Martin Willemse

B.L.C., LL.B.

Partner, Western Canada Practice Leader

Practice Areas

Disability Insurance Law, Personal Injury Law

Location

Calgary, Vancouver

Experience

Martin Willemse is a partner at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, and Western Canada Practice Leader of the Long-term Disability (LTD) and Personal Injury Law practice group. He provides exceptional representation to his long-term disability clients in Alberta and British Columbia.

Martin is known in the community as an insurance lawyer who fights for the rights of those living with complex chronic illnesses and conditions including:

He is recognized as an advocate and legal resource by multiple organizations across BC, including the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of BC, National MEFM Action Network of Canada (for individuals living with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and chronic pain who have been denied long-term disability benefits), the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – BC and Yukon Division, BC Psychological Association, and PainBC.

Martin represents clients with denied long-term disability claims throughout British Columbia and is well connected to those in the medical community who specialize in providing treatment to and assessments of people living with disability. He also represents clients with denied critical illness and death benefit claims. Martin has appeared at all levels of court in British Columbia and the Federal Court of Appeal, as well as in front of administrative tribunals such as the Pension Appeals Board. Read reviews about Martin.

With years of experience litigating and resolving denied disability claims, and through his ongoing involvement with non-profit organizations, Martin brings a deep understanding of chronic illness cases, working closely with medical specialists to secure strong, supportive evidence for his clients.

In 2022, Martin was voted one of the top insurance lawyers in BC by Best Lawyers magazine, a peer-reviewed publication.

Radio Hosting

The Disability Law Show on Radio

The Disablity Law Show with disability lawyers Sivan Tumarkin and Martin Willemse airs weekly on Global News Radio 770 CHQR in Calgary, 630 CHED in Edmonton, and 980 CKNW in Vancouver. The team answers the many questions listeners have about their rights to compensation following an LTD claim denial by the insurance company.

Listen to episodes of the Disability Law Show

Articles & Blogs

2023

  • Insurer forcing you back to work in British Columbia? 3 things to do – Global News
  • Cut off long-term disability in B.C.? 3 things you must do – Global News
  • Claiming long-term disability for anxiety? 3 reasons you could be denied – Global News

2022

  • Claiming long-term disability for depression? 5 things to know – Global News
  • 3 things that can help reduce stress when dealing with a long-term disability insurer – Global News
  • Long-term disability denied in British Columbia? 3 things to do – Global News
  • Applying for long-term disability for mental health issues? 3 things you should know – Global News

Education

Martin obtained his B.L.C. and LL.B. from the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

Awards

Recognized by Best Lawyers

In recognition of his dedication and skill, Martin has been named among the top insurance lawyers in Canada for 2025 by Best Lawyers.

Memberships & Affiliations

Martin plays an important role at a number of organizations:

  • Supervising lawyer for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada – BC and Yukon Division
  • Legal resource for the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis / Fibromyalgia Society of BC, as well as the federal National MEFM Action Network of Canada
  • Seminars and discussions for the BC Psychological Association and PainBC about long-term disability claims
  • Frequent speaker at insurance conferences and has on invitation participated in panel discussions with medical professionals, community support workers, and insurance industry representatives on issues related to disability claims.

Helpful Resources

Discover more about your workplace and disability rights through Samfiru Tumarkin LLP's resources.

Blog

Can an employer force an employee to take a COVID-19 vaccine? Learn about workplace rights in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccine, vaccine, force to take vaccine
COVID October 19th, 2020

Can my employer force me to take a COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario?

By Brock Ouellet

Can an employer force an employee to take a COVID-19 vaccine? Learn about workplace rights in Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read Article
View Blog

Blog

Canadians In Need Of Disability

Canadians In Need of Disability Leave Increasing

By Sivan Tumarkin

A new survey on disability leave found that the number of working Canadians who need time off due to a disability is…

Read Article
View Blog

Blog

Disability/Personal Injury November 1st, 2021

3 Things You Can Do If You’re Denied Long-term Disability

By Sivan Tumarkin

When you pay into a long-term disability (LTD) insurance policy, you’re buying peace of mind. You know that if you get sick…

Read Article
View Blog

See what Samfiru Tumarkin LLP’s clients are saying

I highly recommend using this law firm. They were so patient and understanding as it was an extremely emotional process for me to go through. Every step of the way they communicated and explained each part of the process so that I fully understood where we were at. They also provided me with options and time to think things over before needing to make my next decision. Everyone on the team that I worked with was very professional, empathetic, patient,knowledgeable, and kind. Hopefully I never have to go through the ordeal that I did again, but if I ever find myself in those same circumstances I would return to this law firm to represent me. I cannot thank Martin Willemse and Shannon Siak enough for all of their hard work and dedication
Jennifer J.
  • 5 / 5
Review from
If I can leave ten stars I would. I had the pleasure of dealing with Martin and Shannon. These people were amazing. Martin is certainly an expert in his field. Shannon very prompt and pleasing to deal with. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Jonathan S.
  • 5 / 5
Review from
My LTD insurer stopped my benefits on my Change of Definition day without any change to the medical status of my disability. I immediately contacted Samfiru Tumarkin and was put in touch with Martin Willemse and his legal assistant Shannon Siak. Both were very professional and knowledgeable. Mr Willemse walked me though my options and the likely results. We proceeded to sue the insurer and arrived at a settlement that I found satisfactory. I was kept informed during the process and Mr Willemse ensured that I understood and agreed with each step taken. I highly recommend Samfiru Tumarkin for your disability related legal needs.
Chuck H.
  • 5 / 5
Review from

Advice You Need. Compensation You Deserve.

Consult with Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. We are one of Canada's most experienced and trusted employment, labour and disability law firms. Take advantage of our years of experience and success in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.

Get help now