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Field Law has a multifaceted background in providing advice and counsel within all areas of litigation. We represent clients before all levels of court in Alberta as well as the Federal Court and the Supreme Court of Canada, and before a wide variety of tribunals, boards and commissions.

We work closely with clients to find practical and economical solutions to disputes utilizing alternative methods such as mediation, arbitration and mini-trials to resolve a wide range of legal disputes. Field Law's Immigration team also regularly collaborates on litigation matters to provide one-stop service to clients with international operations.

Field Law has a skilled and knowledgeable group of litigators who provide assistance to clients in numerous areas including:

  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Appeals and Judicial Reviews
  • Class Actions
  • Construction
  • Corporate and Business Disputes
  • Debt Recovery and Restructuring
  • Defamation
  • Energy
  • Estate Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Indian Residential School Claims
  • Intellectual Property and Technology
  • Immigration
  • Media
  • Metis and First Nations
  • Pensions and Benefits
  • Personal Injury
  • Privacy
  • Products Liability

 

Field Law is proud to be recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms 2022 List in the area of Dispute Resolution.

(She/Her)
Partner
VCARD
Practice Group Leader, Trademark Agent
Calgary
lmacfarlane@fieldlaw.com
Partner / Privacy and Data Protection Officer
VCARD
Calgary
knicholson@fieldlaw.com
,
KC
(She/Her)
Partner
VCARD
Practice Group Leader
Edmonton
cpratt@fieldlaw.com
Manager, Litigation Services - Edmonton
VCARD
Edmonton
aantler@fieldlaw.com
(She/Her)
Paralegal, Litigation Services
VCARD
Calgary
pgray@fieldlaw.com
(She/Her)
Paralegal, Litigation Services
VCARD
Calgary
amehio@fieldlaw.com
May v 1986855 Alberta Ltd, 2018 ABCA 94
Fish v Boyd, 2018 ABQB 190
1536466 Alberta Ltd v Prestigious Properties Inc, 2017 ABQB 176
Nagy v Northtech Drilling Ltd., 2020 NWTSC 38
ING Insurance Company of Canada v. Manuel, 2008 ABCA 201
Martinez v. Chaffin, 2019 ABCA 216
893682 Alberta Ltd v Baker Hughes Canada Company, 2017 ABPC 261
Barlot v Eisner, 2017 ABQB 636
Envacon Inc v 829693 Alberta Ltd, 2017 ABQB 623
Rollingson Racing Stables Ltd v Horse Racing Alberta, 2019 ABQB 632
Rollingson Racing Stables Ltd v Horse Racing Alberta, 2020 ABCA 419
The Alberta Teachers' Association v Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No 28, 2022 ABCA 13
Factors Western Inc v DCR Inc, 2021 ABCA 433
MN v Edmonton (Police Service), 2021 ABLERB 25
Dmyterko v Telus, 2021 ABQB 175
Twin Creek Dairy Ltd. v. CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd., 2021 SKQB 57
Alberta Teachers' Association v Buffalo Trail Public Schools Regional Division No 28, 2020 ABQB 582 (CanLII)
Waughtal v Innovative Agri-Ventures Inc, 2020 ABQB 455
Gradziel v Town of Coalhurst, 2020 ABQB
Malmberg v Boyd, 2020 ABQB 326
ST v. Edmonton (Police Service), 2020 ABLERB 1 (CanLII)
Malmberg v Boyd, 2020 ABQB 80
Town of Norman Wells v Mallon et al, 2020 NWTSC 02
LaPrairie Works Inc v Ledcor Alberta Limited, 2019 ABQB 701
Calder v Alberta, 2019 ABCA 289

Appeal court decision confirming public sector pension administrator’s interpretation and application of governing pension plan legislation. Field Law represented administrator at trial and on appeal.

