Gehl & Gehl
3 lawyers · Waterloo Region
One of 58 law firms listed in Waterloo, and one of 25 handling Real Estate Law.
About Gehl & Gehl
Gehl & Gehl is a three-lawyer general practice in Waterloo, and it's served Waterloo Region for about 40 years. The lawyers share a family name. Nicholas E. Gehl, the founder and managing partner, built the solicitor side of the practice around real estate, wills and estates, and general corporate and civil work, after earning a law degree at Osgoode Hall Law School and an undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo. Stephen F. Gehl, a senior named partner, runs the criminal defence side. Nicholas G. Gehl, called to the Ontario bar in 2018, also practises criminal law.
So the firm keeps two distinct sides under one roof: property, estates, and business files on one hand, and criminal defence on the other. Staff speak French, Arabic, Urdu, and Punjabi alongside English, which suits a practice serving a diverse client base in a fast-growing university city. A law student and support staff round out the team.
Practice areas
Milestones & recognition
- Nicholas E. Gehl founded Gehl & Gehl and serves as managing partner, with a solicitor practice in real estate, wills and estates, and general corporate and civil work; the firm has practised in Waterloo Region for roughly four decades.
- Stephen F. Gehl received the Coulter A. Osborne award in 2012 and, in 2023, the Jackie Mattson award, which the Waterloo Region Law Association gives for commitment to access to justice.
- Stephen F. Gehl played an integral role in founding the Mental Health Court at the Kitchener courthouse and has consulted with other jurisdictions setting up similar courts.
- Nicholas G. Gehl was called to the Ontario bar in 2018 and holds degrees from James Cook University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Carleton University.
In the community
- Nicholas E. Gehl has served on community boards including the Kitchener Minor Boys Softball Association and the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre, and sponsored and assisted coaching the Kitchener Predators in the 2018 ISC World Fastball Tournament.
Good to know
Wheelchair accessible
By appointmentLawyers 3
This firm’s lawyers at a glance
- Called to the bar
- 2018 · median 8 years in practice 1 of 3 lawyers
- Law schools
- Osgoode Hall Law School (2), James Cook University 3 of 3 lawyers
Who handles what
The neighbourhood
The office sits at 180 Columbia Street West, along the northern edge of the University of Waterloo and close to both that campus and Wilfrid Laurier University. This part of Columbia Street runs past the university's north campus and the David Johnston Research and Technology Park, and the blocks around it have filled in with student housing and condominium developments. That's not incidental to the work here. The firm's real estate practice includes condominium development, from vacant land through to selling units, so it handles the kind of building going up nearby.
Getting there doesn't require a car. The address is about a six-minute walk from the University of Waterloo ION light rail station, and several Grand River Transit bus routes, among them the 9 Lakeshore and 31 Columbia, stop within a couple hundred metres.
Frequently asked questions
- What areas of law does Gehl & Gehl handle?
- The firm has two sides. On the solicitor side it does real estate, wills and estates, and general corporate and civil work. On the litigation side it does criminal defence. It also lists small claims among its services.
- I'm buying my first home in Waterloo. Can Gehl & Gehl handle the closing?
- Yes. Residential purchase and sale is a core part of the real estate practice, including title and other searches, title insurance, and registration through Teranet. The firm's FAQ page even walks through typical closing costs and what happens on closing day.
- Can the firm prepare my will and powers of attorney?
- Yes. Wills, trusts (including disability trusts), estate planning, estate administration, and powers of attorney for property and personal care are all part of the wills and estates practice.
- I've been charged with impaired driving. Can Gehl & Gehl represent me?
- Yes. Criminal defence is a major part of the firm. Its work ranges from impaired driving and traffic offences through to serious matters like murder and sexual assault charges.
- What languages does the office speak?
- Alongside English, staff at the office speak French, Arabic, Urdu, and Punjabi.
- Where is the firm, and how do I reach it?
- It's at 180 Columbia Street West, Suite B3, in north Waterloo near the University of Waterloo. You can call (519) 886-8120 or use the contact form on the site. It's about a six-minute walk from the University of Waterloo ION light rail station.
Where to find them
180 Columbia Street West, Suite B3, Waterloo ON, N2L 3L3 · 519-886-8120
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