Nicole Handford^* Lawyer

Nicole grew up in Penticton and graduated from the University of British Columbia with degrees in Forestry (Natural Resource Conservation) and Law. She was called to the Bar in 2002.

Nicole practiced with Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP in Vancouver and Boyle & Company Lawyers in Penticton before joining James Smirle in 2017.  While in Vancouver, Nicole’s practice was focused primarily on banking and real estate law, however since moving to Penticton in 2004 her practice has expanded to include corporate and commercial law. Nicole has developed a business law practice that includes the review and preparation of agreements relating to small business, the incorporation of companies and societies, corporate reorganizations, the purchase and sale of businesses, the negotiation and drafting of commercial leases, licensing agreements, and other business-related agreements.

When not in the office, Nicole enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

James Smirle^* Lawyer

James is a solicitor focusing on corporate and commercial law, real estate transactions and estate planning and administration. James also regularly acts for financial institutions on lending matters and is a member of the CBABC Banking Law Section.

James holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. Prior to forming Handford Smirle LLP with Nicole Handford, James articled and practiced with Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP.

Raised in Summerland and a graduate of Summerland Secondary School, James is an active member of the community. He currently sits on the board of directors of the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation and the Giants Head Grind steering committee. He has also coached for both the Penticton and Summerland Minor Hockey Associations.

Outside of the office you’ll find James enjoying time with his young family, at the hockey rink or on a golf course.

Shawn Courtney, TEP^* Lawyer

In his practice, Shawn focuses on helping individuals and families with estate and incapacity planning and the administration of trusts and estates. Shawn also assists individuals and small businesses with real estate transactions, commercial leasing, and corporate matters.

Shawn holds the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation from the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Shawn grew up in Kelowna and has a Bachelor of Arts (With Distinction) and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. He was called to the Bar in 2018 and his previous experience includes working as a law clerk for six judges of the British Columbia Supreme Court.

Outside of work, Shawn enjoys spending time with his partner and young children. When time permits, he likes to stay active, play chess, and meditate.

Richard P. Thompson, K.C.^* Lawyer

Adra Greig Lawyer

Born and raised in Penticton, Adra holds a Bachelor of Arts with high distinction from the University of Toronto and a Juris Doctor from the University of Victoria. She was called to the Bar in 2022.

Adra gained valuable experience during law school while working co-op terms at the Action Committee of People with Disabilities, the Yukon Department of Justice, and as a research assistant for Professor Emeritus Gerry Ferguson. After law school, Adra articled with the British Columbia Prosecution Service’s Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions office in Vancouver and worked as a judicial law clerk at the British Columbia Supreme Court. Adra practices in the areas of estate planning and administration, including committeeship applications, corporate and commercial law, and real estate.