Our Experienced Legal Team

Horner & Pietersma is led by some of Ontario’s most esteemed lawyers, united in their commitment to exceptional legal services.

Decades of Legal Success Rooted in Integrity and Community Focus

With dedication, expertise, and a client-first approach, our lawyers have consistently delivered results that leave a lasting impact—60 years and counting.

Meet Our Lawyers

Our team represents excellence, integrity, and empathy—the trinity to navigate your legal challenges with confidence and ease.

  • Experienced & Dedicated Lawyers

    Our team features some of Ontario’s finest, including founding partner Eldon Horner, a recipient of the Law Society Medal.

  • Influential Leaders in Legal Associations

    Beyond their practice, our lawyers hold prestigious positions in legal and allied associations, further strengthening their expertise and influence.

  • Highly Personalized Support

    We prioritize personal connections, with each lawyer dedicated to fully understanding and addressing your unique needs.

  • I had the pleasure of working with Horner & Pietersma on legal matters, and I'm truly impressed by their expertise. Kristen Godwin-Stewart and Jane van Moorsel in particular were incredibly helpful and approachable. From our first meeting, I felt at ease with how welcoming they were. What stood out to me was how attentively they listened to my concerns and patiently answered all my questions, no matter how small. Their deep knowledge of the law was evident, but what really made a difference was their genuine desire to help me through any complex legal challenges. I always felt like my case was a priority for them. They worked diligently on my behalf and kept me informed every step of the way. Their hard work and dedication resulted in outcomes that exceeded my expectations. Kristen and Jane have earned my complete trust through their professionalism and care. I'm grateful for their guidance and support, and I won't hesitate to turn to them again for any future legal needs.

    ~ Wade K.

  • Proven expertise, responsiveness and a commitment to building client relationships wherein I always feel that that my needs are the Horner & Pietersma team’s highest priority, has built an invaluable business partnership over the years. Clear communications, making the complex simple, taking the time that’s needed every time and providing insightful, informed and authentic guidance are some of the hallmarks of my partnership with Eric that I’ve come to appreciate most.

    ~ Kathy T.

  • When I hired Horner & Pietersma for a complicated estate file I didn’t know what to do. They guided me through a long process, and got a fantastic result. I have told EVERYONE that these guys are the BEST!

    ~ Rhonda S.

  • Horner & Pietersma were amazing at supporting all involved during a recent situation regarding a will being disputed. During the entire process, I was kept up to date, supported and any questions or concerns I had were promptly addressed. I felt very comfortable with both Kristen and Eldon at my side! If I ever needed legal assistance again, I would be going to them!

    ~ Krystal W.

Eldon Horner

Eldon was one of 7 lawyers in the province of Ontario awarded the Law Society Medal in 2021 for outstanding service within the profession.

Eldon’s practice consists mainly of Real Estate, Agricultural Law, Wills and Estates, Municipal Law, and Corporate/Business matters. He has a great deal of experience in real estate transactions, with a focus on agricultural clients.

A long-time advocate for the legal profession, Eldon is a Past President of the SDG County Law Association, and was elected as Chair of the Federation of Ontario Law Associations (www.fola.ca) in 2015.

In 1993 Eldon was the valedictorian for the graduating class at the University of Toronto Law School. Prior to law school Eldon was the valedictorian for Seaway District High School (1986) and he obtained an Honours BA from Wilfrid Laurier University (1990).

Outside of work Eldon plays hockey and golf. He has coached minor hockey, baseball and soccer. He is currently the Chairman of the Board of Directors of RHI which operates the Dundas Manor Long Term Care Home. Previously he served on the Board of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital, was a Champlain Grant review appointee for the Ontario Trillium Foundation and is the former President of the Iroquois Golf Club.

Eldon was born and raised on a farm in Dundas County, with a brief period in Montreal. He currently resides near Winchester with his wife Shelly. They have 4 adult children, Joshua, Daniel, Sam, and Katie.

Email: ehorner@hp-lawyers.com

Eric Pietersma

Eric has been a partner with Horner & Pietersma since 2003. He practices in the areas of real estate, wills and estates, corporate/business law and has worked extensively in all aspects of farm-related matters.

Eric was born in Toronto, but moved to Iroquois at the age of six because he thought it would be a good place to live. His parents agreed. He tried to grow up on the Broken Second with his parents and three brothers, and attended Seaway District High School in Iroquois.

