Coming Home to Serve
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Building the Future of Law in Northern Alberta
Mathieu Hryniuk’s 10 law offices serve approximately 100,000 km2 spanning the entire Peace Region.
With over 80 years in business, Mathieu Hryniuk LLP is turning the page on a brand-new chapter and is excited to welcome three new partners to the team—Sarah Turcotte, Mila Walisser and Conner Fitchie.
Providing growth opportunities and hiring local talent has been a winning strategy for Mathieu Hryniuk (MH). Committed to honouring their legacy and their future in the region, this approach strengthens their ability to serve their clients in Northern Alberta.
Meet Our New Partners:
Sarah Turcotte, Mila Walisser, & Conner Fitchie
Partners at a law firm own a stake in the business and are responsible for more than just their practice. They are responsible for the direction, management and success of the firm. Importantly, each of MH’s three new partners have a personal connection to the communities they serve.
Sarah Turcotte grew up in the Valleyview area, and it’s been a meaningful return to the place that shaped her.
“I never pictured myself at a big city firm,” said Turcotte. “I wanted to come back and be that approachable, small-town lawyer for the people I grew up with.”
Familiarity is key. For lawyers who grew up locally, many of their clients are neighbours, family friends or people they have known for years. Trust and accountability come with the territory.
“I want people to feel comfortable when they walk into the office,” said Turcotte. “I want to be that friendly face and ensure clients feel supported throughout.”
Originally from Peace River, Mila Walisser is a home-grown success story. What started as a temporary summer position with MH developed into the North Star for her career.
“I was unsure of my path at first,” said Walisser. “But working at Mathieu Hryniuk showed me what this career could look like and how meaningful it could be.”
Today, Walisser focuses on real estate, wills and estates—areas that allow her to build strong relationships with clients during some of the most important moments in their lives.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to help someone purchase their first home,” said Walisser. “You’re part of a major milestone, and you want to make that experience as smooth, and as positive, as possible.”
Conner Fitchie’s connection to the firm runs perhaps even deeper. Starting work at MH as a teenager, he has grown alongside the organization. Now, he steps into the partnership role with a strong sense of responsibility.
“I’ve been part of this firm for most of my life,” said Fitchie. “Now, as a partner, I’m excited to help continue building a legacy that has served this region for more than 80 years.”
Fitchie is excited to serve his clients and is eager to make himself available for them when they need him.
“Returning home means I can be there for people wherever they need me,” said Fitchie. “It might be at the grocery store, at church or a phone call after hours. It’s about ensuring clients feel heard, understood and supported.”
In fact, all three new partners care deeply about preserving Mathieu Hryniuk’s legacy, and they are excited to help move the firm forward.
“We’re modernizing and improving while still staying true to who we are as a firm,” said Turcotte. “We want to grow, but we also want to stay connected to our communities.”
Balancing tradition and progress, the path forward remains the same—a focus on accessibility, trust and personalized service.
For Walisser, this focus extends beyond the office doors. Deeply connected to her francophone community and now navigating life as a new mother, she understands the importance of relationships both professionally and personally.
“Community is everything,” said Walisser. “It’s what drives the work we do, and it’s how we support the people around us.”
Each partner brings their own, unique personality to the firm. For example, Fitchie played competitive underwater hockey for two years, and Turcotte grew up on a goat farm—and she still embraces a strong connection to rural life.
Braeden Reynolds is a fellow, young partner at Mathieu Hryniuk (of nearly five years), who also has deep ties in the region. When he’s not in the office, you’ll find him working on a grain, cattle and bison farm.
In addition to his work in Peace River, he will now take on an important role in the La Crete and High Level areas.
“I look forward to serving clients in these communities for the long term. They value reliability and strong relationships, and that’s exactly what I’m committed to providing,” said Reynolds. “My focus is strengthening client relationships and ensuring we deliver high quality, practical advice. As a firm, we’re continuing to grow and evolve.”
As the team at Mathieu Hryniuk looks forward, they stop to pay homage to the significant contributions of Boyd Langford, a partner of the firm who served the region for over 20 years. Langford was appointed to the Alberta Court of Justice, effective March 16. He leaves behind a lasting impact.
“Boyd’s appointment is an incredible achievement,” said Fitchie. “He joins a long list of partners who have gone on to serve at the highest levels, and we’re proud to continue that tradition.”
Mathieu Hryniuk LLP’s new partners have returned home to answer a calling—to serve their people and their communities.
Anchored by High Prairie-based—and recent King’s Counsel appointee—Colin Gagnon and Managing Partner Davin May, this leadership team is here serve for many years to come.
Learn more at mathieuhryniuk.com or call 1-800-661-1962
Comments