Statement

I have had the privilege of serving as a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta since 2022. I have been practicing at Witten LLP in Edmonton since I graduated from the U of A Law school in 1991 and was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1992. I was Witten LLP’s managing partner from 2010-2020. My practice focuses on commercial real estate and commercial transactions.

As a Bencher, I have served on conduct and practice review appeal panels, disciplinary hearings and appeals, the Audit and Finance Committee, the Lawyer Competence Committee, the Policy and Regulatory Reform Committee and as LSA representative to the University of Alberta Law Faculty Council. I have been a panelist and chair at Legal Education Society of Alberta seminars and instructed at the Bar Admission Course on Real Estate and Purchase and Sale of Business.

I am an active member of the CBA, as a current member and past chair of the Commercial Property section and past member of the CBA Engagement Task Force. I have volunteered as Civil Duty counsel, several times a year since 2012.

I have been recognized by Best Lawyers®, since 2013, in the areas Commercial Leasing Law and Real Estate Law and as “Lawyer of the Year” for Commercial Leasing Law for the current year, 2022, 2020 and 2018. I have been recommended for many years by Canadian Lexpert Directory for Property Development and Leasing.

I was pro bono intervenor counsel in two significant Alberta Human Rights’ cases (Vriend and Aryan Nations Inquiry) In my roles as managing partner, senior solicitor and Bencher, I have gained insight and experience in dealing with and attempting to resolve many of the fundamental issues faced by our profession, including practice management matters, conflicts, trust accounting, ethics and mental wellness.

Providing counsel and mentorship to lawyers within and outside of my firm is a priority for me. I volunteer with many non-law charitable organizations, including United Way, Habitat for Humanity and YMCA. My weekly route, as a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels, reminds me that it is not always all about the law.

I enjoy time with my family and am an avid reader, cyclist, traveller, and skier which enhance and balance my life. As lawyers, we have the responsibility to maintain the privilege of our long-standing self governance. This involves focusing on the public interest while balancing the interests of members.

Responsible self regulation results in a strong and vibrant legal community that operates with integrity and professionalism. I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve as a Bencher and look forward to your support so I can continue to try to share my experience and perspective.