Recent awards, accomplishments and news about JSS Barristers

Stacy Petriuk, KC recognized as one of Benchmark Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2023.

We are thrilled to announce that last month (August 2023) Stacey Petriuk, KC was announced as one of Benchmark Canada's Top 100 Women in Litigation. 

The extensive research process used in the creation of Benchmark Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation 2023 involves months of investigation into individual litigators’ professional activities and has culminated in the selection of the most distinguished women in the world of litigation. Though they hail from widely different practice areas, as well as geography, they all share the distinction of being recognized as top players in their respective fields. - Benchmark Litigation Canada

Stacy's dedication to excellence in both her litigation practice and, as an active participant in the legal community as a whole, has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and clients alike.

We are proud to have her as a member of our team, and we congratulate her on this well-deserved honour.

To learn more about Stacy, visit her bio here.

JSS Barristers recognized in the 2024 Edition of "The Best Lawyers in Canada" and "Best Lawyers - Ones to Watch in Canada"

 

 (August 31, 2023) - bestlawyers.com released their 18th edition of "The Best Lawyers in Canada" and "Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada" last week. 

JSS Barristers shone in multiple litigation practice areas, and Robert J. Hawes KC was named as the 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" for Class Action Litigation in Calgary. 

The 18th edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada and the third edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada showcase the exceptional accomplishments of the most esteemed lawyers across the country,” said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. “By relying on the feedback of top lawyers on the aptitudes, strengths and professionalism of those they may be practicing against in mediation or across the aisle in the courtroom, Best Lawyers accolades stand out as a reliable and unbiased source of referrals for clients needing counsel.” 

Congratulations to the following JSS Barristers:

Andrew Wilson KC

  • Class Action Litigation
  • Administrative and Public Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • Securities Law
Bryan C. Duguid KC, FCIArb
  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Construction Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • Energy Law
  • International Arbitration
Carsten Jensen KC, FCIArb
  • Oil and Gas Law
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appellate Practice
  • Class Action Litigation
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • International Arbitration
  • Personal Injury Litigation
Erin J. Baker - Recognized for the first time in 2024 edition of Best Lawyers
  • Legal Malpractice Law
Gavin Price
  • Professional Malpractice Law
  • Class Action Litigation
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Glenn Solomon KC, FCIArb
  • Administrative and Public Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • Privacy and Data Security Law
Kajal Ervin
  • Class Action Litigation
Laura Warner
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Maureen McCartney-Cameron
  • Personal Injury Litigation
Oliver Ho - Recognized for the first time in 2024 edition of Best Lawyers
  • Professional Malpractice Law
  • Trusts and Estates
Robert J. Hawkes KC - Voted the 2024 "Lawyer of the Year" for in Class Action Litigation in Calgary
  • Class Action Litigation
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • Defamation and Media Law
  • Director and Officer Liability Practice
Ryan Phillips
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Sabri M. Shawa KC, FCIArb
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • International Arbitration
  • Labour and Employment Law
Stacy Petriuk KC
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
  • Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law
  • Legal Malpractice Law

2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Cassandra Sutter
  • Labour and Employment Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
David Marshall
  • Appellate Practice
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation
Filippo Titi
  • Insurance Law
  • Corporate and Commercial Litigation

Thank you to our peers and Best Lawyers for recognizing the professional excellence that JSS Barristers is known for. 

 

Strengthening the Team: Welcome Simon McCleary to JSS Barristers

(March 3, 2023) - Simon McCleary returns to JSS Barristers after spending the last 3 years at a Bay Street firm in Toronto. He had previously completed his articles and then worked as an Associate with JSS Barristers from 2012 to 2019.

Simon was recently recognized by The Legal 500 Canada as a “Rising Star” in dispute resolution and “One to Watch” by Best Lawyers in Canada for corporate and commercial litigation.

Christopher Carmichael-Powell is Our Newest Articling Student

(January 18, 2023) - We are delighted to announce that Christopher Carmichael-Powell has joined us as an articling student. Christopher has a Master of Arts in Law and a Master of Science in Business, Law & Management, both from the UK.

