Business Buzz: Merger Boosts SMT Lawyers
Legal Eagles — Long-time local litigator Chris Smith (centre) has joined Mike Tucker (left) and Trenton Zoobkoff (right), at SMT Lawyers. The addition follows Leon Pigott’s move to SMT last July. (Darren Davidson)
Nelson Star columnist Darren Davidson breaks down happenings in our region’s business community each month in the pages of the local weekly newspaper. The Business Buzz is an entertaining and informative read that helps keep you in-the-know.
Here’s an excerpt from the March offering. You can read the entire Business Buzz that includes talks between the province and regional Indigenous groups, reaction to the City’s 2026 tax increase, a new arrival in the local forest sector, changes at Selkirk College and a merger involving SMT Lawyers at the Nelson Star website.
Broadening Litigation and Solicitor Services
Another noteworthy merger in the city’s legal sector… Long-time lawyer Chris Smith has folded his practice, Purcell Law, into the SMT Lawyers firm. The move, which broadens SMT’s litigation and solicitor services, follows lawyer Leon Pigott’s addition to the Baker Street practice, last July.
Pigott has 25 years experience in corporate, real estate, and property development law. Smith has been at it for 17 years. SMT was formed in 2013 by Richard Spilker and Bill McNally, both retired. Mike Tucker has been a partner since 2018.
Born and raised Shoreacres-ian Trenton Zoobkoff joined the firm in 2022. SMT now has offices in Nelson and Fernie. Originally built on personal injury litigation across BC and Alberta, including a number of successful multi-million-dollar claims, the firm now handles civil actions including commercial disputes, estate litigation, employment matters, property disputes and insurance claims.
