PARTNERS
Mark Hildebrand (Partner) admitted to bar, 2005, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Sc., 1999); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2004).
Professional Experience
Mark carries on a general corporate / commercial practice. His experience includes assisting both purchasers and vendors with respect to the purchase and sale of businesses and companies, incorporations and partnerships, commercial and residential real estate and financing.
Mark is a member of the firm's Construction Law Team and provides advice to both owners and contractors on various contracting issues. Mark has provided advice to contractors of public private partnership projects across Canada.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Email: Mark Hildebrand
E. (Sonny) Mirth Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1966, Alberta; 1986, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1964); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1965).
Professional Experience
Sonny's practice focuses on property and contract law including property development, financing, sales, purchases, leasing, preparation and analysis of mortgages, debentures and other security documents, condominiums, mortgages and other security remedies and actions, builders' liens and landlord and tenant matters. He has appeared in all levels of the courts of Alberta and in the Supreme Court of Canada and has served on arbitration panels and legislative boards.
For many years he has issued regular written reports on current real estate and lending law, which have been widely distributed to lending institutions and members of the legal profession. He has published articles and case comments in the Canadian Bar Review, the Alberta Law Reports, the Condominium Institute, and the Alberta Law Review on mortgage renewals, loan interest, builders' liens, leases, personal property security, security remedies and condominium law.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society
- Past Joint Canadian Bar Association/Law Society Legislative Review Committee, Chairman; Acted for 35 years as the committee's legislative officer, monitored and reviewed Bills that came before the Legislature and coordinated the committee's response to the appropriate Ministers and government departments
- Associate Editor of the Western Weekly Reports
- Past member Registry Liaison Committee and Real Estate Practice Advisory Committee, Law Society of Alberta
- Conveyancing manual editorial board, Legal Education Society of Alberta
- Canadian Condominium Institute with accredited ACCI and FCCI designations
- Canadian Institute of Mortgage Brokers and Lenders
- Past President, Canadian Bar Association, Edmonton Real Estate section
- Member, Mortgage Loans Association of Alberta
- Member, Alberta Mortgage Brokers Association
Community Involvement
- Active in political constituency and executive functions
- Member of various charitable organizations
- Director and committee chair, Edmonton Apartment Association
- Past-President of Toastmasters
- Former member, Chamber of Commerce Urban Development Committee
- Former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Forum for Young Albertans
Awards and Achievements
- Selected by his peers as "Edmonton's Best Lawyers Real Estate Lawyer of the Year" for 2011 and Banking lawyer for 2013
- Recognized as a "Leading Practitioner" in the practice area of Banking, Property Development and Leasing by the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, 2009 and 2012
- 2007 Cecilia Johnstone Distinguished Service Award - Canadian Bar Association
- 2007 FCCI designation - Canadian Condominium Institute
- 2007 Edmonton Apartment Association Assaly Award
- Distinguished Service Award - Law Society of Alberta and Canadian Bar Association (1998)
- Distinguished Service Award - Edmonton Bar Association (1993)
- Honourary Life Member - Mortgage Loans Associations of Alberta (1991)
Lecturer
- Alberta Mortgage Brokers Certification Program (1996 - 2006)
- Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) - frequently chairs and lectures at panels on many aspects of property law, finance and lien law
- Frequent lecturer in Canadian Condominium Institute programs
- American Law Institute/American Bar Association
- Former lecturer - University of Alberta, Faculty of Law - Creditor's Rights
- Former lecturer - Alberta Bar Admission Course - Builders' Liens section
- Presenter - C.L.H.I.A. (Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association) seminar
Email: E. (Sonny) Mirth Q.C.
Julie Gagnon (Partner) admitted to bar, 1999, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1994); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1998).
Professional Experience
Julie carries on a general practice of law with a focus on administrative law, civil litigation and wills & estates.
Julie acts for several professional associations and provides advice on regulatory issues and interpretation of legislation. Julie has experience as board counsel, and in prosecuting and defending professionals in disciplinary hearings. She has appeared before various tribunals, the Court of Queen's Bench and the Court of Appeal.
Julie also conducts a civil litigation and wills & estates practice. Her wills & estates practice includes estate planning, estate administration and litigation.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association - Administrative Law and Wills & Estates sections
- Edmonton Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Former Board Member, Concrete Theatre Society
- Member, Association canadienne - française de l'Alberta
- Member, Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Alberta
Languages: French (fluent).Email: Julie Gagnon
Allan Farmer Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1969, Alberta; 1992, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1965); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1968).
Professional Experience
Allan's practice includes corporate/commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, municipal law and administrative law. He acts as legal counsel for a number of corporations, municipalities, and commissions.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Former Chair, Senior Advisory Committee for the Annual Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of Canada Celebrity Golf Tournament
- Director of a Charitable Foundations
- Govenor, Edmonton Petroleum Club
Email: Allan Farmer Q.C.