For more information about Christopher, please visit his bio.

Welcome to JSS, Christopher!

Emily Amirkhani Joins JSS Barristers

(January 13, 2023) - We are happy to announce that Emily Amirkhani has joined us as our newest associate. Emily joins us after articling and working as an associate at a large national firm.

She obtained her law degree from the University of Victoria Faculty of Law, where she won the G. Allan Higenbottom Prize for the highest standing in the Law, Legislation and Policy course.

For more information about Emily and her practice, please click here for her bio.

Welcome to JSS, Emily!

JSS Barristers at Pride

(September 4, 2022) - 2022 is the first time we participated in the Calgary Pride Parade as a firm and it was a rousing success. What an incredible sight it is to come over the crest of the overpass just before the intersection of 3rd Street and 9th Avenue SW and see hundreds (probably thousands) of people cheering and having a good time!

A special thank-you goes out to the organizers of Calgary Pride for another successful Pride season, and a round of applause to our Diversity Committee for organizing the firm's participation in the parade.

Welcome, Ripple Kaila!

(August 8, 2022) - JSS Barristers is pleased to welcome Ripple Kaila to the firm as our newest Associate. Ripple joins us after summer and articling at a national law firm.

An alumni of Thompson Rivers University's Faculty of Law, Ripple was a part of the team that won the Best Factum - Appellant Award at the Donald G. H. Bowman National Tax Moot Competition in 2021. She also holds a B.Comm from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, where she majored in accounting.

Outside of the firm, she is a competitive powerlifter. She competed in the Alberta Powerlifting Provincials last year, and now has her eyes set on the 2023 Western Canadian Powerlifting and Bench Press Championship.

Meet Our New Articling Student, Wei Wang

(June 6, 2022) - Wei Wang joined the firm in May. She is a recent graduate of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary.

Wei is currently involved in various areas of the law community - as member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers, the Advocates’ Society, and the Canadian Bar Association.

With the ability to communicate and provide legal advice in Mandarin, Wei is also a great addition to our Chinese practice group.

New Appointments to King's Counsel

(April 7, 2022) - The Minister of Justice and Solicitor General recently announced it's list of 2022 Queen's Counsel appointees. We are proud to announce the firm chairperson, Andrew Wilson, and firm partner, Christa Nicholson, have been included in that list.

Andrew Wilson is currently serving as the firm chairperson, following his 2-year term as the firm's managing partner from 2020 to 2022.  He joined JSS Barristers in 2014 after spending 4 years at the Alberta Securities Commission as enforcement counsel. Since joining the firm, his practice has focused primarily on complex commercial and securities disputes.

The Kings's Counsel designation ("KC" as a post-nominal) is an honorary title that is given to lawyers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, to the community and to the administration of justice.

JSS Barristers now has 7 partners with a KC designation.

Oliver Ho Begins as the New Managing Partner

(February 1, 2022) - Oliver Ho begins his tenure today as the firm's new managing partner. Oliver first joined the firm in 2004, gaining multiple awards and accolade for his practice. He is known for his pragmatic approach to resolving clients' disputes has assisted his clients in achieving both effective and efficient solutions.

Outside of law, he is an accomplished musician with recognitions from many national and international competitions. Now, he sings and plays keyboard for the firm's band, The Advo-Cats. He also remains heavily involved with the University of Calgary: as a sessional instructor for the Faculty of Law, as well as serving on the faculty's admissions committee.

Former managing partner, Andrew Wilson, will now take on the role of firm executive chairperson.

Globe and Mail Names JSS Barristers Among Canada's Best Law Firms

(November 16, 2021) - JSS Barristers has been included on The Globe and Mail’s list of Canada’s Best Law Firms 2022. This prestigious award is presented by The Globe and Mail and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on November 16th, 2021, and can currently be viewed on The Globe and Mail website.

