WEST LEGAL - Key Persons
Adrienne O'Reilly is a Corporate, Securities, Mergers & Acquisitions and Commercial lawyer who holds the Institute of Corporate Directors Director designation (ICD.D) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree. She was awarded a 2019 Lexpert Rising Star as a Leading Lawyer Under 40 in Canada. Before joining West Legal in 2020 she practiced for 14 years at national firms in Calgary. Adrienne's corporate clients range from start-up companies to publicly-listed corporations, entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, senior executives, and boards of directors - she supports them from inception through liquidity or exit strategy, and beyond.
Adrienne focuses on business structuring (domestic and multinational), mergers and acquisitions (private and public acquisitions, business combinations, and reverse takeovers), corporate governance (including anti-corruption matters), and corporate finance transactions (private equity placements and debt financing) across a variety of industries, including energy, oil and gas, life sciences and financial services. She advises a number of private and public company boards of directors, management teams, and committees, and her clients rely on her to provide practical, timely, and counsel effectively suited to their individual business needs. She is corporate secretary for a number of private and public companies that trust her for strategic advice. She has led domestic and international business purchase and sale transactions and private placement financings, cross-border secured lending transactions, international reorganizations, complex merger and acquisition transactions, and advises on governance matters for both companies and individuals. She has provided her expertise for local and national companies, and on international transactions in North and South America, Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East. Outside of the office, Adrienne is a proud mom of a large family, including a particularly vivacious 11-year-old who keeps her busy cheering at baseball games and in martial arts.
Education
2016, ICD.D, Institute of Corporate Directors (Institute-certified Director)
Alyssa has been with the West Legal team since 2018 and currently works as a legal assistant, and office administrator. Alyssa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Science from Trinity Laban Conservatoire in London, UK. Outside of the office, she owns and operates a local dance studio with her partners, and works as a dance educator and choreographer. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature with her boyfriend, and their dog, Sage.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor & Notary Public
Born and raised in Calgary, Angela has been practicing law since 1999, having worked in the wealth management division of two major financial institutions, the Government of Alberta in the Office of the Public Trustee, and private practice, including her own firm. Angela's practice focuses primarily on Wills & Estates, including assisting clients in more complex estate planning matters.
Having served the range of both high net worth clients and in-need Albertans, Angela's detailed and thorough approach to planning for clients from all walks of life, and compassion in dealing with estates is evident in her successful practice in the last two and half decades. Angela is very personable, and her ability to relay complex legal concepts to clients is the hallmark of her long career.
Angela is married, has two adult children, and two fur babies. She loves spending time with her family. When she's not exploring new restaurants to indulge her adventurous palate, she follows all the latest diet fads. She also enjoys a good pun or two and harnesses humor as her super power.
Candice is an outgoing, professional, and organized receptionist, who has joined our team in 2023 after spending several years mainly working from home raising her children. She had previously worked in the oil and gas sector as an office manager for 13 years, so has dusted off those office skills and is enjoying learning the ins and outs of the various legal services offered at West Legal. When she is not working, she can be found spending time with her two teenage daughters, husband, and four dogs. Once she's had her fill of them, you'll find her working at one craft or another, usually in preparation for her next Disney vacation.
Christopher practices in the area of civil litigation with a focus in estate, real property, and administrative law matters. Christopher has appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice, Alberta Court of Kings Bench, Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, and administrative tribunals.
Christopher was born and raised in Red Deer, Alberta. Following high school, he completed his Bachelor of Commerce with a focus on marketing at the University of Calgary. Shortly after he pursued an education in Law at the University of Saskatchewan, completing his Juris Doctor in 2021 and was called to the Alberta bar in 2022.
In his spare time, Christopher can be found exploring the outdoors on mountain bikes or cross-country skis and is usually accompanied by his wife and their dog Stella. With a passion for strength sports, Christopher often enjoys competing in Powerlifting and training to add kilos to his squat, bench, and deadlift.
Job Titles:
- Independent Contractor Although Independent Contractors Often Enter into a Contract for Services, This Is Not an Employment Contract and Does Not Create.
- Managing Lawyer
David West practices in the areas of Real Estate, Wills, and Probate. David was born and raised in small-town southern Alberta. Following high school, he moved to France where he…
David was born and raised in small-town southern Alberta. Following high school, he moved to France where he lived and traveled prior to moving to Calgary for university where he completed his undergraduate degree in Psychology in 2005 (First Class Honours). He then spent several years in the not-for-profit sector working in various capacities with adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds. His experience in the not-for-profit sector helped David develop unique knowledge and a broad skill set in dealing with individuals facing unique challenges. David brings this knowledge and desire to help to his practice of law as he works to find time and cost-effective resolutions to clients' individual matters.
A decision to return to school took David to the University of Alberta where he completed his Juris Doctor degree in 2013. During law school, David volunteered his time with Student Legal Services and Pro Bono Students Canada.
