Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2026 
Layne Thiessen is a Calgary lawyer with McLeod Law LLP whose practice focuses on Trusts and Estates, including estate litigation. He represents clients throughout Alberta and assists individuals and families across Canada and internationally with wills, trusts, and estate matters in Alberta.
Layne Thiessen has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2026 in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers practising in the same geographic area and practice area.
With more than a decade of experience, Layne advises and represents clients in a wide range of estate disputes. He works to resolve matters through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, as appropriate, and has represented clients before courts throughout Alberta.
Layne assists with matters involving:
- Will and trust interpretation
- Will challenges
- Applications for advice and direction relating to probate and estate administration
- Removal and replacement of personal representatives and trustees
- Compensation for personal representatives and trustees
- Testamentary capacity and undue influence in relation to inter vivos gifts
- Joint account litigation
- Dependant support and relief claims, and family maintenance and support claims
- Power of attorney and trust litigation
- Contested passing of accounts
In addition to his legal practice, Layne regularly presents on estate litigation topics to financial and wealth management professionals, accountants, and lawyers. He has delivered presentations for the Canadian Bar Association, the Legal Education Society of Alberta, and accounting, tax, and financial advisory organizations.
