Fhara Pottinger - Partner
Fhara has had the unique opportunity to live all across Canada prior to moving to Thunder Bay in 2006. Thunder Bay has become her home and she is proud to live and work in Northern Ontario. What she loves best about living in the North is the thread of community and family that makes this place so special.
Fhara is member of the Rotary Club of Thunder Bay (Fort William), including serving as its President in 2022-2023 and is proud to be a Director of the St. Joseph’s Care Group Board. What these organizations have in common is the focus on people and community.
Fhara was called to the Bar on June 12, 2007, exactly one year after starting her first day of work in Thunder Bay. With over 16 years of experience, she is proud to be one of the founding partners of Waddington and Pottinger Law LLP and looks forward to continuing to serve her clients in Northern Ontario and across the province.
Margaret Waddington - Partner
Margaret attended law school locally at the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law as part of the graduating class of 2017. Originally from Port Hope, she decided to remain in the North after graduation and now happily calls it home. Margaret values community and relationships, taking on volunteer work with organizations like the Thunder Bay Children’s Centre Foundation, where she utilizes her skill set as a member of their Board of Directors.
Margaret is a passionate advocate for women, children, the LGBTQIA+ community, and the rights of the Indigenous peoples of Canada. She is a fierce proponent for her clients and prides herself on creating a welcoming and inclusive space to ensure their voices are heard in the legal sphere.
A trained mediator specializing in Family Law, Margaret is aware that communication and understanding are the fundamental building blocks of healthy family dynamics. She knows that with the commitment of both parties a healthy family can be built after separation for the benefit of all, and most particularly, for the children.
Katherine Lambert - Mediator
Katherine has over 16 years of experience in the legal sector working for Alberta’s child protection legal services department, Maintenance Enforcement Program and the Crown Prosecutor’s office. Although she was born and raised in Alberta, she, her husband and 2 children relocated to Thunder Bay in 2018 to be closer to her in-laws and to enjoy a better quality of life.
Since moving to Northern Ontario, Katherine worked as a senior law clerk focusing on family law and estates. In 2021, she expanded her skill set even further by becoming an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association of Family Mediators.
Katherine has always understood the importance of volunteer work and giving back to her community. Values she has shared with her two wonderful children. Over the past 20 years, Katherine has volunteered for several organizations, including Girl Guides, Coats for Kids, Northwest Narwhal Swim Club, the Children’s Aid Society Christmas Hamper Programs and Paws for Love. Most recently she has joined the Thunder Bay Minor Football Association Executive Board as their Volunteer and Fundraising Coordinator.
Twyla Godwin - Controller
Twyla is a seasoned CPA, CGA accountant with experience in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals, commercial fishing, luxury real estate and law. Originally hailing from Northwestern Ontario, Twyla’s journey has taken her across the country, and after spending 15 years in the vibrant city of Vancouver, she’s thrilled to be back where it all began!
Armed with degrees in both Accounting and Information Technology, Twyla brings a unique blend of financial expertise and technological acumen to the team. Her return to the legal industry is marked by enthusiasm and a commitment to delivering top-notch services.
Outside the world of numbers, Twyla is a family-oriented individual. She shares her life with a loving husband and a wonderful son. Despite the demands of a busy career, she still makes time for her passions. She enjoys a good book, the thrill of a good volleyball game and has recently joined a softball team just to ensure her schedule is never boring.
Cady Dreger - Lawyer Licensing Candidate
With roots in both Southern Ontario and rural Saskatchewan, Cady decided to split the difference by making Thunder Bay her home. Cady graduated on the Dean’s List of the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law and looks forward to receiving her Call to the Bar in October 2024.
Cady holds an honours bachelor degree in Professional Communication from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) with a minor in Acting and Dance. Exemplified by her work with Pro Bono Students of Canada, the Lakehead Law Students’ Society, and Lakehead University Community Legal Services, Cady is passionate about working with people of diverse backgrounds through complex, intimate, and emotionally difficult subject matter in pursuit of a fulfilling resolution.
In her free time, Cady actively participates in Thunder Bay’s thriving community theatres. On stage and off, Cady believes in the power of storytelling to effect change and foster understanding, both in the courtroom and in her community.
Erika Shaule - Law Student
Erika is a dedicated law student with a strong passion for family law and a commitment to helping individuals navigate the legal system. Erika is an upcoming 2025 graduate from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law. Erika completed her undergraduate degree in her hometown of Sault Ste. Marie with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Law and Justice at Algoma University.
Erika has always strived to work in family law and social justice. She has previously been involved with Thunder Bay’s Northwestern Ontario Women’s Centre and worked in a Clinic in her hometown. Erika is focused on helping those in need and providing a voice to all members of the community. Erika believes in the importance of compassionate advocacy and empowering clients through the court process.
Outside of her studies, Erika enjoys exploring Thunder Bay and its local food scenes or enjoying a book on the beach. Erika is proud to serve Thunder Bay and be a part of the team at Waddington and Pottinger LLP.