Frank Walwyn was born in St Kitts and Nevis and comes from an upper middle class family. His parents were professional educators.
But his parents decision to migrate to Canada in 1974 changed the family’s economic well being. Like many new immigrants to Canada, they simply had to start over. They no longer had the comfort of the upper middle class life that they were accustomed to in St Kitts and Nevis. Frank and his six siblings had to now adjust to a new life in Canada.
Perhaps that could be one of the reason why Frank wanted to become a mechanic after leaving high school, what better way to earn a quick living. But when his high school principal found out that Frank did not apply for university, Frank’s parents were notified. They were also unaware of Frank’s decision.
That intervention by Frank’s high school principal, changed the course of Frank’s career. Today Frank Walwyn, from the small twin island nation of St Kitts and Nevis, is now a partner in WeirFoulds, a Toronto law firm located in Bay Street. He also have the distinction of being one of the few black partners at a major law firm in Canada.
Frank was a 2012 Ryerson Alumni Achievement Award recipient. In the video below he shares his thoughts on his achievements.
Frank Walwyn has been named one of Canada’s top lawyers in the area of corporate and commercial litigation by The Best Lawyers in Canada. He serves as counsel on high-stakes and complex litigation matters in Canada and the Caribbean, and has been involved in many cases that have led to important or precedent-setting judgments in constitutional rights and freedoms.
An active member of several legal or community boards and initiatives, he is the past president of the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers, and a member of the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee for the Ontario Provincial Court. A sought-after speaker in Canada and the Caribbean, he is also frequently quoted in the legal press and general media.