Kelsey L. Becker Brookes (Partner) admitted to bar, 2000, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1996); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1999).
Professional Experience
Kelsey carries on a general practice of law primarily focused in the areas of municipal law, civil litigation, and employment law. Kelsey also practices in the areas of estate litigation, and assists clients with dependent adult applications. She has presented a number of seminars and has written many articles on these topics. Kelsey is particularly interested in the area of municipal elections and challenges to elections and has lectured extensively on the topic.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association, Creditors' Rights and Municipal Law Sections
- Former Member, Board of Directors for Camp He Ho Ha
Email: Kelsey L. Becker Brookes
Sir Francis C. R. Price Bt., Q.C., C.L.J., M.M.L.J., C.Arb. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1976, Alberta; 1978, Northwest Territories; 1992, Appointed Queen's Counsel (Q.C.); 1994, Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb.). Education: Eton College, England (1963-68); University of Melbourne (LL.B., Hons., 1973); University of Alberta (LL.M., 1975).
Professional Experience
Francis is a Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb.) and acts as independent or sole chairman on arbitrations involving labour and employment problems, commercial and business disputes, construction, health law, products liability and various other fields. He is also a mediator, assisting parties in resolving disputes involving commercial transactions, labour and employment problems, construction disputes, community relationships, sports disputes and various other fields.
Francis carries on a general litigation practice that includes mortgage foreclosures, primarily on behalf of lenders, actions on collateral and other bank loan security, expropriation, and oil and gas surface rights. He has appeared in all levels of the courts of Alberta, the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Francis has published articles and case comments in the Alberta and Melbourne Law Reviews and in the Alberta Law Reports, relating to foreclosure law, actions on agreements for sale, valuation of security interests, expropriation, oil and gas surface rights and adoption. He is the author of "Pipelines in Western Canada". In 1985 he co-authored, with his wife Mme. Justice Marguerite Trussler, a textbook entitled "Mortgage Actions in Alberta", dealing with foreclosure and related contract remedies in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada. In 1996 he authored a "Practice Guide to Conducting a Foreclosure Action", published by Carswell. In 2003, to honour the retirement of Master in Chambers Michael Funduk, Francis compiled a book of humorous quotes of Master Funduk from among his 3519 written decisions. The proceeds from sale of copies continues to go to the Edmonton Food Bank.
Professional Associations
- Law Society of Northwest Territory, Conduct Committee
- Canadian Bar Association, Creditors' Rights and Labour Law Sections
- The Center for International Legal Studies, Austria - Charter Member, Congress of Fellows
- ADR Institute of Canada Inc., Member (C.Arb.)
- Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society, Member
- Canadian Industrial Relations Association, Member
- Edmonton Bar Association, Member
Past Associations
- Law Society of Alberta - 1990-1994 Elected Bencher, served as Chair of the Joint Library Committee, the Rules Committee, the Paralegal and Unauthorized Practice Committee, the Custodianship Advisory Committee, the Articling Subcommittee and as Vice-Chair of the Education Committee
Community Involvement
- Edmonton Opera Association, currently Board Vice-Chair, Endowment Committee Chair; Member, Edmonton Opera Chorus (bass) 1988-Present
- Toastmasters International, Member (CTM, CL)
- Director or Member of various cultural, church, charitable and sporting organizations, including: Order of St. Lazarus (C.L.J.), Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Canadian Diabetes Association, The Players de Novo (Legal Community Play)
- Australian Army (Melbourne University Regiment), 1969-1973
Awards and Achievements
- Canadian Petroleum Law Foundation Fellowship (1974)
- Alberta Law Society's Award for Distinguished Service to the Community (2011)
- University of Alberta - Distinguished Alumni Award (2011)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012)
Lecturer
- Alberta Arbitration & Mediation Society
- Canadian Bar Association
- Legal Education Society of Alberta
- University of Calgary Labour Arbitration Conference
- Centre for Labour-Management Development
- University of Alberta
- Center for International Legal Studies, Austria
- Centro Juridico para el Comercio Interamericano, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, México
- Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Estado de México, México City, México.
- Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Department of Advanced Education, Alberta
- Alberta Bar Admission Course - Course Developer, former Lecturer and Course Head in Foreclosures
- Numerous Financial Institutions
Approved Arbitrator / Mediator
- Comisión Arbitral Permanente, Arbitration Services Centre, Monterrey, México - Director
- American Arbitration Association (AAA) - National Panel of Commercial Arbitrators and Mediators
- Alberta Labour Relations Code Grievance Arbitration Roster - Appointed Arbitrator
- Labour Canada Arbitration Roster - Appointed Arbitrator
- Canada Customs and Revenue Agency - Appointed Independent Third Party Reviewer
- Edmonton Construction Association, ADR Facility - Mediator and Arbitrator
Languages: French.Email: Sir Francis C. R. Price Bt., Q.C., C.L.J., M.M.L.J., C.Arb.
