Is Duncan, Linton LLP really one of the oldest law firms in the area?

Yes. Founded in 1860 as MacGachen & Colquhoun, it describes itself as the oldest independent law firm in Waterloo Region and one of the oldest in all of Ontario.

What types of law does Duncan, Linton handle?

The firm covers real estate, wills and estates, business and corporate, commercial litigation, employment, construction, municipal and planning, family law, and bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring.

Which communities does the firm serve?

It serves clients in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and throughout Waterloo Region and Southwestern Ontario.

What are the firm's office hours?

The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Duncan, Linton LLP | LawOnline Directory

About Duncan, Linton LLP

Duncan, Linton LLP is one of the oldest law firms in Ontario, and by its own account the oldest independent firm in Waterloo Region. It was established in 1860, back when Ontario was still 'Canada West' and Waterloo was a small village, as the law office of MacGachen & Colquhoun. It's practised continuously ever since, through more than 160 years and several changes of name.

Today its roughly fifteen lawyers handle business and general legal work. That includes real estate, wills and estates, litigation, corporate, and employment law, along with construction, municipal and planning, family, and bankruptcy and insolvency. The firm serves clients across Waterloo Region and Southwestern Ontario.

Practice areas

Bankruptcy & Insolvency

Real Estate Law

Civil Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Business & Corporate Law

Construction Law

Employment & Labour Law

Administrative & Regulatory Law

Wills, Estates & Trusts

Family Law

Milestones & recognition

The firm was founded in 1860 as MacGachen & Colquhoun, making it one of the oldest continuously operating law firms in Ontario.
Founding partner Frederick Colquhoun served the young municipality as Waterloo's Village Clerk from 1868, and then as the Town's Clerk and Treasurer until 1898.
Partner Walter McGibbon, as the Town of Waterloo's solicitor, played a key role in Waterloo's change from town to city in 1948. The firm carried the McGibbon name for nearly fifty years.
The firm has worked from its Erb Street East office in Uptown Waterloo since the building was first put up in 1959.

In the community

Over its history, the firm's partners, among them Frederick Colquhoun, A.B. McBride, and Walter McGibbon Q.C., have been active in Waterloo's business, legal, and political life.

Good to know

Wheelchair accessible

Lawyers 15

This firm’s lawyers at a glance

Called to the bar: 1972–2025 · median 7 years in practice 15 of 15 lawyers
Law schools: Osgoode Hall Law School (3), University of Western Ontario (3), Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University, Faculty of Law at the University of Ottawa, Lincoln Alexander School of Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, McGill University and 5 more 15 of 15 lawyers
Languages on the roster: English, French

Who handles what

The neighbourhood

Duncan, Linton's longtime office at 45 Erb Street East sits in the heart of Uptown Waterloo, a short walk from Waterloo Public Square and the Willis Way and Public Square ION light-rail stops. It's easy to reach on foot, by transit, or by car from across the region.

For matters that go to court, the Waterloo Region Courthouse at 85 Frederick Street in Kitchener, home to the Superior Court of Justice, is a short drive south in the neighbouring city.

Frequently asked questions

Is Duncan, Linton LLP really one of the oldest law firms in the area?: Yes. Founded in 1860 as MacGachen & Colquhoun, it describes itself as the oldest independent law firm in Waterloo Region and one of the oldest in all of Ontario.
What types of law does Duncan, Linton handle?: The firm covers real estate, wills and estates, business and corporate, commercial litigation, employment, construction, municipal and planning, family law, and bankruptcy, insolvency and restructuring.
Which communities does the firm serve?: It serves clients in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, and throughout Waterloo Region and Southwestern Ontario.
Where is Duncan, Linton located, and is it easy to reach by transit?: The office is at 45 Erb Street East in Uptown Waterloo, a short walk from Waterloo Public Square and the Willis Way and Public Square ION light-rail stations.
What are the firm's office hours?: The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or by appointment.

Where to find them

Waterloo, Ontario · 519-886-3340

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