Acting President

Jensen Shawa Solomon Duguid Hawkes LLP
Suite 800 Lancaster Building
304 8 Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alta T2P 1C2

Stacy Petriuk, KC was born and raised in Calgary. She received her BA from Queen’s University in 1991, her LLB from the University of Calgary in 1996 and her LLM from the University of Cambridge in 2001.

Stacy is a partner at JSS Barristers, a civil litigation boutique, where she was the Managing Partner from 2015 to 2017. Her practice focuses exclusively in civil litigation, with an emphasis on professional negligence defence work and commercial litigation.

She is active in her community and was a member of the board of directors of the Calgary Arts Development Authority from 2014 to 2020. She has presented at numerous seminars in Calgary and Edmonton on diverse civil litigation topics including e-trials, e-discovery, drafting pleadings and the Rules of Court.

Stacy joined the Board in 2018.

Currently vacant.

Field LLP o/a Field Law LLP
2500 – 10175 101st Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0H3

A. Danielle Bourgeois is a born and raised proud Edmontonian. She graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in 2005 and with a Bachelor of Laws in 2009. She was called to the Alberta bar in 2010 and the Northwest Territories bar in 2021. She started at Field LLP as an articling student in 2009 and became a partner in 2017. Danielle’s practice focuses on civil litigation, including all areas of commercial, foreclosure and insurance litigation.

Danielle was a member of the University of Alberta Pandas Hockey team from 1999 – 2005 and went on to assistant coach the Pandas as well as the MacEwan University Griffins for a combined 15 years thereafter. She has been on the University of Alberta Sports Wall of Fame selection committee since 2020. Danielle is currently legal counsel and a member of the Pandas Hockey Alumni Society and has been her firm representative for collecting donations for the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton since 2010. She is a member and current executive secretary for the Canadian Bar Association, Debtor and Creditor Section (North) (2011–present).

Danielle joined the Board in 2024.

Glen Buick is a public representative Bencher. He was formerly the Canadian Ambassador to Chile, and later, Assistant Deputy Minister in Alberta Culture. He is a member of the Alberta Law Enforcement Review Board, the Assessment Review Board of the City of Edmonton and the Tribunal Roster of Public Members under the Health Professions Act. He previously served as a member of the Law Society Board from 2014–2018.

Glen has also served on boards of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award Foundation, CKUA Radio and the Edmonton International Jazz Festival, and (as Ministerial representative) on the boards of Access Alberta and the Calgary Centre for Performing Arts.

He received the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Glen was reappointed to the Board in 2022.

ForensicLaw
Suite 44, 21-10405 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S2

Arman Chak, KC works as the principal lawyer in a small firm in Edmonton. Arman focuses his work on Human Rights, Litigation and Administrative law. Arman was Legal Counsel for the Alberta Human Rights Commission for nearly 12 years. His work over the past 21 years has focused on Administrative and Civil law. He has appeared before many tribunals and Courts, including the Supreme Court of Canada.

Arman has significant experience with respect to diversity and inclusion initiatives and works with the Canadian Bar Association and other equality seeking groups to improve the participation and engagement with diverse groups in the legal profession. His work in human rights has been in the areas of gender discrimination and harassment, mental and physical disability, as well as issues surrounding discrimination of foreign-trained graduates in Canada. He has conducted seminars for employment groups, human resources managers, universities and law students.

In addition, Arman has completed his LLM (Administrative Law) through the Osgoode Professional Development Program. His thesis focused on the contemporary legal issues relating to the delivery of regulatory public programs for societal enhancement. As well, Arman has a diploma in Justice Administration, focusing on Human Rights Institutions all over Canada.

Arman is also an active member of the Alberta Arts Community and produces and directs short dramatic films that have been played in the United States as well as Canada.

Arman was previously a Bencher for six years from 2015–2021, and rejoined the Board in 2024.

Henka Divorce Law & Mediation
4104-50th Avenue
Lloydminster, AB T9V 0V8

As sole proprietor of Henka Divorce Law & Mediation, Stephanie Dobson is a results-focused and experienced Collaborative Divorce lawyer and mediator. Over the past 17 years, she has helped parents navigate a family separation while they connect with and support their children, empowering them to make a plan to write a new family story based on developing lifelong, peaceful, positive and thriving relationships. She has welcomed technology into her practice, operating a paperless office and using video-conferencing technology to reach families at each of her offices in Edmonton and Lloydminster, Alberta, as well as those throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada. Stephanie is Founder, CEO, and Content Creator of Up a Notch Learning Inc., an e-learning platform to empower separating and divorcing families globally with a collection of positive and constructive resources.

