We don't keep a Guest Book for people to sign. But from time to time, we do receive letters and cards from clients and others. Here are excerpts from some of those. (For reasons of confidentiality, we have deleted the identifying features in most of them.)

Norman Pickell as Mediator

Norman Pickell as Arbitrator and Small Claims Court Judge

Norman Pickell as Lawyer (including comments about the staff of the Firm)

Comments about the Staff of the Firm only

Norman Pickell's Community Involvement

Norman Pickell's Presentations in the Community


Norman Pickell as Mediator

"Dear Norman, Thank you for helping mediate a very acrimonious and difficult conflict…. You have helped us resolve not only two law suits, but you have helped bring these two strong willed parties together with a view to actually working cooperatively in the future…. I am grateful that this mediation process under your guidance has resulted in what appears to be a pretty positive win win resolution. Thank you."

"Mr. Pickell was able to foster a secure environment and open communication between the parties. He ensured that my client felt safe and secure, yet he was also able to ensure that the other party felt comfortable…. Mr. Pickell was very professional throughout the mediation and employed all of the tools of mediation to the benefit of all parties."

"Dear Mr. Pickell, Thank you very much for your correspondence. I am most pleased that you [as mediator] were able to work through an appropriate resolution of the differences between my client and [the other party]. The document resulting from your mediation seems to be most clear and precise. Clearly, it can form the basis for a Consent Order. A Consent Order will obviate the necessity of a trial which was scheduled to take place in a couple of weeks. Again, thank you most sincerely for your efforts."

"When a lay person asks me [ a Mediator in California ] to explain mediation, I envision the global, four dimensional model that mediation is to me and struggle to find a succinct explanation that will leave the questioner truly informed about the nature and value of the process. Norman Pickell's article [ entitled In Family Law, How is Mediation Different from a Settlement Meeting ] accomplishes that task very well."

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Norman Pickell as Arbitrator and Small Claims Court Judge

"I want to commend you for the excellent job you did of chairing the hearing today. You commanded the respect of all."

"The pre-trial conference that you facilitated [ as the pre-trial judge ] was instrumental in having the parties confront and deal with the issues dividing them. My client and I thank you for your patience and guidance through that process [ which resulted in a settlement ]."

"Dear Mr. Pickell, I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you [ as the Small Claims Court Judge ] for treating me with fairness, kindness and patience throughout the duration of my trial [ in Small Claims Court ]."

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Norman Pickell as Lawyer (including comments about the staff of the Firm)

"Norman, I wish to thank you, Tammy, Dora Mae and all of your staff for your help during what has been for me a very emotional journey. Dad entrusted me with this important task [ as Estate Trustee ] and I wanted to do it to the best of my ability. Your willingness to guide me in understanding what had to be done, what was in the best interests of the estate, and your always expedient answers to my questions, have been an absolute gem of a gift. We are not finished yet, but I know I can depend on all of you to help me accomplish Dad's goals."

"I have received the documentation that closes the purchase of the property at Bayfield, Ontario…. [My wife ] and I are very pleased with the efficient manner in which this transaction was handled and will certainly consider your office for any future needs."

"Mr. Pickell, I like the way you went over our wills with us. We never had our earlier wills explained like that by our previous lawyer."

"Norman, my brother and I wish to express our sincere thanks for the expedient and professional handling of our father's estate."

"Tammy, Dora Mae and Norman, I want to thank everyone who was involved in this sale for all their hard work and dedication. It was greatly appreciated."

"Norman, I appreciate your help. You have a real nice touch!"

"Norman, I feel very comfortable with the professionalism of you and your team."

"Dear Norman, You and Dora Mae [ Kinahan ] and Tammy [ Holmes ] have been a wonderful help in settling the estate of my [ relative ]. I would once again like to say thank you to you Norman and your staff for being so kind and patient and considerate in helping me fulfill my duties as co-executor of that estate. I can offer nothing but praise for the work you have done on my behalf."

