Dispute resolution: Alberta

Norton Rose Fulbright

Client Satisfaction

The ‘exceptionally strong’ disputes practice group at Norton Rose Fulbright has experience handling a wide range of disputes, among them contractual disputes, joint ventures, securities litigation and shareholder matters. Professional liability matters, insurance litigation and environmental cases are additional areas of expertise. The department is directed by Calgary-based Kelly Moffet-Burima, who is lauded as ’highly practical’ and who specializes in contractual disputes in both the energy and construction sectors. Additional key litigators include Clarke Hunter KC; the ‘hard-working, practical and bright’ Steve Leitl KC; Roger Smith KC (oil and gas and securities litigation); Ray Chartier (infrastructure and energy litigation); Kaitlin Long (energy, regulatory and environmental compliance matters, Indigenous law issues); Lara Mason, praised for her ’strong analytical skills’; and Gunnar Benediktsson (commercial litigation and insolvency matters).

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘The Norton Rose team is well organized in the management of our files. I have great confidence in their analysis.'
‘Lara Mason is an effective communicator and has strong analytical skills. I have great confidence in her ability to effective frame arguments, both written and verbally.’
‘Team is comprised of smart but humble litigators. They understand the law and are willing to work with the law to meet business needs.’
‘Norton Rose's Calgary office, in particular the litigation department, is exceptionally strong. They are focused on giving practical advice that drives value and minimizes risk and cost. Partners that stand out are Steven Leitl KC and Gunnar Benediktsson.’
‘Ray Chartier is a delight to work with. He is hard-working, practical and bright. His ESG experience allows him to provide broad advice that not only factors in litigation risk, but larger reputational concerns.'
'Kelly Moffet-Burima is a very strong lawyer, particularly in the area of construction. She is highly practical and cultivates strong teams to support clients.'
‘They are practical and thoughtful and thinking ahead on strategies. They are thoughtful and courteous counsel, but also fierce in their advocacy and highly results-oriented. Stephanie Frazer, Kelly Moffet-Burima and Roger Smith, in particular, stand out.’
'Lindsay Bec is extremely strong. Her advice is always practical and well-reasoned.’

Key clients

Nova Chemicals Corporation
Government of Canada
Alberta Justice
Calgary Co-Operative Association
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Bankers Petroleum Albania
Canadian Commercial Corporation
Source Energy Services Canada
G.J. Cahill & Company
Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District
IKO Industries
Palliser Square Properties
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Marsh & McLennan Companies
QBE
Alberta Electric System Operator
Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil Canada
Syncrude Canada
DLA Piper (Canada)
Consortium of Members of the Oil Sands Pathways to Net Zero Initiative
Ernst & Young

Work highlights

Represented the Government of Canada in several multi-billion-dollar claims related to oil and gas development and production from First Nations' lands in Alberta, as well as addressing the nature and scope of the Crown’s trust and fiduciary duties to those First Nations.
Represented the Government of Alberta in numerous matters, including in a decade-long legal battle relating claim brought by the Beaver Lake Cree Nation under Treaty 6.
Represented NOVA Chemicals in a C$2bn dispute concerning operations at a facility owned jointly with Dow Chemical Canada, with respect to the appeal, retrial and determination of liability/damages for the 2013-2018 period.

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