Canada's Best Law Firms were selected based on recommendations made by lawyers (peer-to-peer survey) and clients (corporate legal departments) in 28 different fields of law. Approximately 20,000 lawyers, as well as in-house lawyers/legal executives, across Canada were actively invited to take part in the survey. The top 200 law firms in Canada were identified based on the number of recommendations they received.

Our New Articling Student, Harsh Sisodia

(September 9, 2021) - JSS Barristers has had a tradition of strong articling students and Harsh Sisodia is certainly a strong candidate to continue in that tradition.

Harsh is a graduate of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, where he obtained in JD. The U of A is also where he obtained his B.Comm with Distinction in 2017.

During law school, he volunteered with a number of student groups including ProBono Students Canada, Student Legal Services, Edmonton Community Legal Centre and Homeward Trust's Homeless Connect. Prior to joining JSS Barristers, he worked in Corporate Strategies and Services in the Assistant Deputy Minister's Office for the Government of Alberta's Ministry of Infrastructure.

JSS Barristers Adds to Bench Depth With Robyn Graham Addition

(July 21, 2021) - JSS Barristers is pleased to welcome Robyn Graham to firm. A graduate from the University of Alberta Law School, Robyn practiced for five years in Edmonton, AB, before making the move to join JSS Barristers in Calgary.

Robyn has represented individual and corporate clients in the Provincial Court of Alberta, Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta, the Federal Court of Canada, and various administrative and tribunal boards in Alberta.

Prior to law school, she obtained a Bachelor of Arts (with Distinction) and a Master of Arts (with Distinction) from the University of Guelph in history.

Matthew Scott Called to the Alberta Bar in a Virtual Session

(June 22, 2021) - University of Saskatchewan College of Law graduate, Matthew Scott, was called to the Alberta Bar today after completing his articles at JSS Barristers. In a virtual session, his principal, Oliver Ho, spoke at great length about Matthew's outside-the-box thinking. He now continues to practice law as an associate at JSS Barristers.

Matthew obtained his JD (with Great Distinction) from the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to law school, he attended his hometown University of Regina, where he majored in political science with a minor in French and francophone intercultural studies.

Matthew speaks both French and English.

Joseph Heap Completes His Articles, Becomes Firm's Newest Associate

(June 15, 2021) - Former articling student, Joseph Heap, was admitted to the Alberta Bar and now practices as an Associate at JSS Barristers. In a departure from last year's remote ceremonies, Joseph was allowed to have a limited number of guests in attendance. That included his principal, Kajal Ervin; his wife, Kassandra; and his father, William.

Joe holds a B.Eng. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Victoria and worked as an electrical and instrumentation field engineering in the Alberta oil sands prior to attending law school at the University of Calgary. He is also a registered professional engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta.

Global Calgary - "Alberta Health Services sue Calgary mayoral Candidate for $1.3M over threats to health-care workers"

(June 12, 2021) - Global News Calgary interviewed Ryan Phillips who laid out the three main elements to a defamation case.

Global News Calgary

What is the Five Corners Room?

(June 11, 2021) - Last summer, we wrote a feature about our breakout rooms, the Roy Snyder and the Hutz. Those rooms are an accompaniment to the main feature of our firm’s 7th floor: the Five Corners Room, a state-of-the-art hearing room.

Click here to learn more about the room.

3 Nominations in Benchmark Litigation Canada Awards

(April 6, 2021) - Benchmark Litigation released their list of nominees at the 2021 Canada Awards. JSS Barristers has been shortlisted in 2 regional categories for Alberta and 1 national category:

Alberta
Litigation Firm of the Year
Litigator of the Year - Bryan C. Duguid QC, FCIArb

National
Boutique Firm of the Year

The Benchmark Litigation Canada Awards are a celebration of the leading litigators and and firms across Canada., recognizing the firms and litigators who have performed exceptionally at both local and national levels. 

For more information about the methodology and awards, or to register for this year's virtual ceremony on May 12, 2021, visit Benchmarklitigation.com.

