Dean Hitesman

Kevin J. Smith is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Kevin J., who practices law in Edmonton, Alberta, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kevin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ward Hanson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation. Ward, who practices law in Edmonton, Alberta, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ward is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joseph Yurkovich is a native Edmontonian and a corporate tax lawyer focusing on M&A and tax efficient structures, including limited partnerships with pension investors. Over 40 years of practice, he has assisted drafting of Alberta legislation for ULCs, other corporate law issues and automobile vicarious liability, and advised clients on corporate governance issues, successful take-over bid and shareholder proposals. Apart from his secondment to the tax group of an international accountin...

Known for being fair, honest, and a great communicator, Anthony Espejo provides strategic and practical advice for commercial litigation and insurance matters. His expertise leads to targeted advice to find the best resolutions while his experience means he avoids wasting time or energy on strategies that aren’t productive. Clear communication is one of his biggest strengths as an experienced insurance defence litigator. He works through a problem logically to find the most fair and rea...

Karen is an experienced senior lawyer who articled with the Ontario Court of Appeal to the Chief Justice of Ontario and practiced with a large law firm in Toronto. She joined Parlee McLaws in 1993. Her main area of practice is civil litigation with a strong emphasis on professional regulatory work. Karen has a diverse background working with a variety of clients and acts on behalf of numerous colleges and associations (including the Alberta College of Social Workers) as lead legal counsel, an...

Dan is a dedicated advisor and strategic problem solver. He is known for providing timely, practical advice and unrelenting advocacy. He leverages his tireless work ethic and substantial experience to achieve measurable results for his clients. Dan is an accomplished litigator and advisor to union and non-union employers with respect to labour, employment, workers’ compensation, occupational health and safety, and administrative law issues. He is well-versed in termination issues, human...

Nizar Dahrouge is an experienced and practical business lawyer advising entrepreneurs and corporate clients on mergers and acquisitions, business structuring, financing, and commercial agreements with suppliers, distributors and customers. Nizar also has a great deal of experience in real estate transactions including acquisitions, sales, financing, and leasing. Nizar has worked on and structured highly complex purchase and sale transactions with sophisticated parties and significant deal val...

Jon is a solicitor whose practice emphasizes commercial lending and commercial real estate law. After earning his B.A. with Distinction (2003) and his LL.B. (2006) at the University of Alberta, Jon was admitted to the Alberta bar in 2007. He is a member of the Canadian Bar Association Business Law and Real Property subsections. Outside the office, Jon skis, mountain bikes, and runs (at his wife’s insistence). He also enjoys camping and traveling.

Gerhard is a seasoned litigator who uses his considerable experience to skillfully handle various types of civil claims by and against his clients. He navigates the complex issues while negotiating collective bargaining agreements for various private and public sector employers. He is well-versed in all facets of construction litigation, workers’ compensation claims and appeals, employment law, and occupational health and safety (OHS) matters. As a partner in the Commercial Litigation a...

Chuck Russell, K.C. has provided practical and timely advice to debtors, lenders, and receivers for more than 40 years. He is a partner and Queen’s Counsel with extensive knowledge in restructuring, reorganizations, and insolvency. Known for his negotiation skill and personable manner, Chuck handles corporate restructuring and reorganizations, receiverships, and bankruptcies for corporations and individuals in a broad range of industries. He advises lenders on methods of securitizing lo...