Firm: History

Ernie Alexander Story

Ernie Alexander, one of the founding members of the Alexander Holburn Beaudin and Lang LLP, carried a reputation far beyond his remarkable legal career. Not only was he a successful lawyer, he was also an educator, respected pilot, valued counsellor, Commanding Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force and a man with a unique sense of humour.

After Ernie graduated in Arts at University of British Columbia in 1940, he joined the R.C.A.F. and had a legendary career as a pilot, instructor and leader of the R.C.A.F 442 Reserve Squadron.

The most memorable occasion that Ernie is known for was when he was ordered by his commander to “escort visiting foreign warships beneath the Lions Gate Bridge”. Even though Ernie was aware that aircraft were not permitted to fly below the bridge, he directed three jet fighters to fly behind the warships underneath the bridge. When Ernie was called to account for breaching regulations, he cleverly pointed out that he had only been obeying orders. He had been ordered to escort the USS Constitution beneath the Lions Gate Bridge and that was precisely what he had done. 

Soon after he was discharged from the R.C.A.F in 1945, Ernie enrolled in the first law class at University of British Columbia and received his L.L.B. in 1948. After his graduation, he worked with a few different firms before founding the firm that is now known as Alexander Holburn Beaudin & Lang LLP.

Although he was best known as a barrister, Ernie’s practice was as broad as his character. He taught estates to bar admission students and served a wide variety of clients and cases. In his early years, Ernie carried many briefs for the Attorney General and was well known as counsel for the Crown at Assizes. Latterly, he became known for his trial work on behalf of the broadcasters of the Province and for his persuasive arguments and terse factums in the Court of Appeal.

Aside from his impressive professional feats, Ernie Alexander will always be remembered for his charismatic, helping nature and his ability to put a smile on people’s faces.