Why HGA Law LLP?

As a co-founder of the firm and leader of the corporate commercial practice, Jason is a passionate supporter of Alberta entrepreneurs and focused on the strategic application of legal advice to business issues and opportunities. While not practicing law, Jason enjoys reading (Ernest Hemmingway, in particular), activities with his wife and four sons, a wide variety of music, running and golf.

As a co-founder of the firm and leader of the estate planning practice, Melissa is passionate about understanding her clients’ personal circumstances and, where applicable, how they intersect with their businesses. While not practicing law, Melissa enjoys cross-country running, home design, playing piano and activities with her husband and four sons.

Vicky’s passion for advocacy, drive for change and creative innovation is deeply rooted in her identity as a first generation Canadian. She uses her fierce advocacy, innovative mind, and human approach to the law to not only find actionable solutions, but also to ensure every Client feels empowered throughout the process.

Outside of her passion for law, Vicky enjoys exploring new parks with her kids, eating delicious meals around the table with her family, cozying up on the couch with a good book, and challenging a new puzzle or board game.

Linda is dedicated to helping businesses and entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting and growing their ventures. With a strong foundation in litigation and a background in commerce, she brings a well-rounded perspective to the challenges that business owners face, offering strategic and practical advice.

She is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, and proficient in reading and writing Chinese.

When she is not practicing, she enjoys playing badminton and piano, as well as going on long walks with her dog. She is also learning tennis and snowboarding so she can rally outdoors in the summer and explore the mountains in the winter.

Curriculum Vitae

Bar Admission
1987

Education 
Bachelor of Arts with distinction (University of Alberta)
Juris Doctor with distinction (University of Alberta)

Practice History
Bryan & Company LLP (1986-2018)
HGA Law LLP (2018 – Present)

Specialization(s)
Mediation
Civil Litigation

Community
King’s Counsel appointment (2012)
Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Past Chair and Board Member
Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Past Chair and Board Member
Chrysalis Society, Past Chair and Board Member
ABC Head Start Society, Past Board Member
City of Edmonton Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities, Past Board Member
Brain Care Centre, Past Board Member
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition to contributions to Canada, Recipient

Representative Work

• Seasoned mediator brings decades of litigation experience into the facilitation of effective communication and resolution between litigants. Mediating complex disputes by creating a neutral and constructive environment where settlements can be achieved in a fair, reasonable and non-confrontational manner.
• Over 35 years of experience in civil litigation in the areas of personal injury, insurance coverage, fire, flood and construction loss, products liability, shareholder disputes, and wills and estates. Considerable trial experience in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta and Court of Appeal of Alberta, as well as participation in numerous alternate dispute resolution venues, including JDR’s and mediations.

About Nancy

Nancy and her husband love to spend their non-working time enjoying golf, running, working out and traveling to different countries around the world.

To book a mediation, contact Nancy directly at ncumming@hgalaw.ca

Brody earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta and holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Prior to pursuing a legal career, he built a strong foundation in leadership and client service through several years in the hospitality industry, including management roles. A former varsity athlete, Brody played football for 14 years, most notably with the Saint Mary’s Huskies, and was invited to the CFL Combine in 2020. Outside the office, he enjoys travelling with his partner Jen, cross-country running, working on his golf game and playing rugby.

With a passion for creating operational excellence, Mary specializes in developing intuitive processes that boost productivity and deliver results. She thrives in environments where she can make meaningful impacts by streamlining workflows and building efficient systems. Her approach combines practical solutions with a focus on organization, allowing businesses to concentrate on growth rather than operational challenges.

When not optimizing operations, Mary can be found exploring the world with her favorite destinations being Cape Town, Reykjavik, and Paris, with Japan next on her travel wishlist. Raised on Vancouver Island, she has a deep connection to the ocean and has even gone cage diving with sharks! She enjoys recreational hiking in the mountains and considers herself a foodie, probably stimulating the local economy by trying new restaurants and wine spots. Mary shares her life with her husband and their energetic daughter.

Rachel joins HGA Law as a Legal Assistant, bringing her background in medical office administration to this exciting new field. She’s eager to contribute to meaningful legal work and expand her professional expertise. Outside the office, Rachel volunteers with Zoe’s Animal Rescue, explores new places, and dives into fantasy novels when she’s not working on arts and crafts projects with her pets nearby. She enjoys horror movies, art gallery visits, gardening and home improvement projects, and weekend lake trips – always drawn to creative and social activities.