Founder, Lawyer (Retired)

Raymond ‘Ray’ Kaufmann emigrated to Canada from Austria when he was still a child.  At the end of World War II, Ray’s parents determined to seek a better life for their family, ultimately settling in the Quinte area.  In spite of knowing very little English, Ray was enrolled in school in Trenton, where he overcame these challenges through hard work and perseverence.  Ray became a top student at all levels of his academic career, as well as a successful athlete.

Ray then completed both his undergraduate degree and law degree at Queen’s University in Kingston, working as a Guard at Fort Henry to earn extra income.

Upon being called to the Ontario Bar; Ray started working as a lawyer in Peterborough.  However, his plan was always to move back home to the Quinte region, where he returned to open his own firm with two successful offices, one in Belleville, the other in what is now Quinte West.

In 2007 his daughter, Karinda Dockrill, joined the firm, and continues Ray’s tradition as the firm continues into its second generation of providing expert legal knowledge and high customer service standards to clients across Eastern Ontario.

Ray became one of the most knowledgeable real estate lawyers in Ontario.  Anyone who has met him knows well Ray’s warm, welcoming and approachable attitude. His clients, his business associates, and his staff have always been treated with the same high level of care and commitment that continues to form the backbone of Kaufmann, Dockrill & Associates.

Most importantly, Ray created what sets us apart from other law firms:  The culture of relaxed, friendly and accessible legal services, built on a client-first approach delivered within a team atmosphere.  We continue his legacy imbued with the philosophies he represents, and strive to keep the same foundation as we continue to build and expand the practice that he founded.

Ray retired from practising law in  December 2015, but has not slowed down.  Today he can be found spending his time at his farm property with his friends and family, or at his winter home in Florida.

Ray has set the benchmark for how we treat everyone that comes to Kaufmann Dockrill and Associates for legal advice.  We are constantly reminded of Ray’s character by the warmth expressed by his clients, who continue to work with our firm after his retirement.  We honour him by steadfastly continuing the traditions, tone, and example he set.