David Brannen

My practice is focused exclusively on representing employees in disability and employment law disputes. What makes it unique is the education-first approach I’ve built into every part of my work. I want clients to feel empowered and informed from the start, so they can make the best decisions about their cases. At my firm, Resolute Legal, we also use what I call the Story Alignment Method™—a process for ensuring that each client’s story is told in a way that resonates with decision-makers. This approach grew out of my belief that telling the best story can be just as important as the law itself. 

Clients often ask, “How much severance or compensation am I entitled to?” or “Why would my disability claim be denied if I have strong medical evidence?” My answer is that the law doesn’t work in formulas or guarantees. Many factors influence outcomes, and sometimes it isn’t enough to be right—you also have to present your case in the right way. That’s why my team emphasizes education, preparation, and strategic storytelling—so clients don’t get blindsided by legal technicalities the way my grandfather did.

One of the most memorable cases I handled this year involved a widow seeking back payment of her late husband’s CPP disability benefits. She had represented herself at the Social Security Tribunal and lost, but hired me to handle her appeal to the Tribunal’s Appeals Division. Normally, retroactive payments are capped at 12 months from the date of application. However, I was able to negotiate a rare settlement with the Minister that secured nearly 10 years of retroactive benefits—resulting in more than $250,000 for my client. She was delighted, and together we achieved justice for her late husband.

The most challenging aspect of disability and employment law is the imbalance of power. Employees and individuals with health conditions are often up against large corporations and insurance companies with deep resources. My challenge is to level that playing field, ensuring that truth and fairness aren’t lost to legal technicalities. Balancing the legal battle with the very real human impact of illness, job loss, and financial stress is both the hardest and most rewarding part of my practice.

Yes—when I was ten years old, my grandfather lost what should have been an “unlosable” lawsuit against a large corporation. He suffered PTSD and never worked again. His lawyer was outmatched, and the truth wasn’t enough to win. That injustice burned itself into me. I decided to become the lawyer my grandfather needed—one who understood how to fight effectively for ordinary people. That experience inspired me to dedicate my career to disability insurance and employment law.

Outside of law, I enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors with my family. I’m also a competitive player and judge for the trading card game Flesh and Blood, which is both a challenge and a creative outlet. Teaching is another passion of mine: I write books, host a live weekly online program, and run a YouTube channel—all focused on making complex legal issues understandable for everyday Canadians.

At the heart of my work is a belief in access to justice through education. Whether it’s through my firm, my writing, or my live shows, I want people to feel equipped to stand up for their rights. The legal system often favors those with the most resources, but I’ve seen how preparation, knowledge, and storytelling can tip the balance. My mission is to ensure that no Canadian loses their case—or their livelihood—because of legal technicalities.