1985 Sawridge Trust v Alberta (Public Trustee), 2019 ABCA 244
1985 Sawridge Trust v Alberta (Public Trustee), 2019 ABCA 243
ALIA re: Sylvia Lapaschuk and Andrew Tanasychuk
Amble Ventures (Alberta) Ltd v D.B.K. Engineering Ltd, 2019 ABQB 287
Geertsma v McCann's Building Movers Ltd, 2019 ABQB 93
Conlin v Edmonton (Police Service), 2019 ABCA 63
Blicharz v Livingstone, 2019 ABCA 42
Hood v South Calgary Community Church, 2019 ABCA 34
Park Avenue Flooring Inc v EllisDon Construction Services Inc, 2019 ABQB 73
Harun-ar-Rashid v Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), 2019 ABQB 54
Makis v Alberta Health Services, 2019 ABCA 23
Paraniuk v Pierce, 2018 ABQB 1015
Elkow v Sana, 2018 ABQB 1001
Gagnon v Shoppers Drug Mart, 2018 ABQB 888
Alvas v Barrett, 2018 ABQB 651
Andrews v Edmonton (Police Service), 2018 ABLERB 16
Paradigm Quest Inc v Vezina, 2018 ABQB 441
Kowalchuk v Hyundai Auto Canada Corp., 2018 ABQB 421
KBR Industrial Canada Co v Air Liquide Global E&C Solutions Canada LP, 2018 ABQB 257
Szybunka v Edmonton (Police Service), 2018 ABQB 164
Stephen v MacLean, 2018 ABQB 53
MUA v Four Points Sheraton Edmonton South (DBA), 2017 ABQB 804
Direct Horizontal Drilling Inc v North American Pipeline Inc, 2017 ABQB 653
Gas Plus Inc v Levelton Consultants Ltd, 2017 ABQB 655
Paraniuk v. Edmonton (Police Service), 2017 ABCA 338
May v. 1986855 Alberta Ltd, 2017 ABQB 617
Graham Group Ltd v. Leitch Construction Inc, 2017 ABCA 321
Andres v. Superior Power Products Limited, 2017 ABPC 138
Calder v Alberta, 2017 ABQB 162
Meghji v Ippolito, 2017 ABPC 7
Keyland Development Corporation v Rocky View (Municipal District No 44), 2016 ABQB 735
Primewest Energy Inc v Texacana Turbines Inc, 2016 ABQB 715
Prestigious Properties Inc v. Cold Lake Estates Inc, 2016 ABQB 632
Rein v. Alberta (Human Rights Commission), 2016 ABQB 386
Bumstead v Dufresne, 2015 ABQB 787
Sticks and Stones Communications Inc v. Hole's Greenhouses & Gardens Ltd, 2015 ABQB 774
1126592 Alberta Ltd. v. Condominium Corporation No. 0425913 (New Cambridge Lofts), 2014 ABPC 183
Murphy v. Cahill, 2014 ABQB 274
Black Fluid Inc. v Opulence Clothing Inc. , 2014 ABQB 138
Murphy v. Cahill, 2014 ABQB 62
Murphy v. Cahill, 2013 ABQB 335
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 754
Chapman v. L’Hirondelle, 2012 ABCA 25
Condominium Corporation No. 042 5636 v. Chevillard, 2012 ABQB 131
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 793
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 530
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 531
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 220
Murphy v. Cahill, 2012 ABQB 446
Toronto-Dominion Bank v. Suitel Canada Executive Suites Corporation, 2012 ABQB 699
Condominium Corporation No. 0825873 v. 1246153 Alberta Ltd., 2011 ABQB 178
Toronto-Dominion Bank v Suitel Canada Executive Suites, 2011 ABQB 519
Condominium Corporation No. 0825873 v. 1246153 Alberta Ltd., 2010 ABQB 718
E. Gruben’s Transport Ltd. v. Alberta Surplus Sales Ltd., 2010 ABQB 244
Toronto-Dominion Bank v. Suitel Canada Executive Suites Corporation, 2010 ABQB 355
Votour v. Tucker, 2010 ABQB 34
Wainwright (Town) v. 876947 Ontario Ltd., 2010 ABCA 23
Bank of Montreal v. Valerio, 2009 ABQB 578
Laasch v. Turenne, 2009 ABQB 267
Votour v. Tucker, 2009 ABQB 722
Guay v. Wong, 2008 ABQB 638
Saddleback v. Labine, 2008 ABQB 698
Swagger Construction Ltd. v. ING Insurance Co. of Canada, 2005 CarswellBC 2127, British Columbia Supreme Court [In Chambers]
re Electoral Boundaries Commission Act (Alberta), 86 D.L.R. (4th) 447, Alberta Court of Appeal
October 2023 - 7 min read
Liability in Construction Contracts: Negligence + The Corporate Veil
A majority shareholder faced potential personal liability due to negligence during project oversight; however, the Alberta Court of Appeal clarified that such liability isn't easily established, emphasizing that the corporate veil ...
August 2023
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2024
43 Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 44 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 18th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
August 2023 - 5 min read
Trying to Dissolve the Corporate Veil? Not Likely.
Condominium Corporation No. 0828219 v Carrington Holdings Ltd. is a recent decision reinforcing the long-standing principle that parent corporations and subsidiaries are separate legal entities and damage caused by a subsidiary ...
June 20, 2023
Legal Fundamentals for Manufactured Home Communities
Workshop
Understanding the legal aspects of manufactured and modular home management is crucial for anyone involved in the day-to-day operation of these communities.  Join Field Law’s Paul Kolida and Trina Jackson for an in-d...
April 2023 - 3 min read
Get Me Out of This Mess! Partial Settlement in Multi-Party Litigation
The cost and delay in litigation has, in many cases, become undefendable. The involvement of multiple parties, each with their own counsel and interests, can further delay and increase litigation costs for all parties. Partial settlement may simplify l...
