Statement

I am excited to stand for election as a Bencher and about the prospect of serving the profession in this role.

I have deep roots in Alberta – raised and educated in Calgary, with a legal career spanning over 30 years. I am a 1986 graduate of the University of Calgary and was called to the bar of Alberta in 1987. I am the managing partner of the Calgary office of Torys LLP.

As regulatory and environmental counsel and a commercial litigator, my practice involves representing clients before administrative tribunals and the courts. I am recognized in Chambers Canada, Chambers Global, Best Lawyers in Canada, The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory and Who’s Who Legal and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2020.

In addition to my practice, I have served for over 8 years as the managing partner of the Calgary offices of two national firms, providing me insight into the challenges facing the legal profession. In these roles, and as the practice of law continues to evolve to meet the needs of society, I have gained practical experience as an administrator and leader, dealing with all manner of issues related to the practice of law.

This holistic perspective informs my commitment to the growth and development of members of the profession. In my current role, and over the years as a principal and member of law firm student and associate committees, I have been dedicated to the mentoring and coaching of young lawyers as they navigate their career paths.

In relation to the profession more generally, I have been an instructor in civil procedure, advocacy and trial preparation for the Law Society of Alberta Bar Admission course, a member of the Law Society of Alberta Civil Practice Advisory Committee and the Sub-Committee on Discovery Reform and lectured on behalf of the Legal Education Society of Alberta. I am a member of the Energy Bar Association (Canada) and sit on the Organizing Committee for the Energy Regulatory Forum.

I have also been committed to participating in and giving back to our community. I have served on the boards of directors of the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society, Theatre Calgary and the Glenlake Hockey Club. I was the president of the Elbow Park Minor Hockey Association and coached minor hockey for many years.

I feel blessed to share my passions for sports, travel and music with my family, which has been a constant source of joy and inspiration for me.

I view the opportunity to serve the profession as a Bencher as a privilege. I would be honoured by your support.