With over thirty years of practice, Me Eric Kirshner is a valuable member of the Spunt & Carin team. That being said, he has acquired valuable experience and knowledge throughout his career and has made significant developments in family law. Me Eric Kirshner is a role model to the young jurists of Spunt & Carin. Fascinated by his wisdom, they took the opportunity to interview Eric himself to ask about his experiences:
How did you know you wanted to become a lawyer?
“It was a running joke; I had a big mouth and never wanted to stop talking. I told my mother I wanted to become a lawyer at the age of 6. During the entirety of my degree at Université Laval, I never thought I would practice in family law, so I studied administrative law and took those specialized intensive courses. Six months before my stage as a young jurist, I went to the Montreal Courthouse every day on my own and sat in on trials. That is how I learnt on my own. I wanted to learn about everything. Then in 1993 during my private practice, my first file was a case where my client had her landlord throw her stuff out on the street. I got her a huge compensation and since that day, I decided I wanted to do this for a living. This decision is what led me to my future partner and spouse, Sandy. By staying at my independent office in Westmount, I found myself in close proximity to Sandy’s workplace on a lower floor of the commercial building, a juncture that led to a happy and ongoing 25-year relationship. The ice storm of 98’ brought us closer than ever and shortly thereafter, we made things official. Sandy has supported and assisted me in my career from the very beginning and together we are an inseparable team.”
Are you happy you chose family law?
“Of course. As I mentioned, I took no family law courses in university and did not think it was interesting. After getting an offer to work at one of the largest firms in Montreal pleading civil cases, I declined the offer to watch and support my son play hockey. I would fix my court dates based on my son’s hockey schedule. My son came first. When I started my practice in civil law, I was not as connected. Family law came to me, and I spent the first 10 years of my career convincing clients I could plead their custody cases even without a child of my own at the time. I knew I was meant for this.”
What does your day-to-day look like at Spunt & Carin?
“I am extremely invested in every one of my files. I meet with my paralegal Sigal who such a great help with scheduling and time management is honestly. Together we simultaneously manage the daily tasks each morning while looking forward to future deadlines and tasks. Once we plan our daily goals, I get to work and begin drafting the necessary letters and proceedings for my clients. I might also meet with potential clients who are searching for guidance during a difficult time in their life.”
What are your greatest accomplishments?
“During my first stage, I went to the Court of Appeal as an articling student. As a junior lawyer, I plead in the Federal Court of Quebec. That was a great experience as a young lawyer. I represented a client in a civil matter against a large civil firm including a lawyer who became a judge of the Supreme Court of Canada. I was so nervous at the time and by the skin of my teeth, I succeeded. In 2021, later in my career, my colleague Me Chun and I succeeded in a huge case where I was able to fight for my client in her divorce and get her a 2-million-dollar compensatory allowance for her tremendous contributions during her marriage, but it was later reduced in appeal. Nonetheless, the judge’s decision was significant for the future of family law because the judge gave my client half of the non-patrimonial assets meaning my client was recognized for her direct contributions to the success of her husband. All this despite the fact that the couple had signed a marriage contract stating that their assets would not be partitioned according to law. This was a huge accomplishment that I still recognize today. I still advise my clients not to sign a marriage contract without consulting a lawyer specialized in family law first.”
What is your favourite part about being a lawyer?
“Having a role in ensuring that children are with the right parent, thereby helping them grow, mature and flourish in the future as adults. I do my utmost to make sure my clients feel like their voice is heard at all times. I give the most conservative and honest advice to my clients by advising them that in family law, every decision rendered by a judge is made on a case-by-case basis. This is why I prioritize settlement between parties, in order to control the destiny of the situation. With cooperation and compromise, the client is able to avoid court while still ensuring that their needs are met. I always say that it is important to instill trust with your client and explain every step so the client knows what is going on. Credibility is everything. I want my clients to feel comfortable and also trust my profound experience as a lawyer.”
What drives you to keep making developments in your career and in the future of family law?
“I hate any injustice. I live to balance inequities in power especially when people are not as fortunate. I would help people that would never have the chance to have a lawyer, especially women who are victims of conjugal violence and children. Family is everything to me. My lovely wife Sandy and my son Benjamin motivate me to be the best person I can be.”
What is your message to young lawyers?
“Never give up. Always be prepared and never go to court without case law.
Needless to say, Me Eric Kirshner is authentic and passionate about his work. Please feel free to contact us in order to book a consultation with him for any family law or estate matters.
