Origin Story
Johnston Montgomery Watson was founded by Patrick Johnston, a seasoned and experienced practitioner who provided legal services in the Durham Region for almost 50 years until his retirement in December 2020. Pat was joined by his partner John Montgomery in 1995. Over the next 25 years, Pat and John built the practice into one of the most trusted law offices in the region, evolving to address the rapidly changing needs of Durham, adding Erin Watson to complement our repertoire in 2012. With Pat’s retirement from the practice of law, John and Erin continue the tradition of integrity, service and experience that is the hallmark of their practices.
To add depth and broaden our base of legal expertise, we continue to seek new associates who bring with them additional knowledge, energy and ability from their individual legal backgrounds. You can receive simultaneous attention from our knowledgeable professionals to ensure that your various legal issues are dealt with quickly, using the appropriate level of expertise, in a cost-effective manner.
A Results-oriented Approach
"Litigation arises out of stressful circumstances. Our role is to help clients solve these difficulties.
We use a results-oriented approach, combining a thorough understanding of the relevant legal principles with focused advocacy. Transparency matters, as does keeping an eye on the costs of the process."
- John W. Montgomery
Meet Our Lawyers
John W. Montgomery
John is the senior litigation partner at Johnston, Montgomery, Watson. He practices civil litigation and appears as counsel before all levels of court in Ontario, including the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and before administrative and regulatory tribunals. John’s practice involves a broad range of civil litigation, including commercial and business disputes, construction disputes, environmental law, employment law and human rights, estate and guardianship litigation, real property, shareholder and partnership disputes, and professional negligence.
John’s clients include individuals, small family-owned businesses and large national and international enterprises.
In addition to his law practice, since 2005 John has been a member of the Lakeridge Health Research Ethics Board, which oversees research and clinical trials for the protection of patients and research subjects; he has been chair of this board since 2010. In his spare time, John practices Chito Ryu karate, in which he holds the rank of fourth degree black belt.
Contact information
phone: 905.666.2252
email: jwm@lawhitby.com
About Us
Johnston, Montgomery, Watson is a law firm located in Whitby, ON handling Wills and Estates,
Real Estate Law, as well as Corporate and Commercial Law.
Navigating through difficult times
"Helping clients prepare for and navigate through difficult times is incredibly fulfilling. In many ways, I consider this to be the best possible use of my education and years of experience."
- Erin L. Watson
Erin’s practice supports generations of families in Durham Region as they navigate the complexities of life. She can be relied upon as a steady advocate, advising clients and their businesses while facilitating interpersonal challenges.
With a strong legal background, and a practice focused in dispute resolution, Erin steadfastly supports her clients and their legal challenges with care and respect.
Erin was called to the Bar in 2012 and opened her own practice in 2020. She enjoys travelling, watching and playing sports, and spending time with her family and friends.
Contact information
phone: 905.666.2252
email: ewatson@lawhitby.com
Erin L. Watson
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