Stephanie is an active community volunteer and has served on many boards, presently serving as a Director of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP) (2022). She is a member of many Alternative Dispute Resolution associations, including the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals (IACP), Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association (CDAA), Association of Collaborative Family Professionals – Edmonton (ACFP-E), Collaborative Professionals of Saskatchewan, Collaborative Practice Canada (CPC), Family Mediation Canada (FMC), Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS), and Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC). She is also a member of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and her local Chamber of Commerce.

Stephanie lives on an acreage outside of Lloydminster, Alberta and enjoys travelling and triathloning with her husband and three teenage children.

Stephanie joined the Board in 2024.

Adam Drew is a Crown Prosecutor in the Calgary office of the Alberta Crown Prosecution Service, and has been a Crown since 2010, having previously worked as a general practice lawyer.

Adam completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Toronto in 2006. Adam has prosecuted files at all levels of complexity, and in 2019 was the first prosecutors assigned to the Calgary Indigenous Court.

An adopted member of Miawpukek First Nation, Adam has an ongoing passion for Indigenous justice issues in Canadian criminal law.

Adam is an avid collector of hobbies, including music, photography, hiking, and woodworking. He is a proud father of one.

Woodfibre LNG Limited
c/o Pacific Canbriam Energy
2100 — 215 2 St. S.W.
Calgary, Alta T2P 4H4

Born and raised in Nigeria, Kene Ilochonwu, KC obtained his law degree from Abia State University in 1997 and licensure from the Nigerian Law School Abuja in 2000. He went on to obtain a Master of Laws degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from the University of Strathclyde Glasgow, Scotland in 2004.

Kene relocated to Canada and completed his composite articles at DLA Piper Canada and Imperial Oil. He then joined Blake, Cassels and Graydon as an Associate in 2017, before becoming legal counsel with Parkland Corporation. He was also previously Senior Legal Counsel at Woodfibre LNG.

Kene served on the Law Society of Alberta’s Bencher Election Task Force and he volunteers at the Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project with Pro Bono Law Alberta. He serves as a mentor to law students through the Canadian Bar Association mentor program, and to internationally trained lawyers in Calgary through Global Lawyers of Canada. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of Global Lawyers of Canada, Calgary Black Chambers and Our Saviour Anglican Church.

Kene joined the Board in 2021.

Levonne Louie is a public representative Bencher. She holds a Bachelor of Science (1977), a Bachelor of Commerce (1979), and a Master of Business Administration (1982), all from the University of Calgary. A graduate of the Directors Education Program of the Institute of Corporate Directors, Levonne was granted the ICD.D designation in 2011.

Levonne retired from the oil and gas industry with almost 40 years of experience in the energy sector. She brings considerable leadership experience to her roles on the boards on which she serves.

Levonne has been serving as a Public Member on the Council of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (“CPSA”) since 2017. Her roles include chairing the Governance Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee and the Strategic Planning Working Group. She also serves on numerous other Council committees. She enjoys applying her skillset and her external perspective to help the CPSA protect the public interest and guide the medical profession.

Her past board experience spans a number of diverse boards including the Calgary Convention Centre Authority, Alberta Theatre Projects, the Canadian Association of Petroleum Landmen, and numerous community sports organizations.

Levonne was appointed to the Board in 2022.

Dartnell Lutz
607 — 888 4 Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alta T2P 0V2

Jim Lutz, KC was born and raised in Calgary. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University and his law degree from the University of Wales. Jim works at Dartnell Lutz, where he practises criminal law and represents individuals in front of disciplinary boards.

He is a Past President of the Calgary Bar Association and has lectured at the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as a member of the Calgary Bar Association, Criminal Trial Lawyers Association and Criminal Defence Lawyers Association.

Jim joined the Board in 2018.

