Why HGA Law?

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.

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 (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

Doug has been practicing law for more than 20 years and has represented companies from the startup to international expansion phases, as well as lecturing at the University of Alberta School of Business and Faculty of Law. He has spent time working in Japan and has set up international structures for corporations in the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. When he’s not working, Doug spends time with his wife Linda, who is a personal trainer and certified nutritionist.

Ryan brings experience advising a broad array of businesses from start-up right through to sale. That experience advising business owners on their legal needs at all stages of the business lifecycle makes him an invaluable resource to the team at HGA Law. He also has extensive experience with commercial real estate transactions, including acting for both landlords and tenants in negotiating commercial leases. Between all of that, Ryan likes to make time to work on his golf game in the summer months, and to hit the rink for hockey in the winter. A native to both Montreal and Langley, BC, Ryan now calls Edmonton home, and we are sure glad for it.

Lauren attended law school at the University of Alberta where she was extensively involved in the Student Legal Services Criminal Law project and was a recipient of The Alberta Law Foundation Legal Service Grant and The Brian E. Peterson QC Prize in advocacy. Lauren gained invaluable experience in client advocacy while articling with a criminal defence firm here in Edmonton. After being called to the bar, Lauren shifted her practice to estate and trust planning, administration, and litigation. Laurens knowledge in estate litigation allows her to help her clients plan their estates strategically and effectively, avoiding future litigation.

When Lauren’s not at the office you can find her spending time with her family of five at home renovating and decorating, hosting game nights, or off to her hometown of Kamloops, BC to visit family and friends.

With a background in family law, Fahad brings a strategic and refined approach to HGA Law. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Economics from the U of A, Fahad journeyed to Bond University in Queensland, Australia where he completed his J.D. He’s since returned to Edmonton to pursue his career in law.

When he’s not in the office, you’ll find Fahad cooking up an amazing meal or diving into a new book. He’s also found an interest in cryptocurrency and stocks, which keep him busy in his free time.

Pam always wanted to be a lawyer but took the long road around. Prior to attending the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, she used her BScN and MBA degrees for several years as an entrepreneur, in healthcare, and in real estate. This extensive business and management experience, as well as a love for numbers, has made tax, corporate, and commercial law an optimal career choice.

Pam is a proud mother to a teenage son who is attending university in Rome, Italy on a soccer scholarship – as a goalkeeper. In her free time Pam enjoys yoga, board games, rock climbing in the Rockies, playing recreational soccer, and mountain bike riding in Edmonton River Valley’s beautiful single-track trails.

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.