Our History

The law office has been providing legal services to clients in Renfrew and surrounding areas for over 125 years. The practice has undergone several name changes over the years, most recently operating as Chown and Smith, it now operates as CHOWN SMITH & SCOTT Professional Corporation. Although there have been changes over the years, the practice continues focus on providing quality service to clients.

The firm was founded in 1894 by S. T. Chown, who was joined in the practice by his son, Murray Chown, in 1926. Murray’s son, Bill Chown, later joined the practice in 1961 and is now retired from practice. Brian Smith joined the law office in 1976. Cameron Scott joined the firm at the beginning of 2020 and worked together with Brian Smith until Brian’s retirement in 2023.

In 2021, CHOWN SMITH & SCOTT Professional Corporation acquired the practice of Duncan Crosby Professional Corporation, Cameron Scott and Duncan worked together until Duncan’s retirement in 2022.

CHOWN SMITH & SCOTT Professional Corporation (formerly Chown and Smith) continues to carry on the firm’s longstanding history of providing high quality legal services and commitment to helping clients to successfully manage their personal, property, and business affairs. Our firm believes in building strong relationships with clients and community, and continues to provide legal services in the areas of real estate, wills, estates, and corporate law to clients in Renfrew and the Ottawa Valley.