Rick W. Ewasiuk Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1979, Alberta; 2000, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.Sc., Mathematics, 1975); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1978).
Professional Experience
Rick carries on a practice of law which emphasizes the corporate / commercial area. He has had considerable experience in sophisticated transactions of various kinds, including acquisitions, mergers, partnerships and business reorganizations, in addition to providing advice to businesses, health care corporations and education institutions regarding ongoing contracts, credit issues, planning, technology and policy issues. He has been a frequent lecturer to business and professional audiences and has published several articles on corporate and commercial law. Rick is the author of a book on shareholders agreements, now in its second edition.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Extensive participation in, and pro-bono assistance to, various non-profit organizations including Edmonton Symphony Society, Edmonton Concert Hall Foundation, Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, Canadian Association of Family Enterprises and various other community groups and committees
- Founding Director, Canadian Association of Family Enterprises, Edmonton Chapter
- Mayors Advisory Committee, A City Called Home
Lecturer
- Former lecturer, Alberta Bar Admission Course - Corporate Law
- Former lecturer, University of Alberta, Extension - Contract Law
Email: Rick W. Ewasiuk Q.C.
Michael J. Mccabe Q.C (Partner) admitted to bar, 1980, Alberta; 2002, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.Sc., Mathematics, 1975); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1979).
Professional Experience
Michael carries on a litigation practice focused primarily on bankruptcy and insolvency matters and commercial and corporate litigation. He has appeared in all levels of Courts in Alberta and in the Supreme Court of Canada on several occasions.
Michael has published articles and case comments for a number of legal publications, including the Canadian Bankruptcy Reports and Alberta Law Reports, and has prepared and delivered papers for many organizations including Legal Education Society of Alberta, Canadian Bar Association, Insight, Canadian Insolvency Practitioners Association, Canadian Institute and Insolvency Institute of Canada.
Michael's articles have been occasionally been referred to by the Courts including to the Alberta Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Insolvency Institute of Canada, Charter Member
Community Involvement
- Board of Directors, Edmonton Flying Club
Awards and Achievements
- Recognized in the 2009 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory as a "Leader Practitioner" in the practice area of Insolvency
- Selected by peers for inclusion in the 2009 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada in the specialty of Insolvency and Financial Restructuring
- Recognized as a "Leading Practitioner" in the practice area of Insolvency Litigation by the 2012 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory
Lecturer
- Former lecturer, Alberta Bar Admission Course - Lecturer and Course Head - Creditors' Rights; Collections
Email: Michael J. Mccabe Q.C
Fred Kozak Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1982, Alberta; 2008, Appointed Queen's Counsel; 2009, Northwest Territories; 2010, Yukon. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1976); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1981).
Professional Experience
Fred carries on a civil litigation practice with an emphasis on constitutional law, media and defamation issues, employment and administrative proceedings. He represents several national news organizations, and provides pre-publication advice to print and broadcast media outlets. Fred has been counsel in several cases where the Charter has been used to strike down provincial or federal legislation, and has appeared in all levels of the courts of Alberta and in the Supreme Court of Canada.
Major Media Clients Include:
- Edmonton Journal
- CBC
- Globe and Mail
- CTV
- National Post
- Canadian Press
- Broadcast News
- Lethbridge Herald
- Medicine Hat News
- Post Media
- Great West Newspaper Group
Professional Associations
Member orEmail: Fred Kozak Q.C.
Sheila C. McNaughtan, Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1982, Alberta; 2010, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.Sc., 1976); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1981).
Professional Experience
Sheila carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on municipal law, and administrative law. Sheila acts for a number of municipalities, school authorities, commissions and other authorities in areas of municipal government and services, planning and development, expropriation, education administration, contracts and by-law enforcement. Her practice involves both litigation and non-litigation services. Sheila has appeared before numerous boards, the Court of Queen's Bench and the Court of Appeal.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
Lecturer
- Occasional lecturer at a number of municipal association conferences including AAMD&C, AUMA, ADOA, AARMA
Email: Sheila C. McNaughtan, Q.C.
Wesley M. Pedaruski Q.C. (Partner) admitted to bar, 1982, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1978); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1981).
Professional Experience
Wes concentrates his practice in the areas of bank related law and corporate / commercial transactions. His banking practice includes all aspects of commercial and residential security enforcement, foreclosures, resale of assets and all related aspects. His corporate / commercial practice includes purchase and sale of shares, assets and general corporate advice. Wes has appeared in all levels of court including the Supreme Court of Canada.
