In memory of Irene M. Stewart

Irene Stewart was a specialist in corporate and commercial law who impressed everyone she met with her brilliant legal work, the depth and breadth of her knowledge of all matters concerning her chosen field, her dedication to the practice of law, and her exceptional client service.

Irene was born in England in 1948 and moved to Montreal as a young girl. Irene graduated from high school at St. John’s School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria and went on to obtain an LLB from UBC Law School (now the Allard School of Law) in 1971.

Irene was called to the Bar in 1972. She joined the Department of Justice and ultimately joined the firm of Lyall McKercher Hanna in 1988 as a partner. The firm subsequently merged with Russell & DuMoulin (now Fasken LLP). With a few colleagues, Irene founded the commercial law boutique Ellis Marshall Stewart & Shrieves. Her firm was recruited by Gowling LaFleur Henderson LLP (now Gowling WLG) to form the nucleus of that firm’s Vancouver office. Irene practiced with Gowlings for 23 years as a senior partner.

In her last year of practice, Irene was senior counsel with the firm Singleton Reynolds. Irene was called to the Bar for 48 years and had no plans for retirement. She acted for large corporate clients, but also for people of every walk of life who needed her help. She never turned away anyone who asked for her counsel and advice.

To the end, Irene set a standard for hard work, legal skill and concern for others which was an inspiration to all those around her. Irene’s energy, dedication and legal skill won her praise and admiration from not only her clients, but also her colleagues, and counsel on the opposite side of transactions.

Irene was admired not just for her work as a lawyer, but also for her compassion and concern for all who crossed her path. She always had time to counsel and comfort those in need. She set an example for the rest of the profession to follow. Irene was both loved and admired.

Irene was unexpectedly taken from us on June 8, 2020. She is survived by her husband Scott, her daughters Alexis and Morgan, grandson Sebastian, and her sister Marina Morgan. All who knew her mourn the passing of a very special person. To celebrate Irene’s life, her family would like to raise $150,000 by December 31, 2020 for an award in her honour.

Your gift will pay tribute to Irene’s life and career by supporting students at Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC. Gifts will b­­e directed to the Irene Stewart Memorial Fund in Law, with final decision on the award description and student eligibility made in consultation with the family.

All gifts up to a total of $50,000 will be matched by a generous donor, doubling the impact of your gift.