Cecilia Hoover

Alex Kotkas is Managing Partner of the Alberta Region, with primary responsibility for leadership of the Firm’s Calgary and Tsuut’ina offices. As Regional Managing Partner, Alex manages the region's operations while developing and executing its strategic direction. His leadership focuses on cultivating a supportive environment that prioritizes exceptional client service, drives innovation, and nurtures outstanding talent. Alex is the founder and former leader of the Firm’s L...

Shannon James is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Shannon practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Shannon James since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Shannon James is held by other lawyers.

Grant is recognized as a leading litigation lawyer by Chambers Canada , Lexpert , Best Lawyers , Benchmark Canada and others. He has been identified by Benchmark as one of the top 50 trial lawyers in Canada each year since 2020. He was inducted into Benchmark’s Litigation Hall of Fame in 2023 and is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America. Grant is known as a fierce advocate who applies common sense to solve complex legal and business problems. He has the ability to pierce through...

Pragmatic in her approach to client service, Gillian is a versatile litigator with significant courtroom experience in the United States and Canada. With a diverse skillset, Gillian maintains a civil litigation practice primarily in the areas of insurance defence, commercial and condominium litigation. Gillian began her career as a lawyer in Nevada and California. There, she honed her skills working in private practice and as in-house counsel with a national insurance company. Industrious and...

Ricki Johnston is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate and Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Ricki practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Ricki Johnston since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ricki Johnston is held by other lawyers.

William (Bill) Fowlis, KC, FCPA, FCA, TEP is a lawyer, a Chartered Professional Accountant/Chartered Accountant, and a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP). With this complementary professional background, Bill focuses on taxation, corporate, trust, succession, and estate planning law for privately owned businesses, corporations, family enterprises and high net worth individuals. Bill is considered to be one of the top legal professionals practicing in these areas of law in Canada. His practic...

Shelley E. Waite, TEP , is a Calgary lawyer with McLeod Law LLP whose practice focuses on Trusts and Estates . She assists clients with personal and family estate matters, including: estate planning trust planning U.S. and cross-border planning estate administration estate dispute resolution elder law guardianship and trusteeship matters Shelley helps clients navigate the legal and practical issues that may arise during the estate planning and administration process. She takes time to underst...

Gordon “Gord” Van Vliet is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate and Business practice groups with nearly 20 years of experience helping public and private developers build and manage many large properties throughout Alberta and British Columbia. He provides strategic counsel on a broad range of complex commercial real estate transactions and structures, including commercial and residential land development, sales and acquisitions, mergers, leasing and property management, co-...

Mark Sawyer articled with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2003 and became a partner in 2010. Mark’s practice focuses on the business and commercial aspects of the law, as well real estate and estate planning. Mark works with many privately held businesses, advising them on their corporate, financing, contract and shareholder matters. Mark provides advice as well on the incorporation of new businesses and the sale and purchase of existing companies. He also acts for clients who are buying, s...

Rahim Vasanji is a member of Verjee Law’s Personal Injury and Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group , where he focuses on advocating for individuals who have suffered serious injuries. His practice is centered on personal injury and insurance disputes with additional experience in commercial litigation and corporate transactional matters. In his personal injury work, Rahim represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, catastrophic injury claims and fatality matters. He is committed...