Stephen D. Burns

Gavin received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Zoology) from the University of Calgary. He then attended the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, graduating in 2001. Upon graduation, Gavin clerked at the Court of Appeal and the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. Following his clerkship, Gavin completed his articles at the Calgary offices of a large national law firm, practicing in securities and regulatory matters. He was called to the Alberta Bar in 2002. Gavin joine...

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...

Teresa Foley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Health Care Law and Medical Negligence. Teresa practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Teresa Foley since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Teresa Foley is held by other lawyers.

Carey was told by many that ‘she should be a lawyer when she grew up’. So, she did just that. Carey was raised in Calgary, Alberta taking both her Bachelor of Arts Degree, and later her Bachelor of Laws Degree at the University of Calgary. After obtaining her Law Degree in 2010, Carey articled at a mid-size firm. Shortly thereafter Carey worked with Pam Bell as a young associate. It was there she discovered her love of family law. Carey’s love of family law is grounded in he...

Danielle Maksimow is partner in our capital markets group. She represents and advises borrowers, banks, insurance companies and other financial institutions on a wide variety of financial matters with an emphasis on US private placements of debt to institutional investors and national and cross-border syndicated and bilateral debt financing transactions, including asset-based lending transactions, project finance, acquisition financings, distressed lending transactions and complex intercredit...

Krista Schofer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Immigration Law and Labour and Employment Law. Krista practices law in Calgary, Alberta Best Lawyers has recognized Krista Schofer since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Krista Schofer is held by other lawyers.

Sandy Vander Ziel joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2013 and practices exclusively in family law. She is a registered collaborative lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, as well as a dispute resolution officer with the Court of King’s Bench. She has practiced in the area of family law at local and national law firms since 2002. Sandy has significant experience with a variety of methods of Alternate Dispute Resolution including Collaborative law, lawyer assisted mediation, arbitration and in...

Ray Chartier practises commercial litigation, arbitration and dispute resolution, focusing on matters involving the energy industry, major infrastructure projects and the transportation sector. He also advises a broad range of clients on indigenous law issues, and on environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, regulation and compliance issues. Ray's clients include project proponents, financial institutions and other stakeholders. Over the years, Ray has been involved in pipeline applic...

Jennifer McPherson is a corporate and commercial lawyer focusing on corporate finance and securities, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate and commercial matters. Jennifer has acted for private and public companies on a broad range of matters, including public offerings, private placements, plans of arrangement, and asset and share purchase and sale transactions. She has also advised clients on stock exchange listings, continuous disclosure matters, and corporate governance issues.

Dion Legge practises tax law. His practice focuses on the income tax aspects of corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, takeovers, debt and equity financings, and the taxation of flow-through vehicles. Mr. Legge also advises on tax-planning issues related to international structures for Canadian-based multinational corporations, on investments by non-residents in Canada, and on structuring cross-border mergers and acquisitions, divestitures and financings. He joined our Calgary o...