Davidson & Williams LLP: Over a Century of Service
At Davidson & Williams LLP, we’re committed to helping our clients overcome challenges, plan for the future, and achieve their goals. As a full-service law firm with deep roots in the Lethbridge community, we work with individuals, families, and businesses across Southern Alberta, providing tailored guidance and forward-thinking solutions. Our team of experienced lawyers combines practical insight with personalized service, dedicated to understanding what matters most to you.
Our firm has been proudly serving clients for over 139 years. While much has changed since our founding, our core values of integrity, commitment to community, and exceptional client care remain the same. We’re here to support you, whether you need assistance with a personal legal issue, business planning, real estate, or preparing for the future with wills and estates.
Charles Conybeare – Our Founder
Our heritage in Southern Alberta began in 1885 with Charles Conybeare, who established himself as Lethbridge’s first lawyer. Known for his integrity and community spirit, Charles helped early settlers, families, and businesses navigate a wide range of legal matters, from wills and estates to commercial transactions. His vision for a law firm that served the community set the foundation for everything we do today.
Richard Roy Davidson – 1st Generation Davidson
Among those who built on Charles’s legacy was Richard Roy Davidson, who joined the firm after earning his LL.B. from the University of Alberta in 1913. He articled under Conybeare, Church & McArthur and became a named partner in 1914. Richard not only shaped our firm’s direction, but he also played a vital role in the Lethbridge community, introducing free textbooks as a school board chairman and spearheading the first Community Chest campaign, laying the groundwork for what we now know as the United Way. His dedication to both his clients and community continues to inspire us.
William “Bill” P. Davidson – 2nd Generation Davidson
Richard’s son, William “Bill” P. Davidson, followed his father’s footsteps in community leadership and legal excellence. After serving in the Royal Canadian Navy from 1943-1945, Bill returned to Lethbridge and became a respected lawyer and civic leader. He became the President of the Rotary Club, first Vice-President of the Community Chest, and later became a director of the Lethbridge Bar Association. Bill’s involvement in these various local initiatives underscored his commitment to bettering Lethbridge. His passion for his clients and his city remains part of the firm’s DNA.
Richard “Dick” Williams
In 1954, Richard “Dick” Williams joined Davidson & Davidson, which took the name of Davidson, Davidson & Williams in 1957. Dick’s focus on education led him to serve as the first chairman of the Lethbridge Community College Foundation. He took on many leadership roles in the Rotary Club, including President from 1971-1972. A dedicated advocate for his clients and the community, Dick’s contributions have had a lasting impact on our practice and the region we serve.
W. C. Richard Davidson, K.C. – 3rd Generation Davidson
William’s son, W. C. Richard Davidson joined the family firm in 1968, becoming a key figure in its legacy. After receiving his early education in Lethbridge and earning his B.A. and LL.B. from the University of Alberta, Richard returned to Lethbridge to begin his articles. He was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1969 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1986. Richard has dedicated his career to serving both his clients and the community; his leadership extends beyond the firm, with significant contributions to organizations like the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, the Kidney Foundation, and the Kinsmen Club. Richard’s long-standing commitment to public service was recognized by the University of Lethbridge, where he served as Chancellor from 2007 to 2011 and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree in 2012 . Today, Richard remains an influential and valuable resource at the firm, continuing to practice on a reduced schedule.
Today
Today, Davidson & Williams LLP builds on this legacy through our community-focused scholarships, like the Richard Davidson, Q.C. Scholarship and the Honourable Lawrence David MacLean, Q.C. Memorial Award for Service which is given to students at the University of Lethbridge who are active in the community and show academic achievement. These initiatives support Lethbridge’s future leaders and honor the commitment to community that has defined our firm for over a century.
When you choose Davidson & Williams LLP, you’re not just working with experienced legal professionals – you’re partnering with a firm that truly cares about Southern Alberta and its people. We’re here to support you with practical, results-oriented legal guidance, just as we’ve done for generations.