Onward: What Can We Achieve?

I was recently bestowed the title of Calgary Legal Guidance's 2021 Volunteer of the Year. Their spotlight, including my comments to Calgary Legal Guidance itself, is available here: https://clg.ab.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/2021-Volunteer-of-the-Year.pdf Equally humbling was public recognition by my family and an absolutely awesome writeup by Darlene Caston of the Okotoks Western Wheel. https://www.okotokstoday.ca/local-news/okotoks-lawyer-honoured-for-his-generosity-4713405 I've had the distinct honour of volunteering for Calgary Legal Guidance for a few years now. It's been a gratifying and rewarding experience. It's worth a reminder of what this organization does; they're always there for such a wide range of people, and I have confidence in the work that the organization does. CLG runs a number of different programs: Homeless Outreach Law Program Elder Law Program Family Law Program (Family Violence) Social Benefits Advocacy Program Immigration Law Program Sa...

A point of personal privilege: Please welcome my son William to the world. William joined our family at the end of April. We've had an exciting couple of months, to say the least. His two big sisters absolutely adore him and our family couldn't be happier. Sasha and William are both doing well. William has already joined the office; the best place for his bassinet is right behind me, so my meeting background has changed somewhat.  Thank you all for your best wishes and patience during this time, and I look forward to helping you out with that new-dad-energy that comes from this special time.

  Remember. In years past, it's always been a simple reminder. Everybody that you passed wore a poppy, from the end of October until November 11. Veterans, members of the Legion, volunteers, Scouts, and hundreds of others at the supermarket and in the malls, standing behind the little white boxes. An endless supply of quarters dug frantically out of our pockets when we walked into a store with a box and a coin slot, and realized that the poppy we bought is laying on the ground somewhere between there and the last place we bought it. Signs of Remembrance. This year, it's been harder to do. I, for one, haven't seen as many people at all, let alone seen the poppies dotting every chest. I myself have forgotten mine on my few, unexpected trips out. Social distancing, and a general need to stay safe by staying away have kept us from our remembrance activities this year. Lest We Forget Today is Remembrance Day.  Did you miss your annual Poppy Drive payment? Donate . Are you at hom...

Take a Run at This! "All Rise. This Court is now in session. The Honourable Judge You  is presiding. We look forward to your review of this case and your decision, your Honour." The Honourable Judge You Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Please be seated. This is the matter of Hammer Head Ltd. v. Gable . Mr. Gable hired Hammer Head Ltd. to re-roof his house. The owner of Hammer Head Ltd., Ms. Niall, personally negotiated the price with Mr. Gable, attended Mr. Gable's property, and single-handedly re-roofed his house. Ms. Niall testified that she is the sole owner and employee of Hammer Head Ltd. and that she is owed $11,243.59 by Mr. Gable. Mr. Gable reiterated repeatedly that he doesn't know why he is here; after all, he was just here on this same matter only four months ago, and my brother the Honourable Judge Bright dismissed that hearing. Four months ago, at a simplified trial, Judge Bright dismissed the case of  Niall v. Gable , in which Ms. Niall, personally, sued Mr. Gable ...

Thoughts on our national day of celebration. "We live in the best [darned] spot of the best [darned] nation on the entire planet. What more could anybody want?" --My father, when I was growing up. I'm unapologetic about my national pride. I love this country, and it's not an accident that the first day of Achieve Legal coincides with July 1. I didn't get into law school with the high-minded dreams of being a white knight of justice. I'd read too many Grisham novels to not go into the practice with a healthy dose of cynicism. I was always impressed by those who did, and who today are doing well and doing good , but I saw law as a profession and was really just happy to be there. But, over my 8 years at the Bar, I've learned that the best [darned] nation calls us all towards justice. We've had legendary jurists pave a highway towards their sense of fairness. We have exceptional lawyers and phenomenal legal scholars who guide society down that road. That ...

In seven days, I will be starting a new chapter. Thanks for coming aboard. Achieve Legal is my dream of a different style of practice. Over the coming weeks and months, I will put down a few comments to explain what I mean. This blog will capture those musings, some interesting trivia points and legal information, and may even reach beyond the borders of my practice (I don't claim to be good at keeping my opinions to myself). For today, I'd like to highlight my mission, vision, and values. They explain why I'm doing what I'm doing, and what I hope to center this practice on in the first place. Achieve Legal is a modern, goal-oriented litigation practice. I use the appropriate tools of litigation, give wise counsel, and advocate for the needs of my clients to resolve their problems, one step at a time. My vision is to provide a dynamic, modern, flexible practice for my firm and my clients.  I value: Supporting local, small-town businesses; A high-tech, current, and highl...