Introducing Coast Mountain Law
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.