Field LLP o/a Field Law LLP
2500 – 10175 101st Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 0H3

Scott Matheson is a partner in the Litigation Group at Field LLP in Edmonton, where he has a general litigation practice acting for people, governments, post-secondary institutions and companies in Court, in arbitration and before administrative tribunals. He completed his Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor at the University of Alberta and an LLM at Osgoode Hall. He served on the Board of Pro Bono Law Alberta, and as Chair of the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, helping Albertans who can’t afford legal advice. He is a sessional instructor in Civil Procedure at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law.

Scott joined the Board in 2024.

Warren Sinclair LLP
600 — 4911 51 St.
Red Deer, Alta T4N 6V4

Bud Melnyk, KC was born and raised in Edmonton where he obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1985. After completing his law degree in 1990 at the University of Alberta, Bud began practising law in Red Deer, and has been an active member of the bar since 1991. He is currently a partner with the law firm of Warren Sinclair LLP.

In 2017, Bud was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta Branch). In 2010, he was awarded the Prism Award for outstanding commitment to pro bono legal services in central Alberta. He is a current member of the Family Law Rules Advisory Committee. In addition, Bud has been a chair and presenter at Legal Education Society of Alberta conferences dealing with family law.

Bud has also been an active member of the community where he has been the Run Director for the CIBC Run for the Cure, Canadian Cancer Society since 2016. He is also a past board member with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Red Deer and an ongoing volunteer with the Festival of Trees (fundraiser for the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation).

Bud joined the Board in 2018.

Bennett Jones LLP/Bennett Jones S.E.N.C.R.L., SRL
4500 Bankers Hall East
855 – 2nd Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4K7

Kelsey J. Meyer is a partner and the Co-Head of the Restructuring and Insolvency practice group at Bennett Jones LLP. She has over 20 years of experience advising clients in complex commercial litigation, insolvency and restructuring matters, and has appeared before all levels of court in Canada. She has been appointed as a member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada. Kelsey is recognized by Canadian and cross-border legal directories and has a proven track record of hard work and dedication to her clients, colleagues and community.

Kelsey has served on the Law Society’s Lawyer Competence Committee and Lawyer Competence Advisory Committee. She is the volunteer coordinator of the Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society’s Parents Practising Law program in Calgary. She serves as the secretary on her son’s school council and parent society. She volunteers with the Ukrainian Canadian Bar Association and with the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation. Over the course of her career at Bennett Jones, Kelsey has acted as principal and as a formal mentor to 19 articling students and associates.

Kelsey is a resolute leader by example with a collaborative, hands-on style. She encourages those around her to learn, grow and work together. She knows how to solve highly complex legal issues and when to be decisive. She has a fierce commitment to what is right and is devoted to building and maintaining a positive work culture.

Kelsey was born and raised in Lethbridge. She and her husband enjoy spending time with their eight-year-old son.

Kelsey joined the Board in 2024.

Sharilyn C. Nagina, KC, was called to the Alberta bar in 2003. She received a Master of Laws (Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law) from the University of Calgary, a Juris Doctor from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts (English and Psychology) from the University of Alberta. She also has a Certificate in Interpersonal Conflict Resolution from the predecessor to the ADR Institute of Alberta.

Sharilyn is a retired commercial litigator and practised for over 20 years, most recently with DLA Piper (Canada) LLP. Sharilyn is currently the Chair of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act Appeal Tribunal, a Director of Women in Law Leadership, and an active volunteer with other non-profit organizations.

Sharilyn has advised or served on boards of directors and committees of non-profit organizations. Sharilyn’s committee experience includes governance, nominations, executive recruitment, capital campaign and stakeholder engagement. She has served as Board Chair, Corporate Secretary and Committee Chair.

Sharilyn is the past Chair of Vivo for Healthier Generations Society, past Vice-Chair of the Calgary Crime Stoppers Association, past Chair of the CBA Young Lawyers Subsection (South) and a past director of the Association of Women Lawyers.

Sharilyn joined the Board in 2023.

Afshan Naveed is a partner at Dentons Canada LLP and a skilled practitioner specializing in bankruptcy, insolvency, restructuring, and commercial litigation. With extensive experience in commercial foreclosures and corporate restructurings, she represents creditors, debtors, court-appointed monitors, receivers, and trustees in bankruptcy across a wide range of industries. Afshan provides strategic counsel and has earned the trust of her clients as a high-level advisor. She frequently appears before all levels of court in Alberta, showcasing her litigation expertise. 

