Driving complex deals forward: How law firm Madaisky Pollock partners with Scotiabank for success

When a family-built law firm chooses a lane and stays true to it, momentum follows. That’s the Madaisky Pollock LLP story. 

Launched 25 years ago by Pat and Dolores Madaisky out of their home, the Langley, B.C. firm has grown into a flourishing boutique firm focused on helping regulated professionals buy, build, lease and sell their businesses. Today, several family members are still deeply involved, including Aaron Madaisky, Pat and Dolores’ son and a senior lawyer at the firm.

With a client base that includes dentists, physicians, engineers and other college governed practitioners, the practice’s focus has stayed on business law, such as the buying and selling of clinics, real estate and leasing, corporate management and reorganizations. 

“We don’t try to be everything to everyone,” says Aaron. “That focus, and a banking partner that understands how law firms actually operate, has made all the difference.”

From the earliest days, that partner has been Scotiabank. For years, the law firm and bank have regularly showcased their expertise together on panels and shared booths at industry events, such as the country’s largest dental conference. “My dad was on a few early transactions with Scotiabank Specialists in the dental space, they liked working together, and it grew organically from there,” Aaron says.

Madaisky Pollock’s client base has grown almost entirely by word of mouth within tight-knit professional circles. In addition, incoming clients typically need a law firm that can be there for the years of their professional and personal lives. 

A dentist might first call Madaisky Pollock for help with employment agreements, then come back for a first home or clinic purchase, a commercial lease renewal and, years later, a practice sale. Those long arcs create frequent touchpoints, plus frequent intersections with the Scotiabank’s Healthcare & Professional Banking team.

“Often, we’re serving the same client,” Aaron says. “When a regulated professional is buying or selling a clinic, for example, there’s financing, deposits and more all tied to a closing day. Having a Scotiabank team that knows the healthcare space, and knows us, makes those days smoother for everyone.”

Charandeep Sandher, Group Lead Healthcare and Professional Banking at Scotiabank, echoes the importance of that. “Speed and certainty matter to law firms, especially when you’re moving large sums for a client,” Charandeep says. “We work closely with Aaron’s team to align on fraud prevention and same day funding expectations so they can close on time and in line with law society rules.”

Law firms also face unique trust accounting rules. Every dollar held in trust is governed by strict law society requirements and even a “small” error, like a fee being charged to a trust account, must be reported and rectified immediately, and requires a letter from the bank confirming how the error occurred, including how it will be avoided in the future.

“We deal with banks all day, every day. A lot of people don’t appreciate the intricacies of trust accounting, things like removing holds on solicitor trust cheques or ensuring a bank draft fee never touches trust,” Aaron explains. “Scotiabank gets it from top to bottom. We rely on the Scotiabank team to ensure that the recording and timing of the bank deposits and bank drafts we request are accurate and very timely, as our deadlines for turning cheques around are very tight. If there’s an issue, we can reach someone who understands why trust accounting matters and can fix issues fast. That accessibility is invaluable.”

“Working with regulated professionals is in our DNA,” says Charandeep. “We’ve known the Madaisky family for years. We see them at industry events, and we collaborate across Scotiabank, including Healthcare Banking, Business Banking, Branch and Private Banking, to support the same clients with holistic solutions.

Madaisky Pollock also now benefits from our enhanced Lawyer Banking Program¹. “It’s built for firms with trust accounts, complex client flows and evolving capital needs and when personal wealth planning is on the table, we’ll bring in our Private Banking and Wealth teams to round out the picture,” Charandeep says.

Beyond shared clients, Scotiabank has helped to finance Madaisky Pollock’s grow from a home-based business to a vibrant open-concept office in Langley that it will continue to adapt to fit its needs with capital improvements. Those solutions and advice come from a deep understanding of professionals and practice financing by the Scotiabank team and through tailored solutions such as the Scotia Professional Plan line of credit and Scotiabank’s Lawyer Banking Program.[ML6]

Today, Scotiabank also supports the firm’s daily business banking and cash flow with operating and trust accounts, credit lines and tools that remove friction, including remote deposit capture that lets the team securely scan cheques without visiting a branch.

“Authenticity and trust are how this firm operates. Scotiabank has been part of their journey from the garage to today, and we’ll keep showing up with integrated, practical solutions, so they can keep showing up for their clients,” adds Charandeep.

Looking ahead, Aaron sees growth coming from adding selectively to the firm’s team, plus preserving the unique culture it has established. “We’re not chasing 50 or 100 people,” Aaron says. “We’re focused on doing excellent work, staying approachable, and keeping a family feel. As the next generation steps up and our founders look toward retirement, we want steady, sustainable progress – and a bank that grows with us.”

With a clear focus, a trusted banking partner, and a commitment to sustainable growth, Madaisky Pollock is poised to keep complex deals moving for regulated professionals—today and for decades to come.