Melissa Smith

Andrew Wong is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Andrew, who practices law in Calgary, Alberta, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Jessica's practice focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis in insolvency and restructuring. She advises clients on general commercial disputes, all aspects of insolvency and restructuring matters, including cross-border proceedings, and banking and oil and gas related litigation. Clients value Jessica’s practical and collaborative approach to complex legal disputes and restructuring proceedings. Jessica has acted for debtor companies, guiding them through the ...

Jared Kantor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Jared, who practices law in Calgary, Alberta, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jared is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kevin has practiced almost exclusively family law for over 25 years. His more recent litigation has been at the appellate level but his practice has shifted to representing a few private clients and acting as mediator (most often with counsel present) and arbitrator (often of longer, more complicated arbitrations). His articles/papers on family law issues have been published by the Lawyer's Weekly and he is a regular contributor to the continuing legal education of Alberta's family bar throug...

Brent focuses his practice on business and personal tax planning, leading projects for restructuring, split-ups, acquisitions, asset divestitures and financings. He represents clients in tax disputes, representing clients before the Canada Revenue Agency, Department of Justice and Department of Finance. From the Alberta Government to the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Brent has worked with a variety of government, industry and volunteer organizations to improve tax laws. For the past 30 ...

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...

Christiana joined Parlee McLaws’ Calgary office as an Associate in 2014 upon the completion of her Articles with the firm, having been previously admitted to the practice of law in New York State in 2010. She is an experienced trial and appellate litigator with a practice focused on civil litigation and administrative law, specifically in the areas of energy, construction, aviation, municipal governments, and insurance. Christiana has represented clients before the Alberta Court of Just...

Tim Ryan is a partner in Gowling WLG's Calgary office. He practises actively in the area of health law, professional regulation and professional liability. Tim's practice includes class action proceedings, administrative law and the defence of medical, pharmacist and engineering malpractice cases. He also has an interest in public and private international law matters. While at Cambridge, Tim concentrated his studies in public and private international law, including studies at the Lauterpach...

Eleanor is a partner at Carbert Waite and chair of the Trusts and Estates group. She is a recognized wills and estates lawyer who takes a forward-thinking approach to the practice of estate law. From personal estate planning to navigating high-conflict estate disputes, Eleanor is committed to empowering her clients during the legal process. Eleanor has obtained the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation by STEP Canada, which demonstrates her advanced understanding of the trust and es...