John Singleton Celebrates 50 Years of Law

On May 11, 2020, John Singleton, Q.C., Managing Partner and founder of Singleton Urquhart Reynolds Vogel LLP, will celebrate 50 years of practising law. Highly ranked in the areas of Construction Law, Corporate and Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Product Liability Law by Best Lawyers® in Canada 2020, and recognized as a Leading Construction Law Practitioner in the 2020 Chambers Global (Band 1) and Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directories, John is a principal figure in Canada’s legal and construction industries.

Called to the bar on May 11, 1970, the University of Alberta and London School of Economics and Political Science alumnus focused on insurance and the defense of architects and engineers. After more than a decade of honing his skills and establishing his legal career, John founded Singleton and Co. in 1982. Since then, the expertise and reputation of Singleton Reynolds, Canada’s premier construction and infrastructure law firm, has grown exponentially with offices in Vancouver and Toronto and clients across the country. Much of that growth comes from John’s legal expertise and business acumen.

Over the years, John became an accomplished mediator and arbitrator, and shared his vast legal knowledge in academic and professional journals, and as a teacher and mentor. John is an adjunct professor of law at both the University of British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University, as well as being a visiting lecturer at Stanford University. As Managing Partner of the firm, John has acted as counsel in precedent-setting cases involving professional liability, insurance, construction, and environmental matters. He offers extensive experience in major infrastructure projects and public private partnerships, as well as complex commercial disputes.

Before becoming one of the preeminent construction lawyers in Canada and leading an internationally recognized firm, John was a musician, surfer, art lover, and skier. His well-rounded love of art, activity, community, and justice still informs John’s life and the values of Singleton Reynolds today.

Singleton Reynolds prides itself on being a leader in corporate social responsibility. Team members are encouraged to make positive impacts in their communities through outreach and involvement in national and local groups. Those values come directly from our founder. John has been involved with Arts Umbrella, an internationally recognized not-for-profit performing and visual arts school for children and young adults, for almost 35 years, first as a donor and volunteer, then as a Board member and advisor, and now as a legal advisor on the Building Committee for the construction of Arts Umbrella’s new home on the former Emily Carr University of Art + Design campus on Granville Island. Alongside his wife, Brenda Mendieta, John is an avid participant in Splash, Arts Umbrella’s annual art auction and gala. Recently, he was presented with Arts Umbrella’s Inspiring Volunteer Award for his involvement with the organization over the past 3 decades.

Between working as Managing Partner of Singleton Reynolds and his deep involvement with the arts community, John regularly finds time to be active. A running and biking enthusiast, John also loves golf, tennis and pickleball. Raise a glass of fine champagne John as you celebrate the first 50 years and toast the next 50!

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