"Norman, I am grateful for the wonderful work you are doing [ on my family law file ]."

"Dear Norman, Thank you for your concern, and the time and effort you put into our problem. Your bill was far less than we had expected."

"Hi Norman, I have reviewed the Offer to Settle and the Settlement Conference Brief and they are well done."

"I want to express my appreciation to you and your staff - Dora Mae [ Kinahan ] and Tammy [ Holmes ] - for your efficient, and sensitive handling of the myriad of details involved in the estate. Your letters were always precise and clear and telephone contacts produced immediate and prompt responses. This kind of professionalism certainly helped my family and me come to terms with the death of my father. I am most grateful."

"Dear Norman, I would like you to know how much I appreciate, admire and respect your handling of the estate of my [ relative ]. Through your administration, you, Dora Mae [ Kinahan ] and Tammy [ Holmes ] became friends of mine. The remarkable restraint you exhibited in dealing with [ one of the beneficiaries ] was a most diplomatic maneuver. I am also most grateful to you and Dora Mae for your kindness and patience as you led me through the intricacies entailed in all the forms and procedures required to fulfill my obligations as [ Estate Trustee ]. Thank you Norman for all you have done, from me, as well as from [ the rest of my family ]."

"Thanks again for all of your help. Your office has done a very fine job of handling our family estate matters…. I want you to know how much I truly appreciate the excellent counsel from you, Norman, and the administrative support from you, Dora Mae. You are a very professional team and I know you have had to deal with some very challenging issues with my family. You have my most sincere thanks and respect for all of your efforts in this regard."

"Norman, I appreciate you representing our interests and the work that you have done to bring closure to our [relative's] estate."

"Norman, the information and help you have provided me is wonderful. I appreciate your time and kindness in helping me very much."

"Dear Norman, I'd like to thank you very much for your time and advice. You were a great help to us."

"Dear Norman, thank you so much for your efficient service and for all your years of caring and dedication to our [ now-deceased relative ].

"Thank you Norman. You have been a very big help. It was nice to talk to you about things. I'll sleep better now."

"Thanks Norman! Well done! Very satisfied!"

"That meeting my sister and I had with you was 120 % beneficial!"

"I appreciate receiving [ your birthday wishes ] because it reminds me that you and your staff are there for me should I need you to start looking after my affairs."

"I am appointing [ Norman Pickell ] as the Trustee of my estate. I don't know who else I can trust as much."

"Thank you for being so kind to me at your office on Thursday. Not many people are."

"Just a brief note to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for all your hard work involved with my case. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated."

"I went to sleep at night sometimes just knowing you were working for me. And your staff are good too!! You are number one in my books."

"I feel I can talk to you."

"Dear Norman, on behalf of the Camp Menesetung Board and Staff, thank you for your times of consultation and wise advice."

"Norman, on behalf of the By-law committee of the Huron Child Abuse Prevention Committee, thank you ! Thanks to your expertise, we now have [ the bylaw ] complete. We appreciate your input."

"On behalf of the Seaforth and District All Girls Band Fundraising Committee, I wish to thank you for all your help in the work involved with the band incorporation. It has helped greatly in fundraising efforts."

"On behalf of the small group endeavouring to establish a museum at the airport, may I say "Thank You" for the work you have done on our behalf…. It was even more appreciated when I learned that you didn't intend to charge us."

"A sincere thank you for the legal work in connection with obtaining the incorporation of The MacKay Centre for Seniors."

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Comments about the Staff of the Firm only

"Tammy, thank you so much for all your help and humour."

"Dora Mae, thank you for all your help and support and for going that extra mile for my parents."

"Dora Mae, many thanks for all your guidance in the past year. You have been my angel this year."

"Dear Tammy, Because of your kindness, expertise, professionalism and efficiency we'll not hesitate to recommend your office to our many friends."

"Tammy, Dora Mae, Norman and Staff: Thank you for your guidance and assistance during this difficult time for me. Tammy, I appreciate your prompt responses to my questions and requests. Again, thanks for everything."

