The Alberta group at Bennett Jones LLP demonstrates strength in commercial litigation involving the mining, oil and gas, construction and tech sectors, and has experience representing individuals and multinational companies in all levels of the Canadian courts. In addition, the team’s corporate litigation expertise covers shareholder disputes, post-M&A litigation, securities litigation and breach of contract. Christine Plante heads up the department; additional key partners include Blair Yorke-Slader KC, whose workload includes contract, shareholder, securities and trust disputes; and Munaf Mohamed KC, who specializes in financial crimes matters and also has broad arbitration experience. Michael Mysak‘s work has an emphasis on fraud litigation, securities litigation and shareholder disputes; Laura Gill is active on energy and corporate disputes, including indemnity claims and joint ventures.
Dispute resolution: Alberta in Canada
Bennett Jones LLP
Practice head(s):
Christine Plante
Key clients
Tahakom Investments Company et al.
Canadian Pacific Railway
NEP Canada ULC
801 Seventh
Wood Group Canada
Questor Technology
Molopo Energy Canada
Fournier et al.
PesoRama
Shareholders of JAM Hospitality
Home Solutions
Third Eye Capital and Tara Holdings
The Hydro Company
Ovintiv Canada ULC and Cenovus Energy
Work highlights
- Represented a group of Saudi Arabian companies in advancing a fraud claim against a high-ranking former cabinet minister of the Saudi government.
- Represented Canadian Pacific Railway in a claim by a developer, Remington Development Corporation, against CP and the Province of Alberta.
- Represented NEP Canada ULC in significant litigation involving post-M&A matters.
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP houses a sizeable practice in Alberta which regularly represents clients before tribunals and government agencies relating to oil and gas, construction, infrastructure, banking, construction and power disputes. Arbitration, as well as corporate and employment litigation, constitute additional strengths. The practice of Renee Reichelt, who co-heads the 40-strong team, spans corporate and commercial litigation, class actions and shareholder disputes. Leading alongside her, Michael Dixon represents a range of Canadian and multinational corporate clients in contentious matters. Securities, environmental, insurance and property matters make up the core of partner David Tupper‘s practice. Brendan MacArthur-Stevens was promoted to partner in January 2023.
Practice head(s):
Renee Reichelt; Michael Dixon
Other key lawyers:
David Tupper
Key clients
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Strathcona Resources
The City of Edmonton
Shell Canada
Imperial Oil
TC Energy
ENMAX
Canadian Pacific Railway
Suncor Energy
Work highlights
- Counsel to Shell in respect of the Alberta Department of Energy disallowing contested audit adjustments from 2009 to 2016.
- Acted for Pembina Pipeline Corporation before the Alberta Securities Commission in a matter that involved a C$8.3bn proposed hostile take-over launched by Brookfield of IPL.
- Represented Air Liquide in a lawsuit brought by Canadian Natural Resources Limited related to construction in the oil sands.
JSS Barristers
Calgary-based litigation boutique JSS Barristers handles a range of disputes including employment, defamation, corporate, personal injury, professional negligence and IP-related matters. Glenn Solomon KC steers the practice and focuses on business litigation and corporate, commercial and contract disputes. Alongside fellow co-founding partner and seasoned litigator Sabri Shawa KC, Carsten Jensen KC majors on commercial class actions, oil & gas disputes, shareholder disputes, multi-party litigation and arbitrations; class action group co-chair Kajal Ervin is an additional key contact. The name to note at associate level is that of Cassandra Sutter, who has experience handling class actions, corporate and commercial litigation, professional negligence matters and real property and real estate litigation.
Practice head(s):
Glenn Solomon KC
Other key lawyers:
Cassandra Sutter
Key clients
MasTec
Her Majesty in Right of Alberta
Henenghaixin
Durum Opportunities
Metalmark Group of Companies
Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights
Roland Auer
Inter Pipeline
801 Seventh
Brown-Forman Corporation
Azimuth Energy Partners and Quantico Capital
Stantec
420 Investments
TotalEnergies EP Canada
Norton Rose Fulbright
Norton Rose Fulbright‘s broad Alberta offering includes litigation involving the oil and gas, renewables, manufacturing, insurance and construction segments. Disputes involving contracts, joint ventures, construction projects, securities and professional liability are additional strengths. Ray Chartier steers the practice and shines above all in complex commercial litigation for infrastructure and energy clients. The practice boasts a group of star litigators, including the ‘responsive and timely’ Steve Leitl KC, senior partner Clarke Hunter KC and Roger Smith KC, who majors on oil and gas and corporate securities litigation. Lara Mason handles class action defence and has substantial expertise in Aboriginal law and electricity regulation matters; Kaitlin Long is routinely engaged in energy, regulatory and Indigenous-related disputes. Gunnar Benediktsson‘s practice has a focus on commercial disputes and complex insolvency, liquidation and restructuring matters.
