(B.A., University of Western Ontario and J.D., magna cum laude, Michigan State University)

Michael J.E. Brightling joined the firm, then known as Fordham and Brightling Lawyers, in May, 2012. Before then Michael worked as an associate at a large, full service firm in London and prior to that practiced in his hometown of Listowel, Ontario for several years.

Michael holds a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and a J.D., magna cum laude, from Michigan State University. He has significant experience practicing in a variety of areas including Corporate and Business Law, Real Estate, and Estate Planning and Administration. He is eligible to practice law in both Canada and the United States having been admitted to the bars of Ontario and New York.

In all aspects of his practice, Michael emphasizes efficient and cost effective resolution. He aims to represent every client's best interest in a fair and straightforward manner.

Michael is President of The Elgin Theatre Guild and has been involved in many other community organizations and clubs. He spends much of his time these days with his wife Tanya and son Miles. He is an avid traveler and a fan of all Toronto sports teams, particularly the Blue Jays.

(B.A., University of Guelph and J.D., Western University)

Candace Watson joined the firm (formerly Fordham & Brightling Lawyers) in 2022 after completing her articles with a boutique family law firm in London, Ontario. In the spring of 2024, she and her colleague, Michael Brightling teamed up to create Brightling & Watson Lawyers. Candace double majored at the University of Guelph to receive her B.A. in both Political Science and Criminal Justice and Public Policy, following which she obtained her J.D. from Western University.

Born and raised in the St. Thomas community, Candace is excited to be building her legal practice in her hometown. Throughout law school Candace regularly volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and the Elgin-Oxford Legal Clinic where she assisted St. Thomas residents with a variety of legal matters, and she is grateful for continued opportunities to use her legal knowledge while serving her community. Candace's practice focuses largely on Real Estate and Estate Planning. Candace is an avid equestrian, and most of her time outside of the office is spent with her two horses, Gigi and Nix. When she is not at the barn, Candace can be found enjoying the company of her partner, Hayden, and their much-loved rescue dog, Freddie.

(B.A. and LL.B., University of Western Ontario)

Monty Fordham practiced law in St. Thomas from 1980 until 2024. Michael and Candace are very grateful for his mentorship and assistance to them both before and after his retirement. Over the years, Monty served on numerous boards and committees in the St. Thomas area, including The St. Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce, The St. Thomas Downtown Development Board, The St. Thomas Homebuilders Association, The St. Thomas-Elgin Public Art Centre and Family and Children's Services of St. Thomas and Elgin County. Monty and his wife Susan are lifelong residents of the St. Thomas area. Monty wrote a monthly legal business column for the Chamber of Commerce publication "Business Beat" for over 20 years. In 2018, Monty was honoured with the Chamber of Commerce Chair's award, in recognition of his contribution to the Chamber, both as a writer and volunteer.