A Talent Shuffle and Team Restructuring in Family Law
In the highly competitive field of family law in Westmount, two names repeatedly surface: Spunt & Carin and Goldwater Droit. In recent years, the professional paths of several lawyers and staff members have created what can fairly be described as a game of musical chairs between these two firms — a dynamic that continues to raise questions within the legal community.
Shared Origins
Spunt & Carin emerged from the orbit of Goldwater Dubé (now Goldwater Droit). Me Sheri M. Spunt launched her own practice in 2017, marking the starting point of what would become Spunt & Carin.
For his part, Me Alexander R. Carin began his career at Goldwater Dubé, was named partner there in 2019, and subsequently left in 2020 to join Me Spunt’s practice — a move that was publicly reported at the time.
Several key figures at Spunt & Carin also have professional roots at Goldwater. Me Eric Kirshner, admitted to the Bar in 1993, practiced for many years at Goldwater before joining Spunt & Carin in 2022. Me Ian Solloway, a seasoned figure in family law, likewise practiced at Goldwater prior to his time at Spunt & Carin. The same applies to David Chun, who had previously worked within the Goldwater environment before later joining Spunt & Carin.
Two Firms, One Neighbourhood… and Natural Competition
Both firms are based in Westmount, operating in a niche where reputation, team stability, and accumulated expertise are key competitive factors. Spunt & Carin publicly lists its team and partners, including Me Cynthia Ward, now identified as a Partner according to firm announcements. It has been noted that Me Ward was initially called upon to assume a senior role following the departure of the two experienced partners, Me Eric Kirshner and Me Ian Solloway, before being promoted to partner after approximately two years with Spunt & Carin, a family and Divorce Law Firm.
Goldwater Droit, for its part, highlights a substantial team on its official pages, particularly in the areas of family law and litigation.
The Talent Exchange in Recent Years
It is primarily the evolution of the publicly listed teams — and professional profiles — that has drawn attention. On one side, Spunt & Carin experienced a period of growth and internal restructuring. On the other, Goldwater Droit continued to expand its roster and update its professional listings.
From a strictly verifiable standpoint, certain names now appear on the Goldwater Droit side, including:
Me Eric Kirshner, whose profile is currently published on the Goldwater Droit website after a period at Spunt & Carin.
Me Ian Solloway, now presented as “Of Counsel” at Goldwater Droit, after also having practiced at Spunt & Carin (ZoomInfo).
These returns to Goldwater Droit occurred in a specific context marked by the controversial resignation of David Chun — himself formerly associated with the Goldwater environment — from the Barreau du Québec while under investigation by the syndic, as well as the filing of a civil action in Superior Court against Spunt & Carin in connection with the same matter.
For many observers, these developments represent a return to the originating firm for these senior lawyers.
At the support staff level, publicly available information also indicates certain professional affiliations:
Ayompe Ungitoh lists Goldwater Droit as her employer after having served as a paralegal at Spunt & Carin.
Rebecca Toropov is associated with public communications connected to Goldwater Droit.
Once again, these are profiles that previously worked at Spunt & Carin and now appear aligned with Goldwater following the events referenced above.
Conversely, Spunt & Carin has also announced updates to its internal structure, including the promotion of Me Cynthia Ward to partner and the addition of new lawyers and staff members.
A Context Beyond Simple Recruitment
This exchange of personnel takes on particular significance within the broader context documented by Justice-Quebec.ca: David Chun’s resignation from the Barreau du Québec during an ongoing disciplinary investigation, the civil proceedings initiated against the firm, and related judicial developments.
It was within this context that Me Daniel Goldwater publicly intervened, referring to what he described as “serious criminal fraud” and a “cover-up” within Spunt & Carin. These statements have been reported as allegations, not judicial findings.
The fact that certain senior lawyers and staff members subsequently rejoined Goldwater Droit has fueled discussion within the legal community, although no formal causal link can be established between those departures and the events in question.
Rivalry or Market Dynamics?
To characterize the situation as a “war” in the strict sense would be a conclusion. However, observable facts point to a competitive dynamic in which:
both firms compete for the same pool of talent;
certain senior profiles with historical ties to Goldwater moved to Spunt & Carin before later returning to Goldwater Droit;
Spunt & Carin now presents an updated team structure, including internal promotions and new hires.
In family law — where experience, credibility, and team cohesion are major assets — such movements are rarely insignificant.
Justice-Quebec.ca will continue to monitor and report on this evolving dynamic as further documented developments arise.
Sources: Spunt & Carin · S&C Team Page · Carin Profile · Kirshner Profile (S&C) · Solloway Profile (S&C) · Kirshner Profile (Goldwater) · Droit-Inc · LinkedIn Solloway · ZoomInfo Kirshner · ZoomInfo Solloway · ZoomInfo Ungitoh · Wikipedia Goldwater
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