Practice head(s):
Ray Chartier
Other key lawyers:
Steve Leitl KC; Clarke Hunter KC; Roger Smith KC; Lara Mason; Kaitlin Long; Gunnar Benediktsson
Testimonials
‘The lawyers at Norton Rose are fun and easygoing. They have a culture of inclusion and genuinely enjoy working together in teams.’
‘Steve Leitl is an excellent client manager. He is responsive and timely, and cares about his clients – both as individuals, and about their business.’
‘Gunnar Benediktsson has an uncanny ability to take very complex concepts and explain them in very simple terms. His advocacy approach is easy to understand and well-liked by the courts.’
Key clients
Merit Energy Company LLC
NOVA Chemicals
Imperial Oil Resources and ExxonMobil Canada
Crescent Point Energy
Chance Oil and Gas
Department of Justice Canada
Susan Riddell Rose
Shell Canada
Syncrude Canada
Work highlights
- Defended Shell Canada in a class action that is alleging price-fixing in the wholesale gasoline market in British Columbia between 2015 and the present.
- Advised the Government of Canada in several multi-billion dollar claims related to oil and gas development and production from First Nations’ lands in Alberta.
- Advised Chance Oil and Gas in litigation against the Yukon Government regarding a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing that was implemented in 2015.
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP‘s Calgary office excels at litigation involving pipelines, construction, electricity, insolvency and securities-related matters. The group also has experience handling arbitration, insolvency disputes, and shareholder and contractual disputes. A recent work highlight saw the group successfully represent Signalta Resources in a claim against Canadian Natural Resources, a notable energy dispute. Patricia Morrison KC steers the practice and is routinely involved in the mediation, arbitration and litigation of construction disputes on large-scale commercial, industrial and infrastructure projects. Key contact Randall Block KC is highly specialized in energy and oil and gas litigation. In addition to oil and gas disputes, Loni da Costa brings expertise to securities defence and regulatory investigations.
Practice head(s):
Patricia Morrison K.C
Other key lawyers:
Randall Block KC; Loni da Costa
Key clients
NOVA Chemicals Corporation
Signalta Resources
PrairieSky Royalty
Richardson Wealth
ITP
ConocoPhillips-Canada Resources
Alberta Health Services
Emission Rx
EPCOR Water Services
Barrel Oil
WSP Canada
Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP
Calgary-based firm Burnet Duckworth & Palmer LLP is well-equipped to represent clients in disputes involving the oil and gas, renewables, construction and agribusiness segments. Practice co-head Susan Fader is experienced in contract and tort-based disputes, including the representation of clients in partnership and shareholder disputes and matters involving business valuations. Alongside her, Andrew Sunter‘s litigation expertise encompasses contractual disputes, negligence claims and intentional torts. Commercial litigation specialist Jeffrey Sharpe is an additional key figure; he focuses on contentious construction and oil and gas matters. Joanne Luu is active on arbitration matters, and is noted for acting as both counsel and arbitrator in oil and gas disputes. Also of note is associate Kylan Kidd.
Practice head(s):
Susan Fader; Andrew Sunter
Other key lawyers:
Jeffrey Sharpe; Joanne Luu; Kylan Kidd
Key clients
DIRTT Environmental Solutions
Northwynd
Deans Knight Income Corporation
Christa Steele and Mindy Smith
CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC
Perpetual Energy
Canadian Energy Centre
Krishnan
MasTec Canada
Peace River Hydro Partners
Robert and Laurene Yurkovich
NE2 Canada
Canadian Natural Resources
Hammerhead Resources
Work highlights
- Counsel to CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC as plaintiff in a lease dispute concerning the discovery of asbestos in fireproofing in the air distribution system of a commercial office tower leased by the plaintiff.
- Counsel to the plaintiffs, Christa Steele and Mindy Smith, in a class action being brought on behalf of female firefighters and employees of the City of Leduc against the City who have been subject to 20 years of discrimination, sexual misconduct and sexual harassment.
- Represented DIRTT Environmental Solution in an action before the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta where several departed employees allegedly conspired to misappropriate its confidential and proprietary information.