A strong believer in community and the importance of each of us giving of our time and talents to worthwhile causes, David volunteers his time with numerous local charities and not-for-profit organizations. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Foothills Country Hospice Society.
David shares a love of the outdoors with his wife, four children, and one very energetic Weimaraner. Their adventures often take them to the mountains where they enjoy climbing, hiking, and camping. David is also an avid runner, with ambitions of adding to his marathon resume when time permits.
James has worked in the Legal Profession since 2014, primarily in the areas of Corporate Law and Wills and Estates. Since joining West Legal in 2020 he has also expanded into Real Estate/ Private Lending. For fun outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading a great book, and enjoying great music.
James enjoys many types of sports but mostly football (both NFL (Go Seahawks) and CFL (Go Stamps)), along with Hockey (both NHL (Go Flames) and WHL (Go Hitmen)).
James has been on various Boards of Directors over the years and enjoys volunteering with organizations that he has an interest in, both political and non-political.
Jodi started her journey as a family law legal assistant around 7 years ago, moving her way up from a receptionist position at a small start-up firm. All of her experience has been gained hands-on in the office, which has allowed her to gain a very diverse and well-rounded understanding of the law and procedures related to divorces, property division, child custody and parenting issues, child support and spousal support matters. It's not always easy and happy in family law but she feels so lucky every day knowing that she is helping and supporting clients in any way she can as they are going through, oftentimes, the hardest situations they will ever go through in their lifetime.
As a born and raised Calgarian, when Jodi is not in the office you can usually find her exploring, camping, and hiking in Calgary's backyard, also known as the Canadian Rocky Mountains, hanging out in the city checking out our awesome Calgary music and art scene, or going for a walk on the Bow River Pathway to watch the birds.
Kelsey Morrison practices in the areas of Wills, Estate Planning and Estate Administration. Kelsey obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice (Honours) from Mount Royal University in 2014….
Kelsey obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice (Honours) from Mount Royal University in 2014. She then moved to Kamloops where she attended Thompson Rivers University and obtained her Juris Doctor Degree in 2017.
Following law school, Kelsey articled with a rural Alberta law office where she found her passion for wills and estates. Since being admitted to the Alberta bar in 2018, Kelsey has been primarily focused on assisting clients with their estate planning and estate administration needs.
Outside of the office, Kelsey loves to travel to tropical destinations and spend time with her family and her chihuahua, Mia.
Job Titles:
- Professional and Organized Receptionist
Kelsey is a professional and organized receptionist having graduated from Bow Valley College in 2014. Since that time, Kelsey has acquired 6+ years of experience in a variety of law fields before joining the West Legal team in 2021. When she is not working, she is running after her son and fosters rescue dogs in her home. In her limited free time, she can be found in her craft room surrounded by paper.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Senior Legal Counsel / Senior Employment Counsel Kim Nutz Was Admitted to the Alberta Bar in 2000. She Practiced at the Large National Firm of Gowlings, As an Associate Lawyer for 6 Years, Where
Senior employment counsel Kim Nutz was admitted to the Alberta bar in 2000. She practiced at the large national firm of Gowlings, as an associate lawyer for 6 years, where she began specializing in labour & employment law, OHS and commercial litigation. She then practiced labour law at the City of Calgary for the Calgary Fire Department and a further 10 years in private practice, working exclusively in employment, OHS and labour law. Since joining West Legal in early 2020, as Sunstone Legal, Kim practices primarily in the area of employment law, representing both employees and employers in wrongful dismissal matters, severance reviews, employment contract drafting, mergers and acquisitions, and human rights matters.
Melynda has been employed as a legal assistant since 1997, after graduating from the Career College (now CDI College) 2 year legal assistant program, focusing on the area of litigation law. In 2005, she decided to shift her attention from Litigation to Real Estate Law and has never looked back. Melynda has worked at only a few firms over the years and has been very fortunate to work with lawyers and staff who have been great mentors and helped advance her skills and knowledge.
In her spare time, Melynda loves spending time with her two adult children, husband, family and friends. In the past, Melynda has been actively involved in her children's various sports organizations and extra curricular activities and is looking forward to some quieter evenings and weekends now that both her children are attending University.
Melynda joined West Legal with Thomas Harrison in September 2022.
Rebecca joined West Legal in early 2023 after 5+ years in the medical field. Starting with file management, in her short span with West Legal Rebecca has already taken on numerous responsibilities such as becoming our reporting assistant and handling end of file procedures. Rebecca's organization and versatility are an asset to her roll.
With her happy and bubbly personality, you can always hear her giggle throughout the office. In her personal time Rebecca can be found reading, trying new recipes, and spending time with her energetic nephews. Her true passions are travelling and culture.