Robert W. Armstrong, QC, Former Partner, Appointed to Justice of Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta

(Feb 8, 2021) - Former firm partner, Robert W. Armstrong, QC, has been appointed to Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta by The Honourable David Lametti, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

While at JSS Barristers, Justice Armstrong's civil litigation practice focused on professional negligence, employment, administrative and privacy matters. 

Justice Armstrong continues to maintain close relationships with many of the people at JSS Barristers. We wish him nothing but the best in his new appointment.

CTV News - "Union wants meat processors to receive vaccines"

(January 27, 2021) - Does an employer have the ability to force an employee to receive a COVID-19 vaccination? Sarah Miller answers that question in an interview with CTV News.

Visit CTV News Calgary for the full story.

Oliver Ho Appointed to the Board of Directors at Calgary Arts Development

(December 22, 2020) - Congratulations to Oliver Ho who has been appointed to the Board of Directors at Calgary Arts Development. As a lifelong musician and a born-and-raised Calgarian, Oliver is proud to be a part of an organization that is dedicated to the development of the arts in Calgary.

As the city’s designated arts development authority, Calgary Arts Development supports and strengthens the arts to benefit all Calgarians. We invest and allocate municipal funding for the arts provided by The City of Calgary and leverage these funds to provide additional resources to the arts sector. Their programs support hundreds of arts organizations, individual artists, artist collectives, and ad hoc groups in Calgary.

For more information about Calgary Arts Development, visit their website www.calgaryartsdevelopment.com.

The Newest Associate at JSS Barristers

(December 1, 2020) - JSS Barristers is pleased to announce Daniel Mills has joined the firm as an associate; practicing in the areas of general commercial litigation, insolvency & restructuring, employment and construction.

Click here to learn more about Daniel.

Angad Bedi, the Newest Addition to the Alberta Bar

(November 20, 2020) - We are proud to announce that Angad Bedi was admitted to the Alberta Bar and is the newest associate at JSS Barristers. Angad brings a wealth of international experience with him. He obtained his BA in law from Middlesex University in London, England, and his LL.B. from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland.

Prior to joining JSS Barristers, Angad interned in the Immediate Office of the Registrar at the International Criminal Court in the Hague.

Stacy Petriuk QC, Successfully Re-Elected as LSA Bencher

(November 17, 2020) - Firm partner, Stacy Petriuk QC, successfully ran for re-election as a Bencher with the Law Society of Alberta. Stacy received over 1,900 votes, the most of any nominee.

Benchers are a 24-member board that governs the Law Society of Alberta.

For more information about the election, visit the Law Society of Alberta's election site here.

Re-Elect Stacy Petriuk QC, for LSA Bencher

Benchers are a 24-member board that governs the Law Society of Alberta ("LSA"), 20 of whom are elected by other lawyers. They serve a three year-term and are responsible for the governance of the LSA and adjudication of the profession as regulators that are committed to helping lawyers achieve the highest levels of professional and ethical standards.

The Law Society of Alberta will be holding bencher elections between November 2 and November 16, 2020. Stacy Petriuk QC, will be seeking re-election for the position. Click here to see more about Stacy's past involvement.

For 2020, the elections will be held entirely online. For information on the election process, and to learn more about the candidates, visit the LSA election site.

JSS Barristers Supports Orange Shirt Day

(September 30, 2020) - On September 30, we show our support for Orange Shirt Day, an opportunity to encourage open, meaningful discussion about the effect and legacy of Residential Schools in Canada.

We wear our orange shirts in support of these discussions and for those whose lives have been affected.

For more information about Orange Shirt Day, visit www.orangeshirtday.org.

The Story of the Roy Snyder and Hutz Rooms

(August 14, 2020) - During the firm's office renovations of 2014, the renovation committee was engaged in a hot topic debate: what do we name our new meeting rooms on the 7th floor?

Click here for the full story.

Benchmark Litigation: Three partners named to Top 40 & Under Hot List

(August 4, 2020) - Three partners have been named to Benchmark Litigation's Top 40 & Under Hot List.