"Dear Dora Mae, Thank you so much for being so patient with us. We really appreciate your kindness."

"Your Law Clerk, Dora Mae [ Kinahan ] is really very good!"

"Dora Mae [ Kinahan ], thanks for your professional attention to this estate. I can assure you that [my sister] would really appreciate your professionalism."

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Norman Pickell's Community Involvement

"Dear Norman, In appreciation for your dedicated service to the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital [Goderich, Ontario], especially in serving as our very capable chairman over the past three years. We are most grateful for the exemplary leadership you have shown during a very busy time in our organization's history. Sincerely, Board of Directors, AMGH"

"Dear Norman: It's my pleasure on behalf of the [ University of Windsor ] Alumni Association Board of Directors, to congratulate you on the occasion of being elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, Ontario. As a graduate of the University of Windsor, Class of '72, Faculty of Law, your achievements are a matter of pride and serve as stellar examples to both alumni and students."

"Norman, as Past President of the Probus Club, Goderich and District, please let me thank you and the Goderich Rotary Club for your support and encouragement in getting us started. We now have a membership of some 100+."

"Norman, we wish to express our sincere thanks to you for the capable way you served as Chairperson of North Street United Congregational Board for the past two years [ 1999 and 2000 ]. We know what a major undertaking it has been, but you were able to chair it in an honourable and capable manner. Very few people could have fulfilled the office in the manner in which you did … at this time of change of ministers."

"Certificate of Appreciation presented to Norman Pickell for your outstanding commitment and service [ as a School Trustee ] to Public Education in Ontario."

"On behalf of the Huron-Bruce Federal Liberal Association, I would like to say a very large, well-deserved and sincere THANK YOU for your efforts in 1994. Your office, your ability to summarize issues in concise statements and your untiring willingness to do the jobs were very, very much appreciated. You made my job so much easier."

"Thank you for your presentation to the congregation Wednesday night. You did an excellent job ! Your hard work (and many hours, I know) and dedication as chairperson of Ministry and Personnel is very much appreciated."

"Certificate of Appreciation: May it be known that Norman Pickell is hereby awarded this Certificate in Honor and with Deep Appreciation of The Rotary Club of Goderich for his excellent work in providing programs over the past four years for the Goderich Rotary Club."

"On behalf of COPA Flight 45 (Goderich), I want to personally thank you for your participation in the Young Eagles day on Saturday. Our Young Eagles' day was a smashing success, with 352 kids flown for the day. This achievement was only possible because of pilots like yourself, willing to volunteer your time, your aircraft and fuel, all for the simple reward of seeing the smile on some Young Eagle's face after experiencing flight for the first time."

"Recognition Award: Norman Pickell - Honorary Member - in appreciation of your generous service - Kinsmen Club of Goderich"

"Certificate of Appreciation to Pickell Law Office in recognition of participation in the Co-operative Education Program. This citation is for encouragement, co-operation and assistance in helping students to accomplish outstanding achievement in career preparation, personal trait and skill development, responsibility and maturity."

"Dear Norman, on behalf of the Alexandra Marine & General Hospital Foundation Board, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to you and your staff, for your willingness to support the sale of Mary Smith's CD, "The Melody in Me" at your place of business…. Your willingness to volunteer in this worthwhile project is most appreciated, and certainly added to the success of this fundraiser."

Dear Norman, thank you for your participation in our Annual Forget Me Not Dinner Auction…. Through your participation we can offer "Help for Today and Hope for Tomorrow" for those persons affected by Alzheimer Disease and other Dementias."

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Norman Pickell's Presentations in the Community

"Dear Norman, I wanted to tell you again how much I appreciated your presentation on mediation [to the Kincardine Probus Club]. The video was done in an excellent manner, and provided a fine example of the work that you do."

"Dear Norman, Thank you so much for your wonderful contribution on our Panel at our recent Seniors Information Night. You were interesting and the handouts were helpful. Your chosen career still excites you and that shows."