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-Dube
Partner -
Jason Banack
Managing Partner -
Melissa Banack
Lawyer -
Nancy Cumming, K.C.
Counsel -
Douglas Peterson
Counsel -
Ryan Walter
Lawyer -
Fahad Bhatti
Lawyer -
Pamela MacDonell
Lawyer -
Victoria Kubinski
Lawyer -
Ning (Linda) An
Lawyer

Mandi Deren-Dube
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.

Nancy Cumming, K.C.
Counsel
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

Douglas Peterson
Counsel
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 Walter
Lawyer
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 LLP. 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.

Fahad Bhatti
Lawyer
With a background in family law, Fahad brings a strategic and refined approach to HGA Law LLP. 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.

Pamela MacDonell
Lawyer
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.

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.