Bar Admissions
2018
Alberta
Education
2017
University of Calgary, Juris Doctor
2011
Ryerson University, BJ
2007
Red Deer College, Theatre Studies (Acting)
Memberships
Canadian Bar Association
Calgary Bar Association
The Advocates' Society
Teaching Roles
CPLEA
“Social Media and the Law Webinar” (panelist, 2025)
Independent Press Gallery
“Defamation Law for Journalists” (lecturer, 2025)
Community
SPARQ Productions
Performer/Dancer
Workshop Theatre
Season Adjudicator
Canadian Women’s Foundation
Volunteer
Student Legal Assistance
Former Volunteer
Awards & Recognition
- Assentio Mentium Scholarship in Law
- Margaret and Robert Montgomery Law Scholarship
- Maclean (Mac) Jones Memorial Scholarship
- Elizabeth Brisco Scholarship
- Student Legal Assistance (First Year Volunteer Award)
- Edward R. Murrow Award (for her role in the coverage of the 2013 Calgary Floods)
Andrea MacLean is an Associate at JSS Barristers. One of the few defamation lawyers in Canada with prior experience as a journalist, Andrea brings a unique perspective to reputation-related disputes. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in defamation matters - including media organizations, company CEOs, and a multi-platinum rock band.
Andrea also has experience representing clients in harassment matters, including pursuing civil harassment claims, civil restraining orders, and injunctive relief to protect clients' rights and reputations. In addition to her reputation and harassment practice, Andrea has experience in corporate and commercial disputes, contract disputes, personal injury claims, debt recovery, and insurance litigation.
Education
Andrea was born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta. In 2017, Andrea obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary Faculty of Law, where she achieved Dean’s List standing. Andrea was called to the Alberta Bar in 2018 and she joined JSS Barristers as an Associate in 2019.
Before diving into her law adventures, Andrea obtained a Theatre Studies (Acting) diploma from Red Deer College and a Bachelor of Journalism from Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). She went on to work as a journalist in Calgary for several years and was awarded the Edward R. Murrow Award for her role in the coverage of the 2013 Calgary Floods.
Community
While obtaining her law degree, Andrea clerked at the Provincial Court of Alberta (now, the Alberta Court of Justice), volunteered with Student Legal Assistance, and competed in the Alberta Court of Appeal Moot.
Personal
During her free time, Andrea enjoys traveling, dancing, playing squash, and going on hiking and camping adventures in the mountains with her family.
Publications
"Defamation: Should You Apologize After Making a Defamatory Statement?"
JSS Barristers.ca, June 29, 2026
"I Have Been Sued for Defamation. Now What?"
JSS Barristers.ca, October 25, 2024
"Got a Limitations Defense to an Originating Application? Seek Leave!"
JSS Barristers.ca, May 17, 2024
Co-Author (with Ripple Kaila)
"I Think I Have Been Defamed. Now What?"
JSS Barristers.ca, May 8, 2024
"Could Your Retainer Be Voided for Incapacity?"
JSS Barristers.ca, November 16, 2021
"COVID-19: Class Actions Arising From a Pandemic"
JSSBarristers.ca, July 28, 2020
Co-Author (with Gavin Price and Kajal Ervin)
"Are Contracts Enforceable Despite COVID-19? [Part 4]: Force Majeure Notice Requirements"
JSSBarristers.ca, April 24, 2020
Co-Author (with Geoffrey Boddy)
"Are Contracts Enforceable Despite COVID-19? [Part 1]: Overview"
JSS Barristers.ca, April 1, 2020
Co-Author (with Bryan C. Duguid QC, FCIArb)
"People Always Told Me, Be Careful What You Do: Wills and Dependency Legislation"
LawNow, 2017
"Alberta Judges Can Refer to Informal Settlement Offers"
The Lawyers Weekly, 2015
"Third Party Claims in Construction Disputes"
CBA Construction Law Section, October 2019
Co-Author (with Ryan Phillips and Geoff Boddy)
Speaking Engagements
2019 CBA Construction Law Meeting Presenter