McCarthy Tétrault
The 29-strong Calgary group at McCarthy Tétrault handles insolvency, securities, construction, IP, oil and gas and insurance disputes. Practice head Douglas Yoshida has focused his practice on corporate-commercial litigation in the oil and gas and energy segments, including oil sands facility failures and joint venture disputes involving international companies. Key partner Sean Smyth KC is noted for his expertise in commercial contracts work, class action, shareholders' rights and directors' liability claims, while Kara Smyth is specialized in oil and gas, real estate, product liability, agro-science and technology-related disputes. Bryan West routinely represents corporations and partnerships in disputes relating to major construction and redevelopment projects.
Practice head(s):
Douglas Yoshida
Other key lawyers:
Sean Smyth KC; Kara Smyth; Bryan West
Key clients
Cleaver-Brooks
Navistar
Uber
Alberta Electric System Operator
VINCI Infrastructure Canada
QuadReal and bcIMC Realty
Goldenkey Oil
Wood Canada
Aurora Cannabis
Lafarge Canada
MEG Energy
Enbridge
Cenovus Energy
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
The lawyers of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP‘s Calgary branch regularly appear before all levels of Alberta courts, representing clients in disputes involving constitutional and public law, and the energy, natural resources, construction and logistics segments. Key department figures include national co-chair Maureen Killoran KC, who routinely handles litigation relating to the natural resources sector; and Toronto-based Sonia Bjorkquist, who is well-versed in defending companies in class actions. Tristram Mallett frequently supports clients on contested merger transactions and shareholder derivative claims. Melanie Gaston left the firm in June 2023 following her appointment as a judge of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
Practice head(s):
Maureen Killoran KC; Sonia Bjorkquist
Other key lawyers:
Tristram Mallett
Key clients
Anadarko Petroleum
Canadian Natural Resources
Chemtrade Logistics
Coalspur Mines Operations
ConocoPhillips Canada Resources
Equinor Canada
Inter Pipeline
Kingston Midstream
NOVA Chemicals
Pembina Pipeline
Prosper Petroleum
TC Energy
TransAlta
Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC
Williams Group
Dentons
Operating from branches in Calgary and Edmonton, the group at Dentons has experience advising on a wide range of commercial litigation matters in Alberta. Its key strengths include energy, competition and financial services litigation, product and professional liability litigation, and domestic and international arbitration. Leadership of the department is shared by four seasoned partners: Mercedes Hitesman and Wendy Moody direct the Edmonton office, while Kelly Osaka and John Cusano lead from Calgary. National practice head Rachel Howie is also based in Calgary, along with key litigator Gordon Tarnowsky, who is highly specialized in energy and oil and gas matters. Other key names include Dennis Picco KC and Simon Elzen-Hoskyn in Edmonton.
Practice head(s):
Kelly Osaka; John Cusano; Mercedes Hitesman; Wendy Moody
Key clients
Edison and Edison International
Tilray
Sawridge Trust and the Sawridge Trustees
Wawanesa
British Petroleum (BP) Canada Energy Group
Niko
Dynasty Power
Canadian National – CN
Suncor
EPCOR
Work highlights
- Represented Edison and Edison International after Geophysical Services Incorporated advanced a claim against them alleging breach of contract and copyright, amongst other accusations.
- Represented Tilray in a proposed national class action filed in the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench that challenges the potency of several Canadian cannabis companies’ products.
- Acted for the Sawridge Trustees in connection with a complex litigation concerning the distribution of assets estimated at $70m to a group of beneficiaries.
Fasken
Fasken's Alberta group is known for its arbitration and litigation expertise, for which it is regularly sought out by clients in the construction, logistics, oil and gas, healthcare and telecoms spaces. The team has additional expertise in public sector procurement disputes. The practice is co-led by two Calgary-based partners: Karen Wyke specializes in litigation and arbitration for commercial and construction matters, while Gulu Punia handles commercial and employment litigation. Key partner Darren Reed focuses on construction, product liability, class action and securities matters.
Practice head(s):
Karen Wyke; Gulu Punia
Other key lawyers:
Darren Reed
Testimonials
‘The team at Faskens is very knowledgeable in the electricity sector in Alberta. They properly staff files and are practical with the advice provided. They provide strategic file management and are always looking to develop bench strength.’
‘I have worked closely with Karen Wyke for years. She is knowledgeable and provides practical and actionable legal advice.’
‘Our Fasken lead did not hesitate to bring in additional experts in other fields when needed. They helped lay out our strategies and clearly spoke about the risks of each step.’
‘Very experienced in the area and could easily provide real life case histories. Always got back in a timely manner.’
