Cox & Palmer Announces New Partners

January 9, 2024

It is with great pleasure that we announce new partners of Cox & Palmer: Chika Chiekwe (Halifax), Leah M. Good (Fredericton), Michael D. Heikkinen (Moncton), Marie-Pier Levesque (Moncton), Caroline H. McAvity (Saint John), Matt McEwen (Halifax) and Thomas Munn (St. John’s).

“Becoming a partner is a significant milestone in a lawyer’s career. Each of our new partners have demonstrated commitment and dedication to clients, colleagues, and the community. We are proud of their accomplishments and welcome them to the partnership.” says George Cooper, KC, Chief Executive Officer.

A member of our Halifax team, Chika has a broad-based practice in corporate and commercial law primarily focused on mergers and acquisitions; corporate finance and securities; general business law; and non-profit organizations. She also maintains a practice in wills and estates, helping clients navigate estate planning and administering an estate. Chika values being active in her community and serves on the boards of YWCA Halifax, Hope Blooms, and Nova Scotia Career Development Association.

Leah, a member of our team in Fredericton, maintains a busy family law and general litigation practice. She has experience representing clients in custody disputes, marital property, divorce proceedings and common law separations. She also works with families to create pre-nuptial and cohabitation agreements. Leah has received professional training in mediation through Family Mediation Canada and strongly believes that there are a variety of ways to navigate the difficulties of a family breakdown. She is a compassionate and results driven lawyer, who is always looking for the best way to represent her clients, whether that is the courtroom or through comprehensive mediation services.

Michael, based in our Moncton office, has extensive experience in construction litigation, estate litigation, and family law.  Michael is a member of the Law Societies of New Brunswick and Ontario and has appeared in numerous matters before the courts in both provinces. He has also appeared on behalf of clients in a multitude of private mediations and arbitrations in civil and family disputes.  This experience underlies Michael’s strategic advice to his clients and assists him in determining whether a client will be best served by negotiating, mediating, arbitrating, or litigating in a particular case. Michael is the co-Chair of Cox & Palmer New Brunswick’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and is the current lead of the Construction Law Section for CBA New Brunswick.

Also a member of our Moncton office, Marie-Pier has a bilingual practice in corporate and commercial law. She has worked on a wide range of corporate law transactions with varying levels of complexity and regularly advises clients on general corporate transactions, commercial real estate, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate reorganizations. Marie-Pier’s quiet confidence makes her highly approachable, and her clients note feeling comfortable and well-respected collaborating with her. Marie-Pier is the chair of Cox & Palmer New Brunswick’s Student Experience Committee.

Based out of our Saint John office, Caroline’s practice is focused on corporate and commercial law. She works with individuals, business owners, and financial institutions, advising on a broad range of matters including commercial financings, mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, corporate reorganizations, and succession and estate planning. Caroline is an extremely hard worker and pours her passion for community into her role as Vice-Chair of United Way’s GenNext Cabinet.

Matt, based in our Halifax office, maintains a diverse litigation practice with a focus on commercial litigation, insurance, and construction matters. He acts as counsel to clients dealing with construction disputes, contractual disputes, real property issues, consumer liability, shareholder disputes, oppression claims, mechanics’ liens, professional negligence, and financial matters. He has represented clients at all levels of court in both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Thomas is based in St. John’s and specializes in commercial transactions, corporate law, construction, and infrastructure law, with a focus on secured lending. His experience spans various corporate and commercial areas, including business sales and acquisitions, secured financings, partnership, joint ventures, licensing agreements, and commercial leases. In construction and infrastructure, Thomas offers strategic advice to minimize liability and ensure timely, cost-effective project completion. His experience covers mechanics’ liens, contract negotiation, drafting, and dispute resolution. He stays updated on industry trends and is involved in the Canadian Bar Association Construction Law Young Lawyers Committee.

Congratulations Chika, Leah, Michael, Marie-Pier, Caroline, Matt and Thomas!