Professional Associations
Professional Associations Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
Email: Wesley M. Pedaruski Q.C.
Douglas Tkachuk (Partner) admitted to bar, 1983, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (Business and Commerce Program, 1977-1979); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1982).
Professional Experience
Doug's practice focuses on bankruptcy, insolvency, loan realizations, creditors' remedies, corporate and commercial transactions and commercial litigation. Doug has conducted numerous seminars for financial institutions and insolvency organizations on topics related to banking, insolvency, creditors' rights and remedies with respect to the BIA, CCAA, PPSA and CEA. Doug has appeared before all levels of the courts of Alberta and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Insolvency Institute of Canada
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Former Executive Committee Member of the Westridge-Wolf Willow Country Community League
- Former hockey coach for the Southside Athletic Club and the Canadian Athletic Club
- Currently, and for the past six years, coach of the Edmonton Warriors Girls U18 Fastball Team
Lecturer
- Alberta Bar Admission Course -Bankruptcy/Insolvency Section
- Canadian Insolvency Practitioners Association
Email: Douglas Tkachuk
Victor L. Lirette (Managing Partner) admitted to bar, 1984, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Ed., with distinction, 1980); University of Alberta (LL.B., with distinction, 1983).
Professional Experience
Victor carries on a practice which includes loans and security placement, land development, construction and commercial real estate. Victor has published articles in the Alberta Law Review relating to problems involving non-profit associations and frequently presents seminars and courses of interest to those involved in the banking, real estate and construction industry.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
Lecturer
- Former lecturer - Institute of Canadian Bankers - Consumer and Corporate Banking Courses
- Former lecturer - Alberta Bar Admission Course - Builders' Liens
Email: Victor L. Lirette
C. Randall McCreary (Partner) admitted to bar, 1985, Alberta; 1996, Certified Fraud Examiner. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., Accounting, 1981); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1984).
Professional Experience
Randy carries on an extensive practice on utility (electric, gas and water) regulatory proceedings and related matters. Randy's regulatory experience has included many appearances before the Alberta Utilities Commission and its predecessors, intervening in utility rate cases on behalf of residential, small business, municipal and other end-use customers. He has negotiated and prepared numerous agreements with utilities on behalf of end-use customers. In addition, Randy has his CFE designation and his commercial fraud litigation experience has included obtaining and executing private search warrants and freezing assets and bank accounts. He has worked with the RCMP, Edmonton Police Service - Economic Crime Unit, the Special Prosecutions branch, and a number of forensic accountants in realization on fraud claims. He has appeared before all levels of the Courts of Alberta, the Real Estate Agents' Licensing Board, and the Development Appeal Board.
He has given seminars on a variety of regulatory issues (electric, water and gas), commercial fraud topics and creditor's rights and remedies.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners - Austin, Texas and the local Edmonton Chapter
- Former member, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta
- Former Vice - President, Edmonton Landlord Tenant Advisory Board (appointed by Edmonton City Council); Former Chair of the Forms Committee
- Former Director, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (Edmonton Chapter); Former President
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Former Director, Heads Up Fraud Prevention Association - 2000-2001
- Coach, Community League - Soccer - 2000; Club Soccer - 2001-2011; and Junior High Soccer and Basketball - 2006-2013
Lecturer
- Former lecturer, Alberta Bar Admission Course
- Lecturer, Creditors Rights and Bankruptcy/Insolvency
- Seminars for Credit Guard and the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, AUMA
Email: C. Randall McCreary
Donald C. I. Lucky (Partner) admitted to bar, 1988, Alberta; 1987, Articled to the Alberta Courts. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1984); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1987); University of Cambridge (LL.M., 1991).
Professional Experience
Don is RMRF's team leader in Construction Law. His construction law practice involves providing advice to a large international general contractor and to many public and private owners, in respect of construction contract delivery models and negotiation, insurance and bonding, tendering and procurement, builders' liens, litigation and alternate dispute resolution. Don has provided advice to Contractors and Owners in over 65 Public Private (P3) Infrastructure Projects and in numerous oil and gas and power mega-projects throughout Canada, the United States and Australia. In addition, he has appeared at all levels of the courts of Alberta and the Northwest Territories and in mediations and arbitrations as counsel and as arbitrator. He has taught the Construction Law Course at the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta for the past decade.
Don is married with two children and enjoys hockey and golf.
Professional Associations
-Email: Donald C. I. Lucky
Marco S. Poretti (Partner) born Edmonton, Alberta, October 11, 1960; admitted to bar, 1988, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1983; LL.B., 1987).