Key clients
Purolator
Canadian Pacific Kansas City
Thurber Engineering
Nova Gas Transmission
Gas Transmission Northwest
Foothills Pipe Lines
Tuscarora Gas Transmission
West Lake Energy
TELUS Communications
Mac’s Convenience Stores – Couche-Tard
Cook Group
AECOM
Federal NDP
Cantech Oilfield Equipment
Cenovus Energy
Parkland Fuel
Work highlights
- Represented Purolator in a lawsuit alleging that Purolator and Canada’s actions during COVID-19 breached the Charter and other statutes, seeking punitive damages and damages for Charter breaches.
- Represented Canadian Pacific Kansas City in a claim filed by employees in federal court against the federal government and the company following the implementation of a COVID vaccination policy.
- Represented Thurber Engineering in a claim brought by Flatiron Construction involving the failure of a thickener tank foundation at CNRL’s Horizon Oil Sands project.
Gowling WLG
The expertise of Gowling WLG‘s group covers energy, environmental and construction disputes, as well as arbitration and litigation stemming from PPP infrastructure projects and shareholders’ claims. Ricki Johnston heads up the Alberta practice and specializes in corporate commercial litigation and professional liability defence. Ex-practice head David Bishop remains active on product and professional liability disputes and corporate and commercial litigation matters. Warren Foley brings strength to litigating operator disputes, pipeline ruptures and facility allocation disputes in the energy industry. The key name to note at the associate level is Kevin Pedersen‘s; he supports the partners with commercial litigation.
Practice head(s):
Ricki Johnston
Other key lawyers:
David Bishop; Warren Foley; Kevin Pedersen
Testimonials
‘Warren Foley has created a strong team around him, which allows the client the ability to seamlessly interchange their point of contact without any delays in workflow.’
Key clients
Northwynd REIT
Gibson Energy
Secure Energy (Drilling Services)
Yangarra Resources
Richardson Wealth
Waste Management of Canada Corporation
Obsidian Energy
Lafarge Canada
Strathcona Resources
Deltastream Energy Corporation
Preformed Line Products
Medipac Financial
Work highlights
- Retained to act on behalf of several REITs and their individual trustees as well as the directors and officers of various related corporate entities in a class action proceeding in which the investors allege C$85m in losses arising from the operation and sale of various timeshare resorts
DLA Piper (Canada) LLP
Fielding 22 lawyers in Alberta alone, the disputes practice at global giant DLA Piper (Canada) LLP operates from offices in both Calgary and Edmonton and is active in environmental, aboriginal, product liability, tort and class action disputes, in addition its distinct know-how in oilfield services, power electrical issues and surface rights. Standout department figures include seasoned litigator Heather Treacy and Patrick Roche, who focuses on litigation and arbitration in the energy and construction sectors. Calgary-based counsel Katrina Edgerton-McGhan is an up-and-comer with exposure to education, utilities, tech and procurement disputes.
Practice head(s):
John Landry; David Foulds
Testimonials
‘The firm’s senior lawyers in the litigation and regulatory teams are particularly knowledgeable in their fields.’
‘The group that I’ve interacted with is all-female, which is nice to see. It’s the people and expertise that make the difference.’
Key clients
Imperial Oil Resources
Salzgitter Mannesmann Stainless Tubes USA
Canadian Energy Services LP
Canadian Western Trust Company
Flair Airlines
Balancing Pool
Doyle Salewski
Royal Bank of Canada
Calgary Board of Education
Bristol Myers Squibb Canada
Bristol Myers Squibb Company
Work highlights
- Defending CWT in a complex commercial dispute related to registered retirement savings plan commenced by over 130 plaintiffs. There have been multiple applications heard by the Court to date.
- Defending the Balancing Pool in relation to appealing a decision by the Court of Queen’s Bench in which that Court failed to set aside an arbitral award on the basis of breaches of natural justice. The case involves considerations of fundamental principles of natural justice and the manner in which they apply to arbitrations in the Province of Alberta.
- Defending Salzgitter in a products liability claim that involves very technical issues associated with a piece of equipment (pipes) alleged to have caused a shut-down in the operations of the plaintiff’s (Suncor) oil and gas business.
Lawson Lundell LLP
Lawson Lundell LLP's Calgary office is noted for its disputes offering, which encompasses shareholder disputes, insolvency, indigenous law, employment, property, tax and commercial litigation. Energy, telecoms, real estate and tech companies regularly feature on the 20-strong group’s client roster. Shannon Hayes heads up the practice and is well-versed in contractual and business tort disputes within the energy, electricity and oil and gas sectors, both before the courts and in arbitration.
Practice head(s):
Shannon Hayes
Key clients
Remington Development
TransAlta
Steve Smythe
Crescent Point Energy
Total Energy
Jane Hawkins
Crescent Point Resources Partnership and Crescent Point Energy
Shaw Communications