Biography

Layh & Associates was established in Langenburg, Saskatchewan in 1994 after Don Layh and his family relocated to Don’s family farm on the Assiniboine Valley west of Russell, Manitoba. Previously, Don practiced for eight years in Saskatoon with one of Saskatchewan’s largest firms. For over 20 years, Don has specialized in personal property security law with a particular focus on Credit Unions in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. He has taught at the Saskatchewan Bar Admission Course for several years, has lectured in all western Canadian provinces and New Zealand on personal property security law and has been a professor of law at the College of Law in Saskatoon, teaching secured financial transactions and agricultural law.

Don’s expertise in personal property security law is well recognized throughout Saskatchewan and his reputation for excellence in legal education continues to grow into Manitoba. While Don continues to advise clients on a daily basis, he has recently become the “Shepherd” to a rising flock of young lawyers as Layh & Associates expands into new projects in Saskatchewan, and new geography in Manitoba. In time, Don plans to focus his practice on teaching law in the private sector and complimentary writing projects. Don’s wit, focus, keen intellect and approachability have won him an outstanding reputation among both the legal community and among his clientele.

Don and his wife Jan continue to live on their farm just west of Russell, Mantiba on the Assiniboine Valley. Jan is both a high school teacher and visual artist, and pursues both with great passion. The Layhs contribute an inordinate amount of time, energy and support to a number of local causes. Don is a founding board member of the Family and Friends Community Foundation, a board member of Germania Mutual Insurance Company and has served on numerous other local committees. Don spends much of his scarcely free time outdoors, be it biking, running, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, riding one of his sadly neglected horses (well fed, just not well ridden) or simply strolling across the land where he finds himself. Those who engage Don will find he has a strong affection for historical matters great and small, and he would be pleased to discuss them over a dram of peaty single malt. Don and Jan have two children: Adam, who resides in Winnipeg, and Avery, who resides in Saskatoon.