In addition to her Canadian practice, Afshan is also qualified as a solicitor in Scotland, where she was admitted in 2009 and remains on the Rolls of Solicitors. 

Born in Manchester, England, Afshan immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary and later completed her Bachelor of Laws at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. After practicing law overseas, she returned to Calgary to establish her busy legal practice. 

A proud first-generation Canadian with deep family roots, Afshan is passionate about giving back to her community. She is actively involved in extensive volunteer work, both within the legal profession and beyond, contributing her time and expertise to causes close to her heart. Known for her hands-on approach and ability to “get things done,” she is a respected leader and a dedicated advocate for positive change.

Mary Ellen Neilson was Executive Director at the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured until her retirement in 2020. Prior to this, Mary Ellen had a successful 30-year career in financial services, where she held senior executive positions for Western Canada operations. She has served on and chaired various boards, committees and organizations. Mary Ellen is currently a Director on the Board of ATB Financial and chairs the Risk Committee. Most recently, she was on the Board of Governors for the University of Calgary and chaired the Finance and Property Committee.

Mary Ellen has her BCom from the University of Calgary, her MBA from York University, her CPA, CMA from the Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta, and her ICD.D from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Mary Ellen was appointed to the Board in 2022.

Alberta Law Reform Institute
402 Law Centre
University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alta T6G 2H5

For the past 19 years, Sandra Petersson, KC has worked at the Alberta Law Reform Institute – first as legal counsel, then research manager and now Executive Director. Sandra is passionate about developing policy solutions so that the law keeps pace with societal change. Before moving to law reform, she was a tenured academic in New Zealand where she taught statutory interpretation, legislative drafting, torts and jurisprudence. Since returning to Canada, Sandra has facilitated professional law reform training for lawyers across Canada and delivered dedicated seminars to lawyers from South Sudan, Trinidad and Tobago. Sandra holds an MBA and completed the Institute of Corporate Directors Not for Profit program.

Sandra’s professional experience includes service on: the Legal Education Society of Alberta, Board of Directors (2014–20); Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch Council (2012–19); CBA Alberta Governance Review Task Force (2017–18); Federation of Law Reform Agencies of Canada, President (2014–17); Uniform Law Conference of Canada, Alberta delegate (2007–present); Uniform Interpretation Act Working Committee (2011–14); and the Uniform Wills Act Working Committee (2010–13).

Sandra joined the Board in 2021.

Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Suite 1600, 421 7 Avenue NW
Calgary, AB T2P 4K9

Erin Runnalls, KC was born in Calgary and lived in five countries on four different continents before returning to Calgary to start her legal career. Erin received her Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Toronto. Erin was called to the Alberta bar in 2008 following her Clerkship at the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench in Edmonton. In 2021, Erin was also called to the Northwest Territories bar.

Erin is a civil litigation Partner at Gowling WLG, where her practice consists of commercial litigation, health law, professional negligence, insurance, international arbitration, class actions, defamation and constitutional and media law. Erin was recently named one of Lexpert’s Leading Lawyers under 40.

Erin leads the Calgary pro bono programs for Gowling WLG, and received a Distinguished Service Award for her pro bono work from the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association in 2013 as well as a Pro Bono Service Award from Pro Bono Law Alberta in 2016. Erin also chairs Gowling WLG’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in Calgary. Since 2016, Erin has been an Advisory Board Member for the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law, Public Interest Law Clinic. In addition, Erin is active in her community and has acted as chair on numerous not-for-profit society boards.

Since 2015, Erin has served on several Law Society of Alberta committees, including Credentials and Education, Practice Review and Conduct.

Erin joined the Board in 2023.

Witten LLP
2500 — 10303 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton, Alta T5J 3N6

Ronald Sorokin, KC received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto (1987) and LLB (1991) from the University of Alberta. He articled and has spent his entire career with Witten LLP (formerly Witten Binder). He became a partner in 1998 and was managing partner from 2010-2020. His practice focuses on commercial real estate and commercial transactions, and he has been repeatedly recognized by both Lexpert and Best Lawyer.

Ron participates as Civil Duty counsel. He has been a panelist at several Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) courses and has chaired a number of seminars including a seminar for Advanced Commercial Real Estate at the Banff Refresher Course on Real Estate. He has been an active member of the CBA, as a current member and past chair of the Commercial Property section, as a member of the CBA Engagement Task Force, and as a past member of the Creditor Rights and Business sections.