Professional Experience
Marco's practice is focused on litigation and aboriginal law, with an emphasis on commercial litigation, contract disputes, construction litigation, shareholder disputes, insurance and municipal property assessment complaints. He has a broad range of experience before courts, tribunals and arbitrators, and has appeared before all levels of Alberta courts, Federal courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. Marco is also a certified mediator.
Over the course of his career, Marco has acted on complex and lengthy Alberta trials dealing with, among other matters, construction defects and aboriginal treaty rights.
Marco is married with two children and enjoys golf and coaching soccer.
Professional Associations
Member or Practice Areas: General Civil; Trial Practice; Aboriginal Law.Email: Marco S. Poretti
William W. Barclay (Partner) admitted to bar, 1991, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1987); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1990).
Professional Experience
Bill carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on municipal and planning law. He also maintains a civil litigation practice which includes personal injury, insurance, construction and employment law. Bill chairs the firm's Municipal Law Team and regularly provides legal advice to numerous municipalities and municipal sector tribunals throughout the Province of Alberta. He has appeared before a number of tribunals including the Municipal Government Board, the Environmental Appeal Board, the Labour Relations Board and the Natural Resources Conservation Board. He appears before both, and represents, numerous Subdivision and Development Appeal Boards, and Assessment Review Boards throughout the Province. Bill also appears regularly before the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Alberta Trial Lawyers Association
Lecturer
- Occasional lecturer at a number of municipal association conferences including AUMA, AAMD&C and MLAA
Email: William W. Barclay
F. Albert X. Lavergne (Partner) admitted to bar, 1991, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1981); University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1986); Queen's University (LL.B., 1990); University of Alberta (LL.M., 2002).
Professional Experience
Prior to pursuing his law degree, Albert worked in human resources and labour relations in the private sector. He carries on a general practice of law, with an emphasis on employment and labour issues, human rights, occupational health and safety law and workers' compensation. Albert also does Energy Resources Conversation Board work and is involved in cross-boarder immigration transfers of manpower. Albert's experience in labour and industrial relations and human resources, combined with his law degree, give him an in-depth understanding of a variety of labour issues.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Industrial Relations Association
- Human Resource Management Association - Edmonton Chapter
Lecturer
- Occasional lecturer - University of Alberta, Faculty of Business
Email: F. Albert X. Lavergne
John Paul Janssens (Partner) admitted to bar, 1994, Alberta. Education: University of Lethbridge (B.Sc., 1990); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1993).
Professional Experience
John Paul has extensive experience in construction contracts, commercial financing, commercial real estate (including shopping centre developments) and the purchase and sale of businesses and companies. His construction law practice involves providing advice to a large international general contractor in respect to construction contracts for a variety of projects including public-private partnerships (P3s) and large industrial projects. John Paul has provided advice on a large number of P3 projects in a number of jurisdictions, including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Nunavut, New Brunswick, Florida and Australia.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association- Construction and Business Law Sections
Community Involvement
- Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity
Lecturer
- Former Lecturer, Alberta Bar Admission Course
Email: John Paul Janssens
Cherisse N. Killick-Dzenick (Partner) admitted to bar, 1992, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1988); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1991).
Professional Experience
Cherisse carries on a general practice of law with a particular interest in civil litigation and administrative law. Areas of practice include personal injury, insurance law, municipal law and creditors' rights issues. She has written several articles on municipal and health law related topics and has participated in numerous seminars presented to municipalities and health care institutions and agencies.
Cherisse has appeared before all levels of Court in Alberta, and numerous administrative tribunals.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association - Municipal, Insurance and Creditors' Rights Law Sections
- Canadian Bar Association - Executive Committee Civil Litigation
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Alberta Civil Trial Association
- Former Member, Canadian Bar Association Executive Committee - Insurance Section Northern Alberta
- Former Member, Edmonton Medical-Legal Society
Community Involvement
- Member, Edmonton Community Legal Centre
- Former Member, Executive Committee, Audition Committee, Artistic Committee, Alumni Committee - Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
- Former Director, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Foundation
Email: Cherisse N. Killick-Dzenick
Tim Mavko (Partner) admitted to bar, 1993, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., First Class Honours, 1987); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1992).
Professional Experience
Tim's practice spans two of our firms key practice areas: Construction Law and Civil Litigation. Tim is an accomplished litigator. He regularly represents parties at all levels of Alberta's courts in commercial disputes and injury claims. In the construction industry, he represents clients in negotiating and preparing construction contracts, bonding issues, delay claims, builders' liens, and other project related disputes. Over the last several years he has been involved in both negotiating the contracts and handling the disputes for some of North America's largest mega-projects.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Former Chair, Canadian Bar Association - Construction Law Section
- Former Director and Past-President, Edmonton Bar Association
- Edmonton Construction Association
Publications
- "Legal Edge"- Regular column in Alberta Construction Magazine
Lecturer
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Law - Construction Law
- Legal Education Society of Alberta, Intensive Trial Advocacy Course
- CPLED - various topics
- University of Notre Dame, Indiana - Intensive Trial Advocacy Program
Email: Tim Mavko
Carol Zukiwski (Partner) admitted to bar, 1989, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1982); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1988).
