In opening their own notarial firm, Maitres Catherine St-Cyr, Jean-Philippe C. Boileau and Timothée Vallée set as their goal the democratization of notarial practice. It’s quite a challenge in a usually opaque profession, and one that these three inspired individuals are facing with enthusiasm and conviction. Let’s take a look at this new generation of notaries.

Brilliantly renovated in the heart of “centre-ville” and full of natural light, the new VSB offices – which formerly housed the Montagnard pastry shop – are a fine reflection of the vision of these three young entrepreneurs. Modernity combines perfectly with the heritage aspect of one of the oldest buildings of Saint-Jovite…in a reflection of the new ideas held by these three young jurists about Canada’s oldest profession.

“We had a shared vision and were eager to develop it,” explains M^e Jean-Philippe C. Boileau. “So we decided to embark on our project to achieve our vision. We wanted to provide our services in a bright, pleasant environment, which was within the town of Mont-Tremblant and which contrasted with the idea people have of the classic notary’s office.”

“We are very fortunate,” adds M^e Catherine St-Cyr.   ”Our ideas fit together so well that we have a truly dynamite team.”

Democratizing the notary practice

“In the mind of the general public, a notary settles problems people don’t even know they have, to the point where people don’t really fully understand,” adds M^e C. Boileau. “In 2017, people are informed and want to understand. So it’s important to use clear language, particularly as a notary, so that our clients understand the pertinence of the services we provide; it’s their basic right,” he maintains.

Adapting to new realities

For the young team, changing the way in which notarial practice is perceived is essential. In addition to providing a clearer picture of the legal services offered to make them accessible to all, the notaries of the firm VSB will use technology. Every meeting room is equipped with a large HD television on which are projected the various legal documents of a transaction. “We can, for instance, show the plans, municipal bylaws and right-of-way so that our clients can visualize everything and determine the extent of our services,” M^e Catherine St-Cyr says by way of explanation.

Zero paper

The three young legal counsels will also offer their clients the ability to see their documents on a secure online portal, thus avoiding their having to keep them at their homes. It should be noted that the original documents will always be kept in a fireproof vault.

“We want to move, as much as possible, to paperless solutions. We are in discussion with our programmers to develop a client space on the Web that will allow, through use of a password, easy access to sales contracts, etc.,” they point out.

Unique in Québec

It goes without saying that the profession of notary is ruled strictly by a professional society. As an example, the Chambre des notaires du Québec makes an inspection during the first year of practice of young public officers. The day after the inspection of M^e Timothée Vallée, the firm VSB was unexpectedly visited by the director of inspection of the Chambre des notaires, Maitre Arial.

“We are a little different from the usual practice right now,” admits M^e Jean-Philippe C. Boileau. “M^e Arial’s visit had us a bit worried. But she wanted to come and meet us to congratulate us and said to us that if all of Quebec’s notaries had projects like ours, it would make our profession shine as never before. The Chambre des notaires seems to be encouraging development and innovation,” he concluded.