March 2023 - 4 min read
Priority Between Builders' Liens + Trustee Fees in a Bankrupt Estate
Usually, secured claims against a bankrupt estate (such as builders' liens) are paid out before any other claims, including a bankruptcy trustee's fees. But fairness is the most important consideration when administering a ba...
March 2023 - 3 min read
Strict Disclosure Requirements for Purchasing Condominiums
The Court found that a condominium developer's failure to provide a separate "occupancy date statement" was grounds for the purchaser to rescind her purchase agreement and have her deposits returned to her.  ...
January 2023
Proposed Increase in the Provincial Court Civil Claims Limit
Law Camera Action: Field Law Talks Law
How will the proposed increase of the Provincial Court civil claims limit affect you?While the increased civil claims limit will not be effective until designated by regulation, the proposed increase from $50,000 to $200,000 opens up the Provincial Cou...
January 2023 - 6 min read
How a Woman Uses an Obscure Legal Tool to Expose Online Trolls in Court
Canada Today
When a woman turned to leaders at The Meeting House megachurch in southern Ontario with allegations that her former pastor had sexually abused her, the ensuing investigation forced the pastor to resign and resulted in a reckoning that led to a drop in ...
January 2023
Meet Our Newest Partner
Field Law welcomes Erin Berney to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Erin Berney as a firm partner, starting January 1, 2023.“Erin has done a remarkable job establishing her vibrant law practice and we are happy she has accepted our ...
December 2022 - 4 min read
Push it to the Limit: Amendments to the Provincial Court Act
While the increased civil claims limit will not be effective until designated by regulation, the proposed increase from $50,000 to $200,000 opens up the Provincial Court to larger and more complex cases. This gives litigants more flexi...
November 2022 - 3 min read
Arbitration and Litigation and Bankruptcy, Oh My!
What happens when a party who has agreed to arbitrate its dispute goes bankrupt? If the arbitration process compromises the efficiency of the receivership process, the Court may decide to deal with the dispute and the entire bankrupt e...
August 25, 2022
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2023
39 Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 39 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 17th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
March 2022 - 4 min read
Prompt Payment + Consultants: What You Need to Know
The upcoming changes to Alberta's construction law regime should be top of mind for all parties in the construction industry, with both the Prompt Payment and Construction Lien Act (the "PPCLA") and the Prompt Payment and A...
March 2022 - 10 min read
In Good Faith: Seven Cases Impacting Your Contracts
In 2020 and 2021, two significant Supreme Court of Canada cases, Callow Inc. v. Zollinger and Wastech Services Ltd. v Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, clarified and confirmed the duty of good faith and honest contra...
January 2022
Meet Our Newest Partners
Field Law welcomes Jill Bishop and Richard Stobbe to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Jill Bishop and Richard Stobbe as firm partners, starting January 1, 2022.“Both Richard and Jill have demonstrated leadership and commitment to e...
December 2021
Court of Appeal Adopts the "Plausible Inference" Approach to Discoverability
Is a plaintiff's understanding of the law, and how it might apply to their claim, relevant to an assessment of when a limitation period expires? In Lafferty v Co-operators General Insurance Co, 2021 ABCA 359, the Alberta Court of Appeal r...
December 3, 2021
Civil Procedure for Legal Support Staff
LESA
Legal support staff play a critical role in the civil litigation process. On December 3rd, Julie Shepherd joins a group of lawyers for a live in-person session of the Civil Procedure for Legal Support Staff presented by LESA. Click here to registe...
November 2021 - 6 min read
Frustration + Force Majeure in Commercial Leases: Is COVID a Valid Reason to Not Pay Rent?
When the COVID-19 pandemic started, governments worldwide reacted to this unprecedented health crisis with similarly unprecedented public health measures, including orders for non-essential businesses to close their doors to the public.Many businesses ...
November 16, 2021
Field Law Recognized in The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Best Law Firms 2022 List
At Field Law, we continually aim to provide the best legal advice and client service in western and northern Canada; receiving recognition for work we are passionate about is simply a bonus. We are proud to announce we have been recognized as one ...
September 2021 - 5 min read
COVID-19 + Alberta Corporations: Shareholder Disputes, Oppression and Remedies
The world has changed. The COVID-19 virus is impacting everything and everyone, and certainly, only the most fortunate of businesses have not been adversely impacted. As waves of the virus have strained our healthcare system, it has also caused signifi...
