One of Drumheller’s longest-established law firms will continue on with a new name as Mitchell Barry and Michael James have purchased Kloot & Associates.
The full-service law firm, which prides itself on offering cradle-to-grave services, will now be known as Barry & James LLP.
“Part of purchasing the firm was to keep that continuity because, essentially this firm has been here under one name or another since the 1960s. To me, it was important to make sure the firm continued on and is still here in the community,” said James.
Mitchell Barry grew up in Drumheller and graduated from St. Anthony’s School. He received his undergraduate at the University of Saskatchewan and went on to study at the Saskatchewan College of Law. He articled with the offices of Norman L. Tainsh in Three Hills and was admitted to the Law Society of Alberta in July 2020.
Barry then transitioned into taking ownership of Norman Tainsh Professional Corporation, forming Barry & Company in 2023.
Michael James came to Drumheller about 14 years ago after completing his Bachelor of Science in Palaeontology and his Masters of Science in 2010 from the University of Alberta. He returned to Alma Mata in 2016 to study law and earned his Juris Doctor in 2019. He then articled at Herman Kloot and Company with Colin Kloot as his principal. He was admitted to the bar in 2020.
Barry explains the two became friends while articling, and when the opportunity came up, they committed.
“With me having my own firm, it just made sense to branch out and put the two together, and I think part of it was to come back and be a bit closer to home. I know a lot of people here, and it is just nice to reconnect,” said Barry. “The same with Michael being able to help clients out in my area. I have a lot of people who come in and want family law advice or criminal law advice, and we just don’t normally don’t provide that.”
Barry will continue on in Three Hills, along with Tainsh, who is continuing his practice. James will contine in Drumheller.
Kloot will remain with the office for the foreseeable future as he wraps up his practice. He will also continue as principal for Jaco (Jack) la Grange, who is articling.
Kloot has been with the firm for 25 years and will begin wrapping up his practice.
“It is something that I am very proud of, what the community has allowed me to achieve, and the community has been so wonderful to this firm and to us. And we certainly try to make reciprocal and mutual.”
Kloot is confident in the new ownership and believes it is in good hands.
“I am excited for the future of this firm I believe we have a bright young team with good support staff in both of the offices, here and Thee Hills,” said Kloot. “I am here to provide continuity to our clients and to support and hopefully provide some guidance and mentoring to the young lawyers.”