Karen A. Smith

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, and with other tribunals and professionals dealing with matters as independent counsel and responding on behalf of regulated members to regulatory processes. She has appeared before all levels of court, including Courts of Appeal and numerous administrative tribunals. Karen is also experienced in mediations and arbitrations having been involved in more than 300 such processes. Karen is the senior lawyer responsible for the Wills and Estates Practice Group.

Karen has been a sessional instructor with the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law since 2008. She presently teaches in the areas of Advocacy and Professional Responsibility and Ethics.