Kajal Ervin is co-chair of the firm’s class actions group. Her extensive class action (plaintiff) experience is spread across multiple industries, including product liability, personal injury, privacy breaches and oil & gas. She is co-counsel on a national class action lawsuit against Uber in relation to its 2016 data breach that affected over 57 million Uber customers and drivers. Kajal’s practice also includes construction litigation, highlighted in her representation of Worley from a C$25-million claim alleging breaches of contract and negligence arising from cost estimating and engineering work for a uranium mine expansion project in northern Saskatchewan.

Erin J. Baker is particularly adept at managing large-scale litigation and arbitration matters involving multiple parties. As co-counsel to MasTec Inc., an American multinational infrastructure engineering and construction company, Erin was instrumental in successfully obtaining an C$80-million award through arbitration. In her power and regulatory practice, Erin has represented the Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta on various matters, including, most recently, in relation to an application before the Alberta Utilities Commission. Erin also has an extensive record successfully defending her employer clients on human rights and wrongful dismissal claims.

Ryan Phillips is the newest partner at JSS Barristers. He is currently a part of the litigation team in one of Canada’s most high-profile public law and constitutional challenges as counsel to the Canadian Coalition for Firearm Rights as they contest the Federal Government’s recent firearms ban in Federal Court. Ryan is also co-counsel for Her Majesty the Queen in Right of British Columbia in defence of a constitutional challenge to provisions of its Provincial Sales Tax Act in Fitter International Inc. v British Columbia. Another large part of Ryan’s practice is commercial litigation and arbitration, which usually involve issues of contractual interpretation.

 

Darel G. Samuelson joins JSS Barristers as counsel

(August 4, 2020) - JSS Barristers is pleased to announced that Darel G. Samuelson has joined the firm as counsel as of August 1, 2020. Darel brings over four decades of experience in law. 

Click on the link for more information about Darel and his practice.

Welcome to the firm, Darel.

JSS Barristers welcomes two new articling students

(July 22, 2020) - JSS Barristers is happy to announce the start of two new articling students:

Joseph Heap started with the firm in June. Prior to attending law school at the University of Calgary, he was an electrical and instrumentation field engineer in northern Alberta. 

Matthew Scott joined the firm in July. He is a two-time recipient of the College of Law Upper-Year Juris Doctor Academic Achievement Scholarship.

CTV Calgary - "Businesses face potential pandemic liability"

(June 19, 2020) - Oliver Ho responds to Dr. Deena Hinshaw's warning that organizations are exposing themselves to liability when they don't follow provincial guidelines in this CTV News piece.

Visit CTV News Calgary for the full story.

CBC - "After her toaster oven caught fire, Ontario Woman was told by Whirlpool to take it up with a company in China"

(May 28, 2020) - In an interview with CBC, Robert Hawkes QC informs the reader that while consumer laws differ across the country, they all include an implied warranty that goes beyond the ones that's issued by the manufacturer or retailer.

Visit www.cbc.ca for the full article.

 

Angad Bedi selected to UNHCR Canada's Young Leaders Committee (ON)

(May 6, 2020) - Congratulations to JSS Barristers articling student, Angad Bedi, for his selection to UNHCR Canada's Young Leaders Committee (ON).

The Office of the United States High Commissioner for Refugess (UNHCR), also known as the UN Refugee Agency, is the world's leading organization aiding and protecting people forced to flee their homes due to violence, conflict and persecution. UNHCR provides shelter, food, water, medical care and other life-saving assistance to refugees around the world. For more information about UNHCR Canada, visit their website at www.unhcr.ca.

Edmonton Journal - "Get ready for a wave of post-pandemic lawsuits, Alberta Lawyers say"

(April 27, 2020) - "The post COVID-19 world will be awash in lawsuits and other forms of litigation, as people turn to the courts to help sort through the pandemic's wreckage, Alberta lawyers say." - Jonny Wakefield.

Our partners - Bryan C. Duguid QC, FCIArb, Oliver Ho and Laura Warner - were interviewed by the Edmonton Journal regarding the effect that current business closures and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the Courts.

Read full article here

JSS Barristers Remains Among Top General Commercial Litigation Firms in Alberta According to Chambers Global.

