.) August 2025 – Google Review 5 stars

I engaged Shawn Philbert to work on a Family Law matter. I found both him and the SMP Law Team to be thorough, sensitive, resourceful and strategic in their work. They are courteous, professional and conscientious in addressing sensitive information. The disclosure of sensitive information is unavoidable in Family Law. Consequently, it is not only important, but essential to have a team who understands and demonstrates professional ethics in this area.
I would recommend Shawn Philbert and the SMP team as I do believe they will work in the interest of their clients.

(C.F.) – August 2025 – Google Review 5 stars

Parental Alienation Testimonials

I met with Shawn and his team and hired him as my lawyer to deal with my separation issues. I will say one thing about Shawn, if you are looking to chat about you feelings, he is not your guy. Shawn always focused on the issue(s). Shawn was very knowledgeable and professional and always gave me options as he guided me through the legal system. His staff were very easy to work with and ensured we met all of the legal timelines for all of the filings.

My case was a very challenging one which involved several court appearances dealing with the matters at hand. All of the key motions we had in court were won by Shawn with costs and he negotiated a great deal for me to resolve the issues. He also dealt with FRO who were pursing me for $116k using an old order that my Ex filed. He also resolved the issue of unjust S.7 Expenses that my Ex was trying to get from me. Finally, as a self employed person, he was able to get my income set as to the amount I actually earned as opposed to six figure imputed income my Ex was trying to get from me for child support. He also dealt with parental alienation issues for me by getting a clause for reintegration therapy in my settlement.

I am very pleased to recommend Shawn and his team as he resolved my issues and this in turn has allowed to go on with life!

(W.S.) – March 2024 – Google Review 5 stars

This feedback is void of the outcome of my case, but I had to give a pre-testimony in regards to the great experience and work produced by SMP LAW Team.

They keep you up to date and engaged in every step of the process of your file by always keeping you in the loop with key information or updates.
Their dedication, empathy and compassion guiding you through this journey puts you at ease as their goal is to seek the best outcome within their power. Not only do they represent you but they keep your level headed to not make irrational decisions with sound advice.
In my particular case I was falsely accused and arrested without investigation, the only person I could think of calling was Shawn. Even though Shawn is not a criminal lawyer, he was able to swiftly guide me through what’s going to happen, what actions I need to take for us to get back on track and get to the finish line.

If you need to hire a team that will be in your corner I would highly recommend SMP Law.

(B.T.) – July 2023 – Google Review 5 stars

Shawn Philbert (SMP) and his team worked so hard to put an end to my case of severe parental alienation. After years of dealing with false allegations, numerous breaches of the court orders, and parental alienation, Shawn was able to secure me joint custody, 50/50 parenting time, and gave me the ability to be a valuable part of raising my daughter.

During the process, Shawn was able to recommend and get implemented professionals who could work with my daughter and I to rebuild our relationship and work through the obstacle we faced.

During trial, Shawn and Lorrie were incredibly organized and prepared for trial. Shawn and Lorrie made the process seem easy and presented as professional, passionate and dedicated.

Thank you Shawn and team. Our family and especially my daughter appreciates your hard work and commitment to me as a father in this system.

(B.C.) – July 2023 – Google Review 5 stars

Litigation Testimonials

Not only is Shawn an excellent family lawyer as shown by all of the other reviews, but in my experience he is also an amazing civil lawyer! My girlfriend and I bought our first house together and the sellers tried to push us out of the deal to make more money, but Shawn used his extensive knowledge of the law and within 24 hours of only threatening litigation, the opposing counsel conceded and we got our house! If it wasn’t for Shawn and his amazing team we wouldn’t have our house! He is absolutely the lawyer you need if you need to win a case!