Professional Experience
Carol's practice is primarily focused on assisting municipalities and the provincial linear assessor with property assessment complaints and appeals. She appears regularly before the Municipal Government Board, Composite Assessment Review Boards and before the Court of Queen's. Carol has been on the staff of two Boards, and a member of two additional Boards. Carol is also an instructor with the Foundation of Administrative Justice, which is a non-profit organization that provides board member training.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- The Association of Canadian Assessor's Counsel
- Alberta Assessor's Association
- Canadian Property Tax Association
Community Involvement
- Chair of the Board, Parents Empowering Parents
- Board of Directors - Vice President, Fun Team Alberta
- Former Board Member, Edmonton Speed Skating Association
- Former Board Member, Northstars Athletics Club
- Past President, Hawks Athletics Club
- Past President, Glenora Community League
Lecturer
- Legal Education Society of Alberta (Administrative Law and Municipal Law)
- Alberta Assessors' Association (various topics)
- Foundation of Administrative Justice (Board Member Training)
- University of Alberta, Municipal Law (guest lecturer)
- University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension, Local Government Studies guest lecturer)
- Association of Canadian Assessor's Counsel
Email: Carol Zukiwski
Todd A. Shipley (Partner) admitted to bar, 2001, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1997); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2000).
Professional Experience
Todd carries on a general litigation practice which includes appearing before administrative and regulatory boards. In addition, he also provides advice to clients on leasing, residential and commercial real estate transactions. He also practices in the area of estate litigation.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
Languages: Thai (conversational).Email: Todd A. Shipley
Atul Omkar (Partner) admitted to bar, 1996, Delhi, India; 2004, Alberta. Education: The University of Delhi, India (B.A., Hons., 1992); Osmania University, India (B.A., 1993); University of Delhi, India (LL.B., 1996); National Committee on Accreditation, Federation of Law Societies of Canada (Certificate of Qualification, 2003).
Professional Experience
Atul currently carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on business law, litigation, immigration, wills and estates, and real property law. Prior to joining our firm, Atul practiced law in India, providing advice and representation to his clients both locally and internationally.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Bar Council of Delhi (India)
Community Involvement
- Volunteer, Juvenille Diabetes Foundation
- Member, Gujarat Cricket Club
Languages: Hindi and Punjabi (fluent); Tamil and Gujarati.Email: Atul Omkar
Shelly K. Chamaschuk (Partner) admitted to bar, 2002, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Sc., 1986); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2001).
Professional Experience
Shelly carries on a practice which emphasizes corporate / commercial matters, business and succession planning, wills, estates and trusts, estate administration, estate litigation, and privacy. She is a frequent lecturer to business and professional audiences, and has co-authored and published a manual on privacy.
Prior to entering law, Shelly worked for the Capital Health Authority and was the Regional Coordinator for the Department of Laboratory Medicine. She also worked overseas as a medical laboratory technologist in Saudi Arabia and with a humanitarian aid project in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association - Co-Secretary, Privacy Section (Edmonton)
Community Involvement
- Past President, Youth Empowerment and Support Services Board of Directors (2003 - 2012)
- Presenter, Edmonton Community Foundation
- Past Presenter, Metro Continuing Education, Edmonton Public Schools
- Lecturer, Legal Education Society of Alberta
Email: Shelly K. Chamaschuk
Nick Parker (Partner) admitted to bar, 1999, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Com., 1994); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1998).
Professional Experience
Nick carries on a general civil litigation practice with an emphasis on municipal, regulatory, corporate and construction law litigation. Nick has appeared before all levels of Alberta Courts and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Nick also appears regularly before the Land Compensation Board on expropriation cases and the Alberta Utilities Commission on utility regulation hearings.
Nick is currently the President (North) of the Alberta Expropriation Association. He frequently writes articles and presents seminars on municipal law topics.
Nick spent four years practicing constitutional law with the office of the Attorney General of Alberta.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Alberta Expropriation Association
Email: Nick Parker
Jeremy D. Taitinger (Partner) admitted to bar, 2005, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., 1999); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2004).
Professional Experience
Jeremy currently carries on a general practice with an emphasis on construction contracts, builders' liens, construction disputes, and employment issues.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Active member of various charitable and church organizations
- Active in political constituency and executive functions
Email: Jeremy D. Taitinger
Matthew A. Woodley (Partner) admitted to bar, 2004, Alberta; 2007, Northwest Territories; 2010, Yukon. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., Hons., 2000); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2003); University of New South Wales (LL.M., 2009).