(September 19, 2020) - For the second consecutive year, JSS Barristers maintains a band 2 ranking for commercial litigation in Alberta, sitting among the top firms in the province.

We are also proud to announce that four partners at JSS Barristers are ranked among the top commercial litigators in Alberta. Congratulations to 

  • Bryan C. Duguid, QC, FCIArb
  • Robert J. Hawkes, QC
  • Carsten Jensen, QC, FCIArb
  • Glenn Solomon, QC, FCIArb

At JSS Barristers, we strive to be zealous advocates, and we are proud that sources for Chambers and Partners has recognized our firm as a "pre-eminent litigation boutique in the province", and also noting that JSS Barristers "really understand[s] litigation procedure, and are excellent barristers and formidable adversaries."

The rankings are based on independent research conducted by Chambers and Partners, a London, UK-based research organization. Chambers and Partners identifies the best law firms globally, and their rankings reflect a law firm's reputation in key practice areas. Rankings of law firms and lawyers are primarily based on peer and client interviews, but also rely on information submitted by other law firms.

Best Lawyers: Sabri M. Shawa, QC, FCIArb, Named Lawyer of the Year in Alternative Dispute Resolution. 7 Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in Canada for 2020.

(August 19, 2020) - We are happy to announce that Sabri M. Shawa, QC, FCIArb, has been named Lawyer of the Year in alternative dispute resolution. An incredible recognition for a lawyer of Sabri’s calibre. Additionally, the following lawyers have been recognized for their work by The Best Lawyers in Canada:

  • Bryan C. Duguid, QC, FCIArb
  • Robert J. Hawkes, QC
  • Carsten Jensen, QC, FCIArb
  • Christa Nicholson
  • Gavin Price
  • Sabri M. Shawa Shawa. QC, FCIArb
  • Glenn Solomon, QC, FCIArb

Congratulations everyone on this well-deserved honour.

For more information about the rankings, visit www.bestlawyers.com.

Legal 500 Ranks JSS Barristers Among the Top Boutique Dispute Resolution Firms in Alberta for 2019

For the second year in a row, JSS Barristers has been ranked as one of the top boutique dispute resolution firms in Alberta.

Visit www.legal500.com to see the complete list of rankings.

JSS Barristers Home to Nine Litigation Stars and Four Future Stars According to Benchmark Litigation

In total, 13 of our lawyers were named by Benchmark Litigation as litigation stars or future stars. Congratulations to everyone for this well-deserved recognition for your hard work and dedication to your clients.

  • Erin Baker - Future Star
  • Bryan C. Duguid, QC, FCIArb - Litigation Star
  • Kajal Ervin - Future Star
  • Robert J. Hawkes, QC - Litigation Star
  • Oliver Ho - Future Star
  • Carsten Jensen, QC, FCIArb - Litigation Star
  • Stacy Petriuk - Litigation Star
  • Gavin Price - Litigation Star
  • Sabri M. Shawa - Litigation Star
  • Glenn Solomon, QC, FCIArb - Litigation Star
  • Laura Warner - Future Star
  • Andrew Wilson - Litigation Star

For more information about the analysis and rankings, visit www.benchmarklitigation.com.

JSS Barristers Partners with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)

At JSS Barristers, we've long been supporters of diversity and inclusion in the Calgary community and beyond. We firmly believe that diversity is our strength, and it's one of the core pillars that our firm was founded upon. Diversity continues to be a guiding principle at our firm. Today, our lawyers and staff actively participate in the greater community to promote JSS Barristers' values of diversity and inclusivity.

In furtherance of our mandate, we're pleased to announce that JSS Barristers has partnered with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), a national non-profit that provides innovative and proven tools to help employers achieve their goal of creating a more inclusive workplace. We expect that through this partnership, we'll gain the tools we need to further our goal of creating an inclusive work environment.

