Introducing Coast Mountain Law, formerly Race & Company LLP and Mountain Law Corporation

After more than 50 years serving the Sea to Sky Corridor, Race and Company LLP
will operate under a new name, Coast Mountain Law LLP, effective April 20, 2026,
marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Sea to Sky Corridor’s oldest and
largest law firm. This rebrand follows the firm’s acquisition of Whistler-based
Mountain Law Corporation in 2025 and marks an important step in the firm’s
continued growth, expanded capabilities, and long-standing commitment to
serving communities across the Coast Mountain region. The name Coast
Mountain Law LLP reflects where the firm comes from and where it is headed. It
acknowledges long-standing roots in the Sea to Sky Corridor while also
recognizing a growing presence across British Columbia, from the Lower
Mainland and the Sunshine Coast to the Interior and northern communities. The
new name captures both continuity and change: a continued focus on trusted,
community-based legal service, alongside a firm that is steadily expanding its
reach and range of legal expertise across British Columbia.

A Legacy That Began in Squamish in 1973

On May 1, 1973, Harley Paul opened a small law practice in Squamish, sharing
office space with Ken Haroldson in what is now the building home to Billie’s
House. At the time, the Sea to Sky Corridor was a small, developing industrial
community. Harley Paul’s law practice quickly became a steady and trusted legal
resource for local families, businesses, and institutions.

In 1978, Douglas Race joined the practice and opened a Whistler office in
Creekside, in the building now home to the Southside Diner. The firm became
Paul and Company, with practices in both Squamish and Whistler, reflecting the
steady growth of both towns and their evolving legal needs.

As Whistler Village took shape in the early 1980s, the firm grew alongside it. The
Whistler office relocated into the newly constructed village in 1981. The Squamish
office moved to Second Avenue and Winnipeg Street, above the former
Squamish Credit Union. In 1983, Roger Stacey joined the firm, and the practice
became Paul, Race and Stacey, before later returning to Paul & Race following
Stacey’s departure. Upon Dan Moon joining the firm, the name changed to Paul,
Race, Wilhelm-Morden & Moon for a short period. Dan Moon eventually became
a Crown Prosecutor and then The Honourable Judge Moon upon being appointed
to the Provincial Court Bench in 2002.

After Harley Paul exited the firm in 1991 to start his own sole practice, the firm
continued as Race and Company LLP, a name it carried for the next 35 years.
During that time, it established a broad practice and a strong reputation across
real estate, corporate and commercial law, litigation, family law, employment law,
personal injury, and wills and estates.

Mountain Law Corporation: A Parallel Legacy in the Sea to Sky Corridor

Mountain Law Corporation has its own long-standing history in the Sea to Sky
region. After articling with his father in London, England, David Shrimpton began
practicing law in Vancouver in the early 1960s with Messrs. Boucher & Sauer. His
son, Peter Shrimpton, joined the practice in 1987 and in 1993 established the
firm’s presence in Whistler.

Operating as Mountain Law Corporation, the practice expanded over time
through the acquisition of the Ted Ralfe, Q.C. Function Junction Law Office in
1998, followed by the purchase of David Sweetzir’s notary practice in 2003. In
2008, David Shrimpton retired at age 80, and was honoured with others by the
Law Society of B.C. at a special dinner honouring his half-century of legal service.
Peter Shrimpton retired in July 2023 after more than 35 years of practice,
succeeded by Amanda Welton-Hagen who will continue her law practice with
Coast Mountain Law.

Leadership, Continuity and Community Impact

In 1986, Douglas Race relocated from Whistler to Squamish, joining the firm’s
office in the Kindree Professional Building downtown. From that point forward,
his impact extended well beyond his legal practice. He became a central figure in
Squamish’s civic life, with longstanding involvement in the Rotary Club,
Squamish Community Foundation, Squamish Hospital, and the Squamish
Oceanfront Development Corporation, among many other organizations.
Following his retirement from the firm in 2008, he served as a District of
Squamish Councilor from 2008 to 2022, further shaping the Squamish and Sea to
Sky community.

In 1988, Nancy Wilhelm-Morden joined the firm in Whistler. Having first moved
to Whistler in 1973, her career has been defined by both exceptional legal
practice and transformational civic leadership. She served multiple terms on
Whistler’s municipal council between 1984 and 2008, and from 2011 to 2018 was
the first and only female Mayor of the Resort Municipality of Whistler. Her
contributions extend to the founding and leadership of cornerstone institutions
including the Whistler Housing Authority, Whistler Community Foundation, and
the Audain Art Museum. In 2015, she was appointed King’s Counsel, becoming
the first lawyer practicing in the Sea to Sky Corridor to receive the distinction. In
2024, Nancy was honoured with Whistler’s Freedom of the Municipality Award,
recognizing her extraordinary service to the community.

Ian Davis joined the firm in 1989 and served as managing partner for much of his
career, with a focus on real estate and development law. His leadership helped
guide the firm through decades of growth and change. In 2013, he received the
Bill Manson Citizen of the Year Award for volunteerism, and in 2017 was
appointed King’s Counsel in recognition of his contributions to the legal
profession and community.

Glen McEachran joined the firm in 1998 when lawyer Bob McIntosh tragically
passed away. Over the years, Glen has devoted countless hours to volunteerism
in the community, currently serving as President of the Squamish Rotary Club
and being actively involved with Squamish Helping Hands Society. Glen has also
played an important role in mentoring many young lawyers throughout his time
with the firm, helping support the next generation of legal professionals in the
region.

A New Generation of Leadership

In 2022, the firm’s longstanding partners Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, Ian Davis, and
Glen McEachran transitioned leadership to the next generation: Sholto Shaw
(joined 2004), Kathleen van der Ree (joined 2006), Karin Emond (joined 2010),
and Eddie Carter (joined 2020).

This transition reflects a rare continuity of ownership and leadership in small
firm practice and speaks to a culture that has developed steadily over time,
rooted in competence and long-standing community trust. It also reflects a
deliberate commitment to developing leaders from within the firm, where
succession has taken place through internal growth, close mentorship, and
longstanding collaboration.

Coast Mountain Law LLP: Looking Ahead

The re-brand to Coast Mountain Law LLP marks a clear and considered step
forward for the firm while acknowledging the firm’s legacy. While the name is
changing, what the firm does, and how it does it, remains the same. The focus
continues to be on providing strong, capable legal advice and representation
with the depth and capability of a larger city-based practice, while staying closely
connected to the communities it has served for decades.

Coast Mountain Law remains deeply rooted in the communities where it began,
while continuing to build its presence and reputation across the broader Coast
Mountain region. The firm places a strong emphasis on working collaboratively
and efficiently, supporting clients with care and practicality while also
maintaining long-standing community partnerships and being actively involved
in the organizations and initiatives that contribute to the region’s progress and
well-being.

Clients come to Coast Mountain Law during moments of change, whether that is
buying a business, selling real estate, succession planning, losing a job or
separating from a spouse. The firm works closely with clients to provide clarity,
confidence, and informed decision-making during complex legal matters.
Lastly, the firm has been a great place to work since 1973. Coast Mountain Law
will retain its professional but approachable style, attracting lawyers and staff
who love what they do and where they live.

The firm looks forward to continuing to serve new and existing clients with the
same values and approach, now under a new name.

Visit the Website: www.coastmountainlaw.com
Squamish Office: 301–37989 Cleveland Avenue, Squamish, BC V8B 0B3
Whistler Office: 332–4370 Lorimer Road, Whistler, BC V8E 1A6
*Photo by Ben Glassco