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.

Nancy brings over 32 years of civil litigation experience, resulting in the ability to provide common-sense, practical and responsive solutions to her clients’ mediation and litigation needs.  Her litigation background includes:

• acting as a mediator in the areas of civil litigation,
• catastrophic personal injury,
• fatalities and wills and estates,
• representing litigation clients in the areas of personal injury,
• property and cargo losses,
• products liability,
• fire and flood losses,
• wills and estates,
• contractual,commercial and shareholder  disputes.

Nancy has considerable trial experience in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. She has also participated extensively in alternate dispute resolution including mediations and judicial dispute resolutions. She also believes strongly in giving back to the community. She has sat on and chaired many Boards including Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Chrysalis Society, ABC Headstart, Brain Care Centre, Glenrose Hospital Foundation and the City of Edmonton Advisory Board for Services for Persons with Disabilities.

Nancy received her Queen’s Counsel appointment in 2012 and was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of her contributions to Canada.

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.

Stephen was born and raised in Edmonton before attending the University of Saskatchewan for his Juris Doctor degree. After returning to Edmonton for articling, Stephen was called to the Alberta Bar in 2013. Since then, Stephen has been immersed in the world of business as a Solicitor practicing corporate, commercial, secured lending and real property law. With experience advising corporate clients from start-ups to large businesses, he is well suited to assist HGA Law and our clients accomplish their business goals. When he’s not providing corporate clients with legal advice, Stephen loves to travel, spend time outdoors and relax with his wife and dog.

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.

Natalie is a Corporate Paralegal. She has worked in a variety of areas of law, but corporate is her favourite! More specifically, she enjoys participating in corporate reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate transactions.

Natalie is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration undergraduate degree in Finance and Accounting. After the completion of her BBA, she intends to pursue a law degree at the University of Alberta. She is currently preparing to write her LSATs.

When she is not working or studying, you can usually find Natalie playing basketball (RIP Kobe) or with her two dogs. She also enjoys coffee, golf, and travelling— in that order.

Arlene brings more than 35 years of experience in corporate commercial law to our team, making her an awesome addition. Her technical know-how and wealth of experience to draw upon makes her an invaluable asset to our team of lawyers, and of course to our clients. When she’s not helping our team with all things corporate law, she enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, camping, and quilting.

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, 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.