Job Titles:
- Wills & Estates Paralegal
Rossana is a Wills & Estates paralegal with corporate experience. After graduating from SAIT in 2002, she began working at Gowlings as a Legal Assistant in Commercial Corporate and Oil & Gas. In 2006, after beginning a family and moving to Okotoks, she worked in Wills & Estates and maintaining private corporation Minute Books. Now at West Legal, her work is focused on estate administration.Outside of the office, Rossana enjoys gardening and hiking with her four children & husband.
Sabrina recently joined the West Legal Team and practices Residential Real Estate.
Originally from Ontario, Sabrina began her legal career in British Columbia after obtaining her Juris Doctor from the Thompson Rivers University, Faculty of Law in Kamloops. She was an engaged and active member of the law school and was appointed as the Managing Editor of TRU's Law Journal and hired on as a Teaching Assistant. In her second year, Sabrina was awarded a $10,000 bursary for achieving the highest mark in the Real Estate Transactions course.
Sabrina graduated on the Dean's List from law school in 2017 and was called to the B.C. bar in May 2018. After graduating, Sabrina began practicing criminal law as Crown Counsel for the B.C. Prosecution Service. Sabrina moved all over B.C. prosecuting serious and complex files in Provincial and Supreme Court, and comes to West Legal with a litany of litigation experience.
As it turns out, Alberta was calling, and Sabrina is eager to explore her new home. She is thrilled with Calgary's "dog-friendly" attitude, and cannot wait to explore Calgary's dog friendly restaurants, breweries, and parks with her co-pilot, Finn.
Job Titles:
- Legal Assistant
- Real Estate Paralegal
Shauna Taylor has been a legal assistant since 2009. Prior to working in law she worked in another industry for 15 years and decided she needed a change. She went back to school in 2008 and was hired by the law firm Peterson Shields. She has worked for a few different firms prior to landing at West legal in 2019. She has experience with Corporate Law, Wills & Estates, and Real Estate. She is part of West Legal's super duper Real Estate team and loves helping people purchase and sell their homes. It is always something new and challenging. Shauna lives with her Fiancée (Trevor) and their dog Daisy. She is from Taber, Alberta and completed her post-secondary education at Dalhousie University in Halifax where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science. She has lived in Calgary since 1996 and loves it here - the City is amazing and there is always so much to do.
Shauna loves to read and has actually "killed" 4 kindles before she got the app for her iPad. She enjoys photography and hanging out with her friends and family. Shauna enjoys trying new restaurants and listening to music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. She is not a big sports fan but her fiancée is the biggest Chicago Bears fan so she feels compelled to cheer for the New Orleans Saints!
Stacey Thomas started her career in law in September 1989 as a typist. She learned about many areas of law but found real estate the most rewarding. By 1991 she was working exclusively in the area of real estate and hasn't looked back. Throughout her career, Stacey has practiced in areas of new home construction, as well as hotel and condominium development. She has seen market fluctuations come and go. She is also fortunate to work in an industry that allows her to learn something new every day.
Talina practices general civil litigation with a focus in employment, estate and condominium matters, where she provides efficient, practical and cost-effective solutions to her clients. Her array of litigation experience includes personal injury, breach of contract, judgment enforcement, corporate litigation, restraining orders, debt collection and residential tenancy disputes.
Talina obtained her Juris Doctor from the Thompson Rivers University Faculty of Law in 2017, where she graduated on the Dean's List. During her time at TRU Law, Talina worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Legislation, Administration and Policy Course and as an editor for the Canadian Journal of Comparative and Contemporary Law. Prior to attending law school, Talina was a Legal Services Officer for Legal Aid Alberta, where she assisted low-income Albertans with their legal matters.
In her personal life, Talina is a foster dog mom with Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation and is an active volunteer for the Calgary branch of Mamas for Mamas, an organization that provides a hand-up to fellow moms in her community.
Job Titles:
- Senior Legal Counsel / Retired Sep 2024
After twenty-one years with his South Calgary firm, Cornerstone Law Group LLP, Tom Harrison has joined West Legal as Senior Legal Counsel. Approaching 40 years of practice, Tom brings with…
After nearly 40 years of practice with a very large practice of Wills, Estates, and Residential Real Estate, along with hundreds of clients and contacts built entirely by referral over the years, Tom decided to retire at the end of August 2024. Tom was a great addition to West Legal and he will be missed around the office. He will now have all the time in the world to watch his Blue Bombers and Jets and be an active Grandad!
Wendy took her legal assistant training at Red Deer College and started working in Calgary in 1986 at a law firm downtown. She started as a receptionist but quickly worked her way up the ladder to real estate assistant. She's worked in a few firms over the years, dealing with builder/developer, commercial and residential real estate.
In her spare time, she likes to garden, create garden art, travel and walk her cat in the neighbourhood (much to the surprise of many passersby).
In early 2022 she was happy to bring her years of experience to the real estate team at West Legal.