Professional Experience
Matt provides advice to a wide-range of organizations including employers, print and broadcast media organizations, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and professional regulatory bodies. He specializes in human resource, free expression, constitutional and administrative law. Matt has acted as counsel in Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Matt teaches Communications Law at MacEwan University, and provides pro bono services to the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project and the Edmonton Down Syndrome Society.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Media Lawyers' Association
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Canadian Media Lawyers Association (Prairie Representative)
- Board Member, Centre for Constitutional Studies, University of Alberta
Lecturer
- Lecturer: MacEwan University, "Communications Law"
Email: Matthew A. Woodley
Sean Ward (Partner) admitted to bar, 2007, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 2003); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2006).
Professional Experience
Sean currently carries on a general practice with an emphasis on media, administrative and employment law. Sean is also a member of the firm's Construction Law Team and provides advice to both owners and contractors on various contracting issues and construction disputes.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Media Lawyers' Association
Community Involvement
- Board member, Candora Society of Edmonton
Lecturer
- Lecturer, Grant MacEwan College "Legal Issues for Writers"
Email: Sean Ward
ASSOCIATES
Daina Young (Associate) admitted to bar, 2009, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., with Distinction, 2005); University of Alberta (LL.B., with Distinction, 2008).
Professional Experience
Daina carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on municipal law and civil litigation. Daina was employed with the Centre of Constitutional Studies from 2006 - 2008 and articled with the Alberta Court of Appeal.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Elizabeth Fry Society
- Volunteer Lawyer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel
Email: Daina Young
Paul Greep (Associate) admitted to bar, 2009, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Ed., with Distinction, 2001); University of Alberta (LL.B., with Distinction, 2008).
Professional Experience
Paul currently carries on a general practice of law with a focus on civil litigation and creditor's rights.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Church and community volunteer work
Email: Paul Greep
Nancy L. Kortbeek (Associate) admitted to bar, 1991, Alberta; 1991, Canadian Trademark Agent. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1987); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1990); University of Alberta (LL.M., 1999).
Professional Experience
Nancy carries on a general corporate commercial practice, which involves intellectual property law components in the area of trade-marks and copyright. She has been involved with numerous mergers and acquisitions as well as corporate and other reorganizations. Her practice also consists of general ongoing corporate and business legal matters that are common and incidental to the operation of sole proprietorships, partnerships, business corporations as well as non-profit entities such as societies and Part 9 companies.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
- Canadian Bar Association
- Canadian Association of Law Teachers
- Registered Trade-Mark Agent in Canada (since 1991)
Lecturer
- Sessional Lecturer - University of Alberta, Faculty of Law - Real Estate Transactions
Email: Nancy L. Kortbeek
Aisling Ryan (Associate) admitted to bar, 2010, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A. in Political Science, 2005); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2009).
Professional Experience
Aisling carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on civil litigation and municipal law.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
- Vice Chair of the Citizen Advisory Committee for the Edmonton Institution for Women
- Volunteer lawyer, Edmonton Center Legal Clinic
- Volunteer lawyer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel
Email: Aisling Ryan
Anthony Purgas (Associate) admitted to bar, 2010, British Columbia; 2012, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., Hons., 2003; M.A., 2005); University of British Columbia (J.D., 2009).
Professional Experience
Anthony carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on employment issues, commercial and shareholder disputes, and municipal matters.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Law Society of British Columbia
- Canadian Bar Association
Email: Anthony Purgas
Maya C. Gordon (Associate) admitted to bar, 2011, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., Political Science, 2007); University of Victoria (LL.B., 2010).
Professional Experience
Maya carries on a general practice of law. Maya articled with the Court of Queen's Bench in Edmonton.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Volunteer, Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Association
- Volunteer Lawyer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project
- Volunteer Lawyer, Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Email: Maya C. Gordon
Danielle K. Wilson (Associate) admitted to bar, 2011, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (B.Comm., Cooperative Education Program, 2008).
Professional Experience
Danielle was a co-op student at Grant Thornton LLP and EPCOR, as well as a summer student at RMRF. Danielle was a previous editor of the Alberta Law Review and The Review of Constitutional Studies.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Meadowlands Baptist Church Choir member
Email: Danielle K. Wilson
Paul Govenlock (Associate) admitted to bar, 2012, Alberta. Education: University of Lethbridge (B.A., Psychology, 2007); University of Alberta (J.D., 2011).