For several years, Ron has been a weekly driver volunteer for Meals on Wheels; an active member and contributor to the YMCA; an active participant and leader contributor to the United Way; a volunteer at the Food Bank; and a supporter and participator in Habitat for Humanity builds. Throughout his professional career, he has and continues to serve as pro bono counsel and as a board member for several not-for-profit organizations and charitable foundations.

Ron joined the Board in 2022.

Pringle Law
300 Transalta Place
10150 – 100th Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 0P6

Nicole Stewart has practised at Pringle Law in Edmonton since being called to the Alberta bar in 2013. She clerked at the Alberta Court of King’s Bench and articled to the late Alexander Pringle, KC. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University (with distinction) in 2009 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Alberta (with distinction) in 2012.

As a defence lawyer, Nicole represents adults and youth charged with serious criminal offences at the trial and appellate level. She has extensive litigation experience with administrative tribunals and professional disciplinary hearings, including as counsel for members of the Edmonton Police Association.

Since 2017, Nicole has been a sessional instructor at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Law. She taught the Law of Evidence and co-taught the first Gladue Indigenous Sentencing class in Canada. She is a long-standing member of Legal Aid Alberta and the Criminal Trial Lawyers’ Association. As part of her contribution to public service and the legal profession, she has worked on many Indigenous restorative justice committees.

Nicole joined the Board in 2024.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Suite 3500 East Tower Bankers Hall
855 – 2nd Street SW
Calgary, AB T2P 4J8

David’s litigation practice involves all aspects of corporate/commercial litigation with an emphasis on
construction law, securities law, insurance law, environmental law, and oil and gas law. He regularly appears before all levels of courts in Alberta as well as in the Federal Court and the Federal Court of Appeal. In securities matters, he frequently appears before the Securities Commission of Alberta.

David also maintains a considerable advisory practice in connection with environmental issues, property and liability policies, and reinsurance losses.

David is a member of the Blakes Executive Committee. He regularly speaks at conferences throughout Canada on topics that impact the areas of law in which he practises. He is also active in many volunteer organizations and is a board member of Calgary Legal Guidance.

David joined the Board in 2024.

Public Prosecution Service of Canada
700 Epcor Tower
10423 101 St.
Edmonton, AB T5H 0E7

Moira Váně, KC received her law degree at the University of Alberta and began her career working as a prosecutor for the provincial government in rural Alberta in 2003. For the last eight years, she has worked with the federal prosecution service in Edmonton.

Moira is a founder of the New Parents’ Peer Support group with ASSIST and has volunteered with ASSIST since 2012.

Moira is excited to see that equity, diversity and inclusion are key pillars of the Law Society’s Strategic Plan.

Moira joined the Board in 2021.

Lawson Lundell LLP
1100 — 225 6 Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alta T2P 1N2

Grant Vogeli, KC obtained his law degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1982 and practised in Regina until 1988. Since moving to Calgary in 1988, Grant has practised exclusively as a litigation and dispute resolution lawyer and received his King’s Counsel designation in 2013. Grant has a strong commitment to serving the legal profession. He has taught the bar course and presented at several Legal Education Society of Alberta seminars. He also does an extensive amount of pro bono work every year.

Grant spends many hours each year mentoring young lawyers and also has a strong commitment to the community. He has served on and chaired many charitable and non-profit boards including the Multiple Sclerosis Society in both Saskatchewan and Alberta, the Calgary Telus Convention Centre, the Celtic Soccer Club and Glenmore Christian Academy. He has also been extensively involved in law firm management.

Grant joined the Board in 2021.

Louise Wasylenko, CPA, CMA is a public representative Bencher. She received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta in 1980, and her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation in 1989.

Louise has extensive experience working in legal and regulatory environments, both professionally and as a board member, advising and educating on the need for commitment to professional standards and codes of conduct, adjudication and strategies for remediation.

She has played senior management roles at Bennett Jones, KPMG, and several major health care organizations and municipalities, responsible for the analysis and management of financial processes, risk management and compliance activities. Louise is semi-retired and contributes her financial expertise to several non-profit organizations.

Louise was appointed to the Board in 2015.