Leanne Rutley

Leanne Rutley is a real estate, estate planning, and business lawyer at Kidston Helm Ross. With over 37 years of experience in the legal profession, Leanne is a trusted and highly respected solicitor, focusing her practice on real estate, estate planning and business law.  Her long-standing career has been built on a deep commitment to client service, delivering practical legal solutions with clarity and compassion. ​​

Leanne is known for her ability to explain complex legal concepts in a way that is easy for her clients to understand, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.  Whether she is assisting a family with planning their estate, guiding a business through a major transaction, or managing the intricacies of a real estate deal, Leanne brings a calm, knowledgeable and approachable presence to every matter.  Her clients value not only her legal experience, but her genuine care for their personal and professional well-being.  Leanne takes the time to listen, understand the unique needs of each client, and to provide thoughtful, tailored advice that supports their long term goals. 

Leanne received her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Manitoba in 1987 after successfully completing her undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology.  She briefly practiced with McJannet Weinberg Rich in Winnipeg, before the warmer climate drew her west to Vancouver, where she spent 5 years with Connell Lightbody in downtown Vancouver.  With her roots in a smaller town, she was drawn to Kelowna for about 8 years, then deciding to move to Vernon in 2002.  After 22 years with Nixon Wenger, Leanne moved her practice to Kidston Helm Ross LLP in April 2025. 

Leanne has been active in the Vernon Community having been on the Boards of Community Futures and Colour Me Canine Rescue Society, and a past member of the Tri-Lakes Rotary Club and Vernon Women in Business.  She enjoys assisting several animal rescue organizations and is currently on the Board of the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society.  Outside the office, Leanne and her step-daughter putter on her hobby farm near Lumby, where they tend to their horses, donkeys, chickens, cats and dogs, many of whom are rescues.  Leanne is also an avid gardener and is considered an experienced rosarian.  For this, the local deer population is thankful.