Ryan Bell

Ryan Bell was born and raised in Sarnia, where he attended King George and Northern Collegiate. Ryan received an Honours Degree in Philosophy from McMaster in 2004 and earned his J.D. from Western University in 2013. Ryan worked at GMSB LLP as a summer student and articling student before joining the firm as an associate upon his call to the Bar in 2014.

Ryan practices law in the footsteps of his father, D’Arcy Bell, and Ryan’s practice is similarly focused in real estate, wills and estates, corporate/commercial (including not-for-profit corporations), and municipal law/property development. He looks forward to forging long-lasting relationships with his father’s clients as well as new ones.

Ryan is married to Lila Palychuk, a CPA who serves on the boards of numerous grassroots community organizations. Ryan’s younger brother, Graham, is a former CPGA professional and now a financial adviser at Barill & Company in Sarnia. Ryan’s mother, Janis, is a retired nurse.

Outside of work, Ryan is a foster parent, an avid reader, volunteer, indie music fan and concert-goer, gamer, cook, and aspiring writer. In the summer months he enjoys many outdoor pursuits including camping, cycling, hiking and bad golf.

Ryan currently serves as Past Chair of the Sarnia Lambton Children’s Aid Society, Vice-Chair of the Dow Centre for Youth, and on the Bluewater International Granfondo Committee. Ryan previously served as Chair of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce, and on the board of the Lambton Law Association.

The Law Society of Ontario requires all lawyers to abide by a personal Statement of Principles with respect to the promotion of diversity, inclusivity and reconciliation. Ryan’s Statement of Principles is as follows:

• I am committed to inclusivity in the workplace and in my practice, which includes reducing barriers created by racism, bias, patriarchy and discrimination of any kind;
• I acknowledge my responsibility as a lawyer to protect the dignity of all individuals, and to respect human rights laws in force in Ontario;
• I acknowledge my obligation to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in my behaviour towards colleagues, employees, clients and the public;
• I support better representation of Indigenous and racialized licensees, people of colour, women, and people who identify as LGBTQ2+ in legal professions and in all legal workplaces and at all levels of seniority; and
• I am committed to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, acknowledging that we are collectively responsible to support improved relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Ontario and Canada;