DuMoulin Black Celebrates Delivering 60 Years!
DuMoulin Black LLP, a premier Canadian business law firm, is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary. Since 1966, the firm has served as a trusted partner to public and private companies across the technology, mining, life science, food and beverage, industrial and energy sectors. Renowned for delivering enterprise-level expertise with the agility and personalized service of a specialized practice, DuMoulin Black provides clients with direct access to a robust, decades-in-the-making network of institutional investors, regulators, stock exchanges and underwriters.
Founded in Vancouver in 1966, DuMoulin Black has cemented its status as one of Canada’s leading business law firms. The firm’s foundational legacy was forged by its original partners: David Black, Mike DuMoulin, George Brazier, Brian Irwin, John Hall and Sarge Berner, who established a law firm with a passion for excellence and a deep respect for clients with a distinct, ego-free commitment to collaborative success. Six decades later, the firm remains anchored by the “DB Standard,” now led by Managing Partner Justin Kates. This enduring cultural framework drives the team to be the ultimate business law firm to work with.
The firm’s evolution was profoundly shaped by the late Corey Dean, who dedicated 32 years to DuMoulin Black, joining as an associate lawyer, rising to Managing Partner, and steering the firm for his final 15 years. As the heart and soul of the firm until his passing in 2018, Corey was instrumental in stewarding culture and mentoring the current generation of leadership. A pillar of the Vancouver business community and a highly regarded authority in corporate finance and M&A, Corey’s commitment to client success and his unparalleled generosity with his time and knowledge remain woven into the fabric of the firm. Today’s team continues to operate with the same spirit of commitment and integrity that Corey championed throughout his distinguished career.
As DuMoulin Black celebrates its 60th year, its core ethos remains firmly committed to its founding principles while continuously evolving to navigate today’s modern landscape. Under Justin Kates’ leadership, the firm has successfully transitioned to its dynamic next generation of partners and associates. The firm has grown to a high-performing team of 39 professionals, including 26 lawyers and 13 elite support staff, including paralegals, accountants and administrative specialists. This modern leadership tier brings tech-forward, agile business strategies to the practice of securities law. Operating on a fully cloud-based, paperless ecosystem, DuMoulin Black utilizes the latest Microsoft software and devices. By actively integrating cutting-edge, AI-driven legal tools into its daily workflows, the firm maximizes efficiency and ensures it is equipped to navigate the high demands of today’s business leaders.
“Over six decades, DuMoulin Black LLP has built a legacy of trusted legal counsel, exceptional client service and innovative thinking. As we celebrate this milestone, we proudly reflect on our history while looking ahead with optimism, embracing the evolving legal landscape, emerging technologies and the changing needs of our clients. Our commitment to excellence remains unwavering as we continue to deliver practical, strategic legal solutions that help businesses navigate complex transactions and seize new opportunities. Guided by our entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to quality, we look forward to shaping the future of business law and building on our legacy for generations to come,” said Justin Kates, Managing Partner.
Article by Business Wire on September 9, 2026