Partnering with CCDI is one of several diversity initiatives that JSS Barristers has undertaken to foster more inclusivity in the workplace, the legal profession, and in the greater community. At JSS Barristers, we seek to create an environment where our lawyers, our staff, and our clients receive the utmost respect which they deserve, no matter what walk of life they come from. We actively work to ensure that everyone who steps foot in our firm feels accepted and welcomed.

We truly look forward to working closely with CCDI and we're excited to begin the next step in JSS Barristers' commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. To learn more about CCDI and its initiatives, visit www.ccdi.ca.

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: JSS Barristers Named in Top 10 Civil Litigation Boutique for Fifth Consecutive Year

JSS Barristers has been recognized by Canadian Lawyer Magazine as one of the top 10 civil litigation boutiques in Canada, voted on by lawyers, in-house counsel and clients from across Canada.

Read the article at www.canadianlawyermag.com

Answering the Call From the Calgary Drop-In Centre

In July of 2018, the Calgary Drop-In Centre issued a request for a donation of water bottles, noting that a recent bout of high temperatures posed an increased risk for dehydration. JSS Barristers dropped off five boxes of water bottles, which were put to quick use by Calgarians in need.

JSS Barristers Participates in the Justicia Project

JSS Barristers is pleased to announce our participation in the Justicia Project, a Law Societies initiative with the aim of supporting the retention and advancement of women lawyers in the profession. 

Carsten Jensen QC, FCI Arb will serve as our designated Diversity Officer and lead the firm's participation in this initiative, along with our managing partner, Stacy Petriuk.

JSS Barristers Recognized by Benchmark For 2018

Benchmark has released its list of Litigation Stars for 2018.

The following JSS lawyers have been individually recognized by Benchmark as Litigation Stars:

  • Erin J. Baker – Future Litigation Star
  • Bryan C. Duguid QC, FCIArb
  • Robert J. Hawkes, QC
  • Carsten Jensen QC, FCIArb
  • Christa Nicholson
  • Stacy Petriuk
  • Gavin Price
  • Sabri M. Shawa QC, FCIArb
  • Glenn Solomon, QC
  • Andrew Wilson

JSS Barristers Recognized by The Legal 500 For 2018

JSS Barristers has been recognized by The Legal 500 as a leading firm in 2018.

Additionally, Carsten Jensen QC, FCIArb has been recognized as a leading lawyer in Dispute Resolution.

JSS Barristers Recognized by Best Lawyers For 2018

JSS Barristers has been recognized by Best Lawyers for 2018 in the practice areas of alternative dispute resolution, class action litigation, corporate and commercial litigation, defamation and media law, and personal injury litigation.

Best Lawyers has also recognized Carsten Jensen, Q.C., FCIArb, as Lawyer of the Year in Class Action Litigation.

The following JSS lawyers have been individually recognized by Best Lawyers:

  • Bryan C. Duguid, QC, FCIArb, in alternative dispute resolution;
  • Robert J. Hawkes, QC, in class action litigation, defamation and media law;
  • Carsten Jensen, QC, FCIArb, in class action litigation, corporate and commercial litigation and personal injury litigation;
  • Christa Nicholson, in alternative dispute resolution
  • Sabri M. Shawa, QC, FCIArb, in alternative dispute resolution with a specific focus in arbitration
  • Glenn Solomon, QC, in corporate and commercial litigation

Congratulations to Maureen McCartney-Cameron on Her Recent Election as President of the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association (ACTLA)

Now in its 30th year, ACTLA is a not-for-profit society which provides continuing education to lawyers in all phases of advocacy. In addition, ACTLA works with Government to promote the administration of justice and the public good.

Please contact Maureen for further information about ACTLA's efforts.

Zoolights

JSS Barristers is excited to be presenting Calgary's Favourite Holiday Tradition, ZOOLIGHTS again this year! This year marks the 20th year of ZOOLIGHTS and it is sure to be the most glow-tastic yet!

With fun filled activity zones, enchanting new themes and special guests, there is something for everyone from a family night out with the kids to a date night with your special someone.

