Martha's Experience
I was born and raised in Peterborough then attended the University of Ottawa for both my undergraduate and law degrees, graduating in 2010. I stayed in Ottawa where I had the opportunity to work at well-respected law firms practicing family law, real estate, and wills and estates.
An unexpected opportunity for my family to return to Peterborough came and we jumped at it. I opened Sullivan Law Ptbo in April 2017. This practice is the firm that I had always wanted to work in: we use technology so that both our clients and ourselves can have better daily experiences. I consider it a great privilege to be able to practice law (what I always wanted to do!) in Peterborough (the city I always wanted to come home to!). My experience litigating, negotiating and finding creative solutions led to being empanelled with both the Family Responsibility Office and the Office of the Children’s Lawyer. I am currently in the process of completing training to be a certified Collaborative Family Lawyer and Mediator.
What do you enjoy about your job?
All of it. I love what I do and where I get to do it.
Meeting new clients, assisting during challenging times, celebrating the exciting ones. I feel very privileged that clients allow me to assist them during these major life events.
I also love the law, its rigor and its rules. Reading new cases that have been released is one of my pastimes. I do it for interest, not for work. The law fascinates me.
The privilege of being able to create the law firm that I have always wanted to work is the culmination of Sullivan Law Ptbo. Together we work very hard for our clients.
Affiliations
- Law Society of Ontario
- Peterborough Law Association
- County of Carleton Law Association
- Women’s Business Network of Peterborough
- Peterborough Chamber of Commerce
“Five stars is not enough for Martha Sullivan and her team at Sullivan Law. She is a gem and one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have come to meet.”
What is your goal when a client comes to see you?
That they are comfortable and that they leave feeling confident about their legal matter.
I smile every time people are surprised when they find out I’m a lawyer. I’ve learned that I’m not what people expect. I think that’s for the best. Clients can come to me and feel comfortable.
What is something interesting about you that you'd like your clients to know?
I describe my life as crazy awesome! It is full and I just try to keep things balanced with my wonderful husband and our three kids.
I am dedicated to contributing positively to the Peterborough Community, providing placements to students, speaking at seminars or anything else I’ll likely say yes to if I’m able.
Fun Facts
- I take my job and the law seriously; however, I never take myself too seriously. I like to laugh.
- As a child I showed dairy cattle and was an avid member of 4-H.
Professional Stats:
- 2006: B.A., University of Ottawa
- 2010: LLB, University of Ottawa
- 2010: Articled with Burke-Robertson LLP, Ottawa
- 2010: Associate at Galarneau & Associates
- 2011: Call to the Bar
- 2012: Lawyer at Chenier & Notturno, Ottawa
- 2015: Appointed to Represent the Family Responsibility Office
- 2016: Empanelled Lawyer with Office of the Children’s Lawyer
- 2017: Sullivan Law Ptbo