Professional Experience
Paul articled with the Provincial Court of Alberta in Edmonton. He also has previous experience at the Worker's Compensation Board and Student Legal Services.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Alberta
Community Involvement
- Board Member, Edmonton Bicycle Commuters
- Volunteer, Big Brothers and Sisters
- Volunteer, Toastmasters International
- Volunteer, Civil Claim Duty Counsel
Email: Paul Govenlock
Ian Hanson (Associate) admitted to bar, 2011, Alberta. Education: University of Saskatchewan (B.Sc. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2007); University of Alberta (LL.B., 2010).
Professional Experience
Ian carries on a general practice of law.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Volunteer Lawyer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel
Email: Ian Hanson
Melissa Fleck (Associate) admitted to bar, 2011, Alberta. Education: University of Alberta (LL.B., 2010).
Professional Experience
Melissa carries on a general practice of law with an emphasis on real estate.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Volunteer, Student Legal Services of Edmonton
- Volunteer, Civil Claims Duty Counsel
Email: Melissa Fleck
COUNSEL
William H. Hurlburt Q.C. (Counsel) admitted to bar, 1950, Alberta; 1969, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1948); University of Alberta (LL.B., 1949); University of Alberta (LL.D., Hon., 1997).
Professional Experience
Bill has practised widely in commercial, conveyancing and corporate law, in utility regulation and other administrative proceedings, and civil litigation. He engages in civil litigation and a variety of special projects, but serves primarily as advisor and consultant to lawyers at Reynolds, Mirth, Richards & Farmer LLP.
Bill is the author of two books, The Self-Regulation of the Legal Profession in Canada and in England and Wales and Law Reform Commissions in the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. He is the editor of two other books on subjects relating to the legal profession and law reform and is co-editor of a book on choices for peace and security in the Arctic. In addition, Bill is the author of numerous articles and notes in legal publications.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Past President, Honourary Bencher, Law Society of Alberta
- Honorary Life Member; Former ex-officio Member of the Council, Canadian Bar Association
- Founding Member; Board Member; Consultant; Former Chairman; Former Director, Alberta Law Reform Institute
Past Associations:
- Former President, Federation of Law Societies of Canada
- Former Member; Former Chairman, City of Edmonton Development Appeal Board
- Former Chairman, Public Interest Advocacy Centre
- Former Director, American Judicature Society
- Former Commissioner, Uniform Law Conference of Canada
- Former Member, Provincial Court Reorganization Agency
- Inns of CourtEmail: William H. Hurlburt Q.C.
Denis R. Noël Q.C. (Counsel) admitted to bar, 1981, Alberta; 2006, Appointed Queen's Counsel. Education: University of Alberta (B.A., 1977; LL.B., 1980).
Professional Experience
Denis practices and consults in the areas of construction law, administrative law, aboriginal law, and insurance law. He regularly provides advice to Métis Settlements, native organizations and a number of professional and cultural associations. He has published articles in the Alberta Law Review relating to corporate law and has lectured to many different industries and businesses on technology-related liability issues.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Edmonton Bar Association
Community Involvement
- Member, Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta
- Member, Association des juristes d'expression française de l'Alberta
- Member, La Cité Francophone
- Member, Les Amis de la Faculté Saint-Jean
Lecturer
- Former Sessional lecturer, University of Alberta, Faculty of Law - Real Estate Transactions
- Former lecturer, Alberta Bar Admission Course - Builders' Liens, Civil Procedure
Languages: French (fluent).Email: Denis R. Noël Q.C.
LEGAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL
Tamara KorassaEducation: Concordia University College (B.A., English, with high distinction, 2006); University of Alberta (M.B.A., 2011); University of Alberta (J.D., 2012).
Professional Experience
Tamara interned with the Edmonton Business Revitalization Zone Council in 2009. Tamara worked as a summer student with RMRF in 2010 and with PCL Construction in 2011. She also worked as the VP Labour for the University of Alberta's Graduate Student Association from 2010 until 2012.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
Community Involvement
- 2011 - 2012 - Student Senator, University of Alberta Senate
- 2009 - 2012 - University of Alberta Articling Committee
Email: Tamara Korassa
Breanna SchwanakEducation: Completed two years of a B.A., with early admission into the Faculty of Law (2009); University of Alberta (J.D., with distinction, 2012).
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Law Society of Alberta
Community Involvement
- Participated in indoor and outdoor soccer yearly
Email: Breanna Schwanak
Linda HouleEducation: University of Calgary (B.A., Psychology, with distinction, 2009); University of Alberta (J.D., 2012).
Professional Experience
Linda summered for the Real Estate Council of Alberta in their Legal Services Unit in both 2010 and 2011.
Professional Associations
Member of:
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Alberta
Community Involvement
- 2009 - 2010 - Volunteer, Criminal Project, Student Legal Services
- 2011 - Volunteer, Northern Alberta International Children's Festival, St. Albert
Email: Linda Houle
+ Denotes Lawyer Whose Professional Corporation is a Member of the Partnership.