About Nelson Watson Professional Corporation

Nelson, Watson Professional Corporation is a general practice law firm in Guelph, Ontario, and it has operated under the Nelson, Watson name since 1973. The firm started small, from an office on Douglas Street, and it now offers a full range of services covering real estate, corporate and commercial law, civil litigation, employment and human rights, and wills and estates. Its lawyers and law clerks take on both straightforward and complex files in each of those areas, from residential and commercial property deals to incorporations, estate planning, and disputes that end up before the courts.

Since January 1, 2015, Nelson, Watson has been associated with Wolfe, Smith & Forster LLP, a firm based in Fergus. The two keep their own names and their own offices, one in Guelph and one in Wellington County, while working together as a combined team. Today the firm runs its practice from an office in Guelph's south end and handles matters for individuals, families, and businesses across the city and the surrounding region. The work ranges from everyday steps like buying a first home or setting up a company to estate planning and resolving civil disputes.

Milestones & recognition

  • Operating under the Nelson, Watson name since 1973, with roots in a small office on Douglas Street in Guelph.
  • Associated with Wolfe, Smith & Forster LLP of Fergus since January 1, 2015, with each firm keeping its own name and its own office in Guelph and Wellington County.

Good to know

A person using a wheelchairWheelchair accessibleA rainbow pride heartLGBTQ+ friendlyA gold parking sign with a green checkmarkFree parking

This firm’s lawyers at a glance

Law schools
University of Toronto, University of Western Ontario, University of Windsor 3 of 3 lawyers

The neighbourhood

The firm's story starts downtown, on Douglas Street near the core of Guelph, where the Nelson, Watson name first opened its doors in 1973. Its practice has since moved to the city's south end, at 102-412 Laird Road in the Hanlon Creek and Clairfields business park. That corner of Guelph sits close to the Hanlon Expressway, which is Highway 6, so it's an easy drive for clients coming from around the city and out through Wellington County. The location suits a firm that spends much of its time on real estate closings and corporate and commercial work, since it puts the office near the businesses and newer neighbourhoods that fill Guelph's growing south side.

Frequently asked questions

What areas of law does Nelson, Watson handle?
The firm is a general practice. It works in real estate, wills and estates, corporate and commercial law, employment and human rights, and civil litigation, so a lot of everyday personal and business legal needs are covered under one roof.
Can Nelson, Watson help me buy or sell a home in Guelph?
Yes. The real estate team handles residential purchases and sales, including both freehold and condominium properties, along with mortgages, financing, and refinancing. It also does commercial deals, leasing, and land development work.
Can the firm prepare my will and powers of attorney?
Yes. The firm drafts individual wills, dual wills for couples, and powers of attorney for property and for personal care. It also sets up family trusts, plans for disabled adult children and other dependents, and handles estate administration and probate.
I'm starting a business in Guelph. Can the firm incorporate it?
Yes. The corporate and commercial team handles incorporation and registration, start-ups, corporate reorganizations, and shareholders agreements, and it advises family businesses and closely held companies on buying, selling, and running a company.
Does the firm handle employment matters for both employees and employers?
Yes. The firm advises and represents employees as well as small and medium-sized businesses and non-profit organizations on employment law and human rights, including contracts, wrongful dismissal, and workplace disputes.
What is the association with Wolfe, Smith & Forster LLP?
The two firms have been associated since January 1, 2015. They keep their own names and their own offices, Nelson, Watson in Guelph and Wolfe, Smith & Forster in Fergus, and they work together as a combined team serving Guelph and Wellington County.

Where to find them

15 Lewis Road, Suite 101, Guelph, ON N1H 1E9 · 519-821-9610

Similar firms in Wellington County (Guelph)

McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP

62 lawyers · Est. 1998

McKenzie Lake Lawyers LLP is a full-service firm founded in 1998 in London, Ontario, following the merger of two firms with roots back to the 1930s. It has more than 60 lawyers across offices in London, Guelph, and St…

Administrative & Regulatory LawAdministrative & Regulatory LawAgricultural LawAgricultural LawCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionCivil Litigation & Dispute ResolutionBusiness & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate Law

SV Law

44 lawyers · Est. 1960

SV Law is a full-service firm headquartered in Guelph, with additional offices in Elora and the Waterloo Region. Formerly SmithValeriote Law Firm, it traces its roots to the 1960s and now has more than forty lawyers. …

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawConstruction LawConstruction LawEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law

SorbaraLaw

41 lawyers · Est. 1980

SorbaraLaw is a full-service regional firm with 40+ lawyers across offices in Waterloo, Guelph, Fergus and Markham, serving individuals, businesses, institutions and governmental bodies across Ontario. Its practice sp…

Business & Corporate LawBusiness & Corporate LawImmigration LawImmigration LawReal Estate LawReal Estate LawEmployment & Labour LawEmployment & Labour Law

Listing compiled from the firm’s public website in July 2026. Verify licence status in the Law Society of Ontario directory ↗