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 business owners ourselves, we understand the challenges that new and growing businesses face. We also understand that every business is unique, with different legal needs, goals, strategic objectives and risk tolerances. We believe in taking the time to get to you know your business so that the advice we give makes sense for you. Whether you are looking to start, protect or grow your business, we can help.
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Mandi Deren
Partner -

Jason Banack
Managing Partner -

Melissa Banack
Lawyer -

Victoria Kubinski
Lawyer -

Ning (Linda) An
Lawyer -

Nancy Cumming, K.C.
Mediator -

Brody Bernier-Lawson
Student-at-Law -

Jamie Greene
Corporate Paralegal -

Rasheed McClean Barrow
Paralegal -

Tiffany Budgell
Litigation Paralegal
Mandi Deren
Partner
Melissa Banack
Lawyer
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.
Victoria Kubinski
Lawyer
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.
Ning (Linda) An
Lawyer
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.
Nancy Cumming, K.C.
Mediator
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 Bernier-Lawson
Student-at-Law
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.
Jamie Greene
Corporate Paralegal
Jamie graduated from the U of A Bachelor of Education in 2021, but quickly understood that his passions did not align with that career path. He knew what he wanted, and decided to make a radical career change and search out a career in the legal industry. As a corporate paralegal with HGA Law LLP, he found a path that matches with his career goals, and we are very happy he made the change. When he’s not helping our legal team drive value for our clients’ businesses, he loves to fish, cook, and write. He’s analytical, and when given a challenge he can make it to the top, like when he became the three-time champion in his fantasy football big money league. He can always be found rooting for his hometown Oilers though, which makes him an incredible fit in this super-fan office culture.
Rasheed McClean Barrow
Paralegal
Rasheed is an internationally trained lawyer from Barbados with over seven years of experience in collections, corporate law, and business law, particularly with not-for-profits and trademark matters. Having earned an LLB from the University of the West Indies, he is now pursuing an LLM in Canadian Common Law at York University while preparing for the Alberta bar. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and his dog, Khloe. Recently relocated to Edmonton from Toronto, Rasheed balances his academic pursuits with his professional endeavors, demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous learning and growth. He is eager to connect with fellow legal professionals and community members in Edmonton, fostering relationships that contribute to both personal and professional development. With a unique blend of international experience and a developing understanding of local legal landscapes, Rasheed is poised to make a meaningful impact in his new environment.