After high school, he attended University of Toronto for a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and, not having spent enough money on schooling, decided to get a Master’s Degree from McGill. Having accumulated a mountain of debt, he then decided more school was the best choice, and returned to the University of Toronto for a law degree.

Apart from these many years in university and his two years with the law firm of Nelligan O’Brien Payne in Ottawa, Eric has continued to make this area his home and native land. When not working as a lawyer, Eric enjoys time spent at home with his family, where parenting, woodworking, gardening and farming chickens, cattle and field mice keeps him more than busy. 

He is also a keen supporter of local institutions, and has served on various local boards. In these volunteer efforts, he has tried to help develop and expand the impact of these institutions. This has included serving as President of the Upper Canada Playhouse, fundraising for the Winchester District Memorial Hospital Foundation, sitting on the Hospital’s Ethics Committee and the Research Ethics Board, and sitting on the Board of Directors for the St. Lawrence Acoustic Stage.

Email: epietersma@hp-lawyers.com

Kristen MacDonald

Kristen joined the firm in 2016 as an associate lawyer.  She has a general practice, with a focus on real estate, wills and estates, family law, business law and municipal matters.

Kristen received her Juris Doctor from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University as part of the inaugural class. Kristen also received her Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Forensic Science from Carleton University and completed her Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa. 

Being passionate about her work, she is dedicated to ensuring clients feel supported and informed throughout their legal matters. From the initial consultation to the final steps, she is committed to making the process as positive as possible. She aims to provide clear, timely and professional services to all of her clients. 

Outside of the office, competitive sports have always been a huge part of her life. As a former varsity hockey player, she continues to enjoy an active lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and spending quality time with her friends and family.  

Kristen is currently a member of the S.D. & G Law Association, County of Carleton Law Association, Leeds & Grenville Law Association, and the Law Society of Ontario.  

Kristen is happy to be serving this community and is dedicated to making a positive impact on those she assists.

Email: kmacdonald@hp-lawyers.com

Kristen Godwin-Stewart

Kristen first began her legal career at Horner & Pietersma as a law clerk, then as an articling student, and finally returned as an associate lawyer in 2021 after practicing in Ottawa. Her practice is mainly in the areas of real estate, family law, wills and estates, and corporate/business matters.

Kristen attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School in Cornwall and graduated as an Ontario Scholar (2012). She then attended Queen’s University where she obtained her undergraduate degree, a B.Sc. (Honours) Specialization in Biology and Psychology (2016). Kristen then studied law at the historic University of Edinburgh in Scotland and was awarded her LL.B., with merit (2018). Kristen was called to the Ontario Bar in June of 2020.

Kristen is a member of the Rural Research Network Ethics Board at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. She is a member of the Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry Law Association, and a recipient of the Pat Rudden Memorial Bursary. Kristen is also a member of the Leeds & Grenville Law Association and the County of Carleton Law Association (“CCLA”). Kristen has co-authored papers with Eldon Horner about wills and estate matters and had the opportunity to speak about this topic at the 2024 East Region Solicitors Conference hosted by the CCLA. 

Born and raised in South Stormont, Kristen is proud to call eastern Ontario her home. When she is not busy at the office, Kristen enjoys spending time with her friends and family, walking her two dogs, being active outdoors, reading, and other cozy hobbies.

Email: kgodwinstewart@hp-lawyers.com

Jane Van Moorsel

Jane joined Horner & Pietersma as a placement student in January, 2024, and is thrilled to be staying on as an associate lawyer following her Call to the Bar in October, 2024. Jane’s practice focuses on civil litigation, family law, real estate, and wills and estates.

Jane received her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree from Carleton University after writing her Honours Thesis on the policing of mental health crises in rural communities. Jane received her Juris Doctor from the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, which she was drawn to for the school’s focus on small town legal practice. While in law school, Jane was a student caseworker in the Community Legal Services Clinic, focusing on Landlord and Tenant Board issues. Jane also worked as a research assistant to Professor Tenille Brown, concentrating on the topic of Wills and Estates in an Indigenous context.

Having spent most of her life on her family’s dairy farm here in South Dundas, Jane is very happy to be practicing in her home community. Outside of work, Jane enjoys playing volleyball, baking, and spending time with her nephew and nieces.

Jane previously sat on the Board of Directors for Vesta Women’s Recovery House in Ottawa and looks forward to getting involved in more community initiatives now that she is home.

Email: jvanmoorsel@hp-lawyers.com

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