William. G. MacDonald,
B.A., LL.B., LL.M.

Contact us at:
Tel: 905-372-7303
Fax: 905-372-4370

E-mail Us
Directions to our office

An Experienced and Professional Staff

Janet Richardson – Law Clerk
Janet grew up in the Port Hope area and is a graduate of Sir Sandford Fleming College. After college, Janet worked with young offenders in residential, open custody group homes in both Oshawa and Toronto and as an educational assistant with the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. In 1989, Janet joined the Ministry of the Attorney General, Courts Administration office. While with the AG’s office, Janet had the opportunity to cross-train in various divisions and gained valuable office and courtroom experience in youth court, family court, small claims court, the Sheriff’s office and the Superior Court. She joined the law office of William G. MacDonald in 1996 and assists with family law, civil litigation, wills, estates and corporate clients.

Janet currently resides in Port Hope with her family and is a volunteer with Rebound Child & Youth Services participating on the Youth Justice Committee and is a participant in the annual Relay for Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Cheryl Ellery - Law Clerk
Cheryl grew up in the Toronto Beaches area. She is a graduate of Malvern Collegiate and Ryerson University. She gained extensive experience in real estate, (both residential and commercial), mortgage lending, land development including condominiums and corporate and estates law over the over the course of 25 years with major Toronto law firms. She moved to Cobourg in 1993 joining the law firm of Stewart, Mitchell & Macklin. She joined William G. MacDonald in 2005 working in real estate and commercial areas of the practice. Cheryl resides in Cobourg with her husband, John, a retired firefighter. She is an active community volunteer having worked with Rebound Child & Youth Services tutoring children as well as fund raising for the Royal Canadian Legion.

Pat Griffin – Law Clerk
Pat grew up in the Toronto Beaches area. After graduating from Centennial College she joined the law firm of Blake, Cassels & Graydon in Toronto as a secretary working in the litigation department for one year and then the tax department for nine years. After cottaging all her life in Gore’s Landing, it was easy to make the move to Port Hope in 1989. She joined the firm of Stewart, Mitchell & Macklin and after one year took time off to be at home with her children. She returned to the work force in 1993 joining Helen J. Charette, Barrister & Solicitor as her secretary working primarily in real estate matters including both residential and commercial land development, condominium development, mortgage lending, and similar work. Pat joined William G. MacDonald in 2007 where she continues to work primarily in real estate matters.

Pat participates in the annual Relay for Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. She is a certified fitness instructor and enjoys teaching aerobics, and step and strength training classes at the YMCA Northumberland and the Port Hope Recreation Centre. She also enjoys volleyball, lob ball and time at the cottage.

Jen Chapman – Bookkeeper
Jen joined the law office of William G. MacDonald in the fall of 2007 as its bookkeeper. Previously Jen worked for Helen J. Charette, Barrister & Solicitor.

Jen brings with her not only the necessary book keeping knowledge and experience to maintain the books of a busy law office but years of experience working in real estate offices and running her own business.

Jen currently resides in Colborne, Ontario with her family and is an active member of the Colborne Policing Committee.

Stephen Hoftyzer – Office Clerk
Stephen grew up 19 km north of Trenton. As a youth and young man, he worked on the family farm with his father, grandfather and uncle, gaining experience with animal husbandry and farm equipment.

Stephen joined the law office of William G. MacDonald, part time in July 2006 and assists with filing, deliveries, telephone reception and banking.

Stephen currently resides in Cobourg. He is an active volunteer with Christian Horizons, Cobourg YMCA and the Frankford Big Bike for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.