(M.F.) – September 2023 – Google Review 5 stars

I got Shawn Philbert referral from the Ontario Law Society for a disputed power of attorney for an elderly relative. The case is still active in court and this is pre-feedback. Shawn is an experienced lawyer who is unafraid of opposing counsel’s intimidation/tactics and he stands up for what is right for his client. I deal mainly with Shawn and Emmanuel. Emmanuel is versed in court procedures and work towards deadlines for filing and serving court materials. Emmanuel took my statements and produced complete, concise and comprehensive affidavits. My case is an upbeat battle and complicated with other third party as respondents who constantly changing lawyers and used delayed tactics. Shawn bought forth motion and seeks relief; He forcefully made his case to the judge and challenged opposing arguments. He successfully won the motion with cost awarded to me by the respondent. He won an urgent motion August 10, 2023 with full cost recovery award to me from the respondent.

(Anonymous) – August 2023 – Lawyerratingz 5 stars

Shawn is awesome! 10/10. If you want a lawyer who is professional and knows what he is talking about, this is your guy! He was very informative with the information I was seeking and it made it very easy for me to understand.

(S.C.) – July 2023 – Google Review 5 stars

I purchased a truck from a used car dealership in Toronto. I was excited and felt I was getting a really good deal. I picked up the truck in Toronto from the used car dealership. As I drove to our trailer in Woodstock, the check engine light came on. I called the dealership. They told me to get it looked at. Monday morning I had the truck dropped off at the GM Dealership in Woodstock. The end result the engine needed a $3000 repair. The used car dealership in Toronto gave the GM Dealership the go ahead. The next day the GM Dealership told me they would not repair the truck due to the rotted out frame. The truck started to bend under its own weight when it was being lifted on the hoist. The truck was hot safetied by the Used Car Dealership in Toronto. Then the fun began. After over a week of ignored phone calls, emails and text messages I talked to Shawn. After 7 days of attempted communication my next email included Shawn. The next day by noon I had not received a call or message. Shawn called me to confirm nothing was being done. After we hung up Shawn replied to all on the email. It was short and sweet. It resulted in communication between myself and the used car dealership within minutes of Shawn’s email. They were very concerned I had brought Shawn into the situation. They refunded me the money for the purchase of the truck, along with the money we had spent on the truck at the GM Dealership.
I know without Shawn’s email, I would have gotten screwed and lost all the money in the truck. Thank You Shawn!!

(M.M.) – October 2022 – Google Review 5 stars

Shawn and his is SMP Team represented my family on two complex cases and through my experience his team was there to get us through these difficult times. One of the cases my father passed away several years ago and his place of Employment cut his severance and retirement short, which my Mother was the beneficiary. Shawn and his team empathized with my mother’s situation making her and us feel comfortable through the process during such a difficult time, especially after a loss.

Shawn and his team are consummate professionals who handled my mother’s case with a great deal of care while being diligent, detailed oriented in their research and delivery to reward her a settlement outcome she deserved.

My experience with Shawn is his Team has been truly golden as his team makes you feel super comfortable. They are about bringing best around bringing the human aspect and looking after the well-being of their clients first and providing valued results. In a recent case Shawn’s and his team demonstrated the same level of consistency and professionalism. I would recommend SMP Law for anyone who needs representation hands down.

(S.G.) – November 2021 – Google Review 5 stars

I recently had a consultation with Shawn regarding probate without a will. Shawn was compassionate and honest during the discussion. He offered practical advice on the best approach for me, given my particular circumstances. He suggested ways to save money and emphasized the importance of shopping around for a lawyer to ensure that there is a good fit based on my needs. I appreciated his candor and would recommend him for this reason.

(K.R.) June 2021 – Google Review 5 stars

SMP LAW was the most accommodating and empathetic experience I could’ve ever felt!

They took my matter seriously from the first phone call and gave me an experience of confidence that they would have my best intention!

Shawn Philbert
Is an exceptional lawyer and gentlemen ,really making my first time dealing with everything from personal concerns with my mental and physical health through this league process. To keeping me in the loop with every single step we would take!

Shawn defended not just my name, but defended my innocence as a person. Above anything I could have asked from him!

(J.J.) April 2021 – Google Review 5 stars

I highly recommend SMP Law. Shawn and his team are very knowledgeable and professional. Excellent customer service.

(T.M.) February 2020 – Facebook