August 2021
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2022
38 Field Lawyers Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 38 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 16th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
July 22, 2021
Abandoned Manufactured Homes: The Court Process Clarified
Q+A Session
Abandoned homes have been an issue for landlords of manufactured home communities for a long time. They can be rather complicated, and knowing when a Quit Claim and Release by the tenant is appropriate, and when to bring a court application can be conf...
July 2021 - 5 min read
Contract Drafting Secures Millions in Pre-Judgement Interest
Bidell Equipment LP v Caliber Midstream GP LLC, 2020 ABCA 478 (“Bidell”) is a recent appeal decision showcasing the importance of a properly drafted contract and its significance during contractual disputes. Additionally, this decision high...
February 2021 - 5 min read
Discretionary Powers in Contracts: The Duty to Act in Good Faith
Since 2014, Canadian courts and tribunals have struggled with the application of the duty to act honestly in the performance in contractual obligations, recognized by the Supreme Court of Canada ("SCC") in Bhasin v Hrynew. In attempts to...
January 2021 - 6 min read
Deception + the Honest Performance of Contracts
In 2014 the Supreme Court pronounced that good faith contractual performance is a general principle in the common law of contracts and that there is a common law duty applicable to all contracts to act honestly in the performance of obligations; B...
January 2021
Field Law Announces Five New Partners
The Firm welcomes Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky to its partnership.Field Law is pleased to welcome Anthony Burden, Jason Kully, Lisa Statt Foy, Britt Tetz, and Matthew Turzansky as partners of the Firm. ...
November 20, 2020
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act Webinar
Join Field Law, in conjunction with the Alberta Sheriff’s Department, for a webinar on how landlords can deal with undesirable behaviours of tenants located in their communities.Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) is a confidential, compl...
November 2020 - 4 min read
Weir in Agreement: Alberta Court of Appeal Confirms Summary Rule
In Hannam v Medicine Hat School District No. 76, 2020 ABCA 343 (“Hannam”), the Alberta Court of Appeal re-affirmed its position in the previously well-known 2019 decision of Weir-Jones. Hannam is a significant decision a...
August 2020
The Best Lawyers™ in Canada 2021
38 Fielders Recognized
Field Law is pleased to announce that 38 of our lawyers are recognized in their respective practice areas in the 15th edition of The Best Lawyers™ in Canada. Recognition in Best Lawyers™ is based on peer reviews of ...
June 25, 2020
How Amendments to the MHSTA Impact Landlords of Manufactured Home Communities
Webinar
Enforcing rental arrears and other tenant breaches under a Lease are an important aspect of a Landlord’s business and recently proclaimed amendments to the Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act are going to have a direct impact on how Landlord’s ...
April 2020
The Liability of Long-Term Care Facilities: COVID-19’s Projected Impact
Canadian Underwriter
February 2020
Bill 3 - Proposed Amendments to the Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Act
On February 26, 2020, the Government of Alberta tabled Bill 3: Mobile Home Sites Tenancies Amendment Act, 2020. When passed, this Bill will change the current dispute resolution regime for mobile home disputes. Currently, all disputes relating to ...
October 2019 - 2 min read
Think Leaving Equipment On Site Extends Your Lien Period? Think Again.
Builders’ liens provide unpaid contractors and subcontractors on a construction project the ability to secure a debt claim against a piece of land. While courts have acknowledged that the purpose of builders’ liens is to prov...

ALIA re: Silvia Lapaschuk and Andrew Tanasychuk

  • Where we began: As defence counsel, we frequently face allegations that paint a negative picture of the defendant even though there is a good defence. In one such case, the plaintiff was convinced the defendants had defrauded an elderly relative. The relative, who could not read or write, sold land to the defendants for much less than market value, soon before his death.
  • Our approach: Our strategy was to focus on the defendants’ good character and relationship with the landowner before the land transfer. In Questioning, the defendants revealed themselves as kind people who would not take advantage of the landowner.
  • The result: Despite initial concerns about liability exposure exceeding a million dollars, we were able to settle the case without any payment, based on discontinuance without costs. We negotiated a settlement after the plaintiffs’ counsel questioned the defendants and saw for his own eyes that these were decent people, despite the nature of the allegations against them.