See the Calgary Zoo transformed into a winter wonderland brightly lit by over 1.5 million sparkling lights. Everything you know and love about ZOOLIGHTS returns, but of course there are always new surprises. Take in all your favourite holiday activities in one place including:

  • Experience the activities in the Hibernation, Migration, Adaptation and Wonderland areas
  • Play with the new giant Lite-Brite
  • A whirl around the skating rink
  • A free visit with Santa until December 23rd
  • Warm up by one of the many firepits with a cup of delicious hot chocolate
  • Ice skating with free skate rentals - and a DJ on Friday and Saturday nights
  • And much more!

ZOOLIGHTS is on November 24, 2017 until January 6, 2018 from 6-9 pm (Gates close at 9:30 pm). Note: ZOOLIGHTS is closed on December 25.

Hitting the Links to Support Student Legal Assistance

Supporting legal aid programs like Student Legal Assistance is a proud tradition at JSS. Many of us began our journeys as attorneys at programs like Student Legal Assistance, who provide vital legal support for the less advantaged in our community. JSS Barristers has taken part in the SLA Charity Classic golf tournament for a number of years, and while we can't say that we are all-star golfers, it is an event we look forward to every year. (July 2017)

Planes to Africa

A hallmark of the JSS Barristers annual reception are the creative invitations that are sent out to attendees. Our invites for the 2016 reception consisted of an old-school, balsa wood, elastic band airplane. With the help of Colin Glassco at the Glassco Foundation, the leftover plans were sent to Gwembe Valley in Zambia, Africa, where the children have very little to nothing in the way of toys. The smiles on their faces say it all!

JSS Barristers Joins the Calgary Humane Society’s Dog Jog

In June of 2017, Andrew Wilson organized a team of JSSers take part in the Calgary Humane Society's Dog Jog to help out our furry friends and encourage adoption of pets! (June 2017)

JSS Barristers “Highly Recommended” by Benchmark For 2016

Benchmark has released its rankings for 2016, and JSS Barristers has achieved the top "Highly Recommended" status for Alberta.

JSS Barristers Ranked A Leading Dispute Resolution Firm For 2015 by Chambers & Partners

Chambers Global (Chambers & Partners) has released its rankings for 2015, and JSS Barristers has been ranked as a leading dispute resolution firm for 2015

Robert J. Hawkes, QC, Carsten Jensen, QC, FCIArb, and Glenn Solomon, QC also received individual rankings for dispute resolution.

JSS Barristers Named in the Top 10 Litigation Boutiques in Canada By Canadian Lawyer Magazine

Canadian Lawyer has named JSS Barristers as one of the top 10 litigation boutiques in the country this year. JSS Barristers was the only Alberta firm to be so named; the firm is pleased to have received this recognition.

JSS Barristers Counsel on One of the Lexpert “Top Ten” Most Important Business Cases for 2014

Lexpert has released its top ten most important business cases for 2014. Among them is Information and Privacy Commission (Alberta) v United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 401, a case which was an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada from the Alberta Court of Appeal. See the article at: www.lexpert.ca.

JSS Barristers Donate

JSS Barristers is proud to give back to the community through not only its lawyers and staff supporting community activities and charities through donating their time as pro bono lawyers, board members and volunteers, but also through donating funds to charitable organizations. Some of the charities to which JSS Barristers has provided assistance include:

  • Alberta Diabetes Foundation
  • Alberta Law Review
  • Alberta Lawyer's ASSIST
  • Allies for Autism Run
  • Alzheimer Society
  • Between Friends
  • Big Brothers and Sisters Bowl for Kids, 2006-2014
  • Boys' & Girls' Clubs of Calgary
  • Calgary Food Bank
  • Calgary Humane Society
  • Calgary Legal Guidance
  • Calgary Zoological Society
  • Children's Wish Foundation
  • CLERC
  • Impact Society
  • Inn From the Cold
  • Kid's Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta
  • Multiple Sclerosis Society of Alberta - MS Bike Tour
  • Outward Bound Canada
  • Ride to Conquer Cancer
  • Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend To End Women's Cancers
  • Wild Rose Humane Society

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