In Memoriam – Virginia May, KC

A founder of the firm that became JSS Barristers, Virginia May KC (Ginny to all of us) graduated from the University of Calgary with her law degree in 1980 before becoming a partner at Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP.  At the time, she was one of the first women to be a partner in a major law firm in Calgary. 

Virginia was a leader in the profession, serving as a bencher for many years, and receiving a Distinguished Service Award for Service to the Profession in 2010.

In 1995, Ginny co-founded the firm then known as MJGS, which became an immediate success.  Virginia was known as one of Alberta’s leading litigators, as a mentor and guide for many junior lawyers, and she was held in high esteem as a role model and an inspiration for many. She practiced law the way she lived her life – with complete honesty and integrity.

Ginny was a fearless advocate, representing a range of clients from individuals to large corporations. Her passion was especially apparent when she acted for disadvantaged clients. Ginny took many high-profile cases over the years, including taking on powerful interests. She often faced opponents with endless resources, and she always found a way to hold them to account.

The firm has grown from 4 to almost 40 lawyers, but our values have been constant. Virginia helped to build a forward-looking firm where everyone felt included and part of a team. JSS is now recognized as one of the leading dispute resolution firms in the country as well as a 5-star DE&I Employer. This is a huge achievement, which is only possible because the firm was built on such a strong foundation.

A JSS Partner says: “Ginny was instrumental in my legal training and growth as an advocate. One particular case stands out, a matter involving a missed diagnosis. Ginny and I acted for the affected individual and, later, for his Estate. Throughout the file, Ginny was fearless. But at the same time she was grounded, providing the family with guidance and compassion. Several years later we heard from one of the daughters who was only in her early teens at the time of the litigation. Ginny’s work as an advocate had inspired the young woman to become involved in overseas work helping people who were impoverished, and had also inspired the young woman to pursue a career in law.”

Another JSS Partner says: “Ginny’s reputation as a top litigator in Calgary was one of the reasons I joined May Jensen Gruber Shawa (now Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP) as its first associate. I also learned quickly that she was one of the best mentors too. She took me under her wing, giving me experience in court and with clients that I would not have gained anywhere else. Her commitment to her clients was unmatched. She was also an exemplar for service to the profession given her position as Bencher for many years. I was lucky to learn from and work with one of the best.”

A former JSS Partner, now on the bench, says: “I first met Ginny when I was a child. She was always so kind to my family, and she really stepped up when my family needed her the most. As fate would have it, I ended up working at her firm. She was a mentor to me, took me under her wing, and even brought me to Kelowna for a 5-week trial. I will remember her for her willingness to help those who needed it most, and for always doing the right thing.”

One of Virginia’s co-founders of JSS Barristers says: “I first met Ginny on opposite sides of a file. She had what I thought was a very hard case. We argued our way through the Courts, and her conviction never wavered. Eventually she extracted concessions and then a settlement, all of which was a testament to her skill and tenacity. I had never really met anyone like her – bigger than life, a force of nature, and an endless bundle of energy. She attracted people and helped them make connections. There are so many brilliant and funny stories from the beginning of this place, and somehow Ginny is at the centre of almost all of them. She had little separation between work and life – it was all one big fun adventure. I remember Ginny teaching me to get out of the office, to meet my clients where they live or work, in their living rooms, board rooms or shops. I admired her, I learned a lot from her, and I miss her.”

A former JSS Partner, now on the bench, says: “Virginia taught me how to look past the law and the legal arguments to the people who are affected by them. She humanized the practice of law for me and taught me a great deal about the importance of really trying to understand the people who we advocated on behalf of. It’s a skill that I’ve had to rely on a lot in my current role and I am grateful for the lessons she gave me.”

Ginny will be missed by all of us.