My Law Practice
Early in my career, I was acting for a plaintiff in a personal injury trial. The defendant’s lawyer was a highly respected senior lawyer. It was a challenge but we succeeded at trial winning the case. Even after 28 years in practice, I still remember that feeling of achievement in helping my client and in persuading the court of the merits of the case.
I joined CAM LLP in October 2016, marking a return to acting for injured people. I am delighted to be back. It is personally satisfying to be able to assist people who have been injured. I am also interested in the medical aspects of personal injury law, and the variety of cases…no two files or people are alike except in that they need my help.
I started my career acting for personal injury clients back in the 1990s, and just prior to joining CAM LLP, I worked for 12 years as a defence lawyer for insurance companies. This experience has given me excellent insight into personal injury claims from both the plaintiff’s perspective and the insurance company’s perspective and, in particular, what needs to be done to prove the claim to the insurance company.
CAM LLP has a reputation for being reasonable and respectful in their dealings with everyone including clients, lawyers, and adjusters. This approach aligns with my style of practice and, in my experience, being reasonable and respectful is the key to the kind of working relationship that produces much better results for clients. We take a practical, common sense approach to the resolution of a claim.
CAM LLP also has a reputation as an excellent firm that deals with highly complex files and intentionally takes on lower file volumes so that we have the opportunity to get to know our clients’ files inside and out. I am happy to have this tremendous opportunity to use my skills to help people.
I am honoured to have been recognized since 2023 by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for my work in personal injury litigation.
Experience
- Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2016 (King’s Counsel as of September 8, 2022)
- 28+ years practicing law in Alberta
- Practical experience on both the defendant’s and the plaintiff’s side of personal injury files
Presentations
- Evidence Workshop Leader, Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA), 2011
- Presenter, Wills & Estates for Pre-Retirement, Seminars sponsored by the Interdepartmental Retirement Planning Society, 1998, 1992 – 1995
Representative Cases
Condominium Plan 9320022 v. Acta General Inc., 2009 ABQB 623, [2010] AWLD 130
I represented the plaintiffs of a related action in this successful application which sought approval from the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench for settlement between some of the parties in the form of a Pierringer agreement. This claim involved liability issues in respect to causation of and spread of a large condominium fire as well as some quantum issues.
Norminton v. B & B Electronics Ltd., 2009 ABQB 18, [2009] AWLD 1061
In this negligence action, I represented the plaintiff at trial before the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench. I was successful in securing an award for general damages, damages for loss of housekeeping capacity, damages for loss of income, special damages, and damages for the cost of future care.
Davies v. Byer, 1999 CarswellAlta 981
I represented the applicants who were the residual beneficiaries of a dependent adult’s will in opposing an application to pass accounts by the Attorney for the dependent adult and in a cross-application for reimbursement by the Attorney to the estate of the dependent adult for one-half of the renovation expenses, house repairs, and maintenance.
Albers v. Woolworth Canada Inc., 1999 CarswellAlta 856
Acting for the plaintiff in this action for damages for personal injury sustained in a fall on the sidewalk adjacent to the defendants’ property, I was successful in having an application for summary judgment against the plaintiff dismissed.
Krull v. Allport-Niles, 231 AR 38, 1998 CarswellAlta 1359
I represented the plaintiff-respondent in this application by the defendant to have the plaintiff excluded from her examination for discovery. I was successful in having the application dismissed.
Boniface v. Blondin et al. (1998 ABQB unreported)
This was a minor who was injured by a dog bite. At trial, we were successful and the Defendants were held 100% liable and ordered to pay damages.
Hrycun et al. v. The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company (1996 Arbitration unreported)
I was acting for 2 plaintiffs who were pedestrians injured by a motor vehicle in Las Vegas. The issue was coverage under the Uninsured Motorist coverage pursuant to the plaintiffs’ own motor vehicle insurance policy. The arbitrator accepted our arguments and the plaintiffs were successful.
Farhat et al. v. All Seasons Mini Storage et al. (1995 ABQB unreported)
I represented the plaintiff in a personal injury action involving a fall at a storage facility where liability/fault and damages was in issue. I was successful at trial and the court found the defendant 100% at fault.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Law Society of Alberta
- Member, St. Thomas More Lawyer’s Guild
- Civil Claims Duty Counsel (CCDC) Edmonton, Pro Bono Law Alberta, 2013 – 2015
- University of Alberta Law School, Class of 1990 Reunion Committee, 2010, 2005, 2000
Community
I feel that it is important to contribute to the community and help those in need. Because of this, I have been a soccer coach and have been actively involved as a volunteer member of the board of directors with several exceptional non-profit organizations over the years including:
- Edmonton Ringette Club – 2014 to present
- Catholic Social Services – 2009 to 2015
- St. Andrews’ Housing Ltd. – 2004 to 2013
- Kids Kottage Foundation – 1998 to 2015
- St. Thomas More Lawyers’ Guild of Northern Alberta – 1996 to present
