Michelle Laham Szutiak
Senior Lawyer | Family Law, Litigation, Wills & Estates
Michelle Laham Szutiak is a senior lawyer with more than 25 years of experience. She was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1999 and the Saskatchewan Bar in 2020. Michelle holds a law degree from the University of Calgary and is a practicing member of the Law Societies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Her practice includes family and civil litigation, wills and estates, and Aboriginal law.
Michelle’s diverse legal career has shaped her into a strategic, practical, and compassionate advocate.
She has served as a Staff Litigation Lawyer with Legal Aid Manitoba, Legal Director for Legal Aid Saskatchewan, and in-house corporate counsel. She has also practiced with established Winnipeg firms including Pitblado LLP and Pullan Kammerloch Frohlinger.
Michelle founded Tradition Law LLP, a boutique wills and estates firm. In 2014, she established The People’s Corner Law Office, a small full-service firm focused on accessible, client-centered legal services.
In 2020, Michelle expanded her practice to include Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She continues to split her time between her practices in Manitoba and Saskatchewan in order to better serve clients in both provinces.
Michelle is an experienced litigator who has appeared before all levels of court.
She is a strong advocate for strategic and effective representation, while emphasizing resolution outside the courtroom whenever possible.
Her extensive experience in family and estate matters has given her a deep understanding of the personal and emotional complexities clients face, and she is committed to providing practical guidance and steady support throughout the legal process.
Michelle works with clients from a wide range of backgrounds and tailors her approach to each client’s circumstances, priorities, and budget.
Michelle regularly advises clients on cohabitation, prenuptial, and separation agreements, as well as wills, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
She is a passionate advocate for proactive legal planning and the protection of individual rights, with a focus on minimizing the emotional and financial consequences of inadequate or absent legal documentation.
Michelle is an active contributor to legal education. She has presented on wills and estates for organizations including the Alzheimer Society and the Law Society of Manitoba.
She served as Editor-in-Chief of National Concordance, a Canadian Bar Association publication on wills and estates law, and as editor of Capacity and Undue Influence
Her background in business, human resources, and client service further supports her effective and efficient management of client matters.
Outside of her legal work, Michelle is committed to holistic wellness and has been an accomplished fitness leader for more than 25 years.
She enjoys spending time in nature, being active in the water, and connecting with her family, friends, and dogs.