A strategic thinker and trusted advisor, I work to resolve clients’ problems efficiently so they could focus on advancing their interests. There are numerous reported court decisions in which I acted as counsel. That said, some of the cases I am most proud of are those resolved through measured planning without lengthy proceedings altogether.

In addition to managing a very active and robust litigation practice, I am a Commissioner and ad hoc Hearing Chair on the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation, having been appointed in October 2020. I have also recently served (2020-2024) as a member of the Law Enforcement Review Board, which hears appeals arising from decisions of police services across Alberta.

I have experience in:

  • Business Litigation
  • Corporate Commercial Law
  • Investor Disputes
  • Employment Law
  • Intellectual Property
  • Construction Law

Representative Work

Select reported and unreported decisions:

  • Abdelnaby v. Albassam et al: summary trial decision (unreported, Jan. 2021) of Court of Queen’s Bench in favour of plaintiff client suing for full recovery of debt and damages for fraud (with full indemnity as to costs)
  • Gibbs v. FTCG Enterprises Inc. et al, 2021 ABQB 31: successful application of plaintiff client for costs arising from summary trial
  • Gibbs v. FTCG Enterprises Inc. et al: summary trial decision (unreported, Nov. 2020) of Court of Queen’s Bench in favour of plaintiff client suing for full recovery of debt and creditor/shareholder oppression
  • Cormie v. Pacesetter Directional Drilling Ltd.: trial decision (unreported, Sept. 2020) of Provincial Court of Alberta in favour of defendant client sued for unpaid commissions and wrongful termination.
  • Wilson v. Cordy Manufacturing Inc., 2018 ABQB 592 (Decision regarding whether a proposed new defendant that a plaintiff seeks to add to an existing lawsuit is entitled to participate in an application brought by the plaintiff for that purpose.)
  • Cafe Can Cun Co Incorporated v. Halcor Development Corporation, 2018 ABQB 303 (Decision in which the respondent landlord (client) was successful in setting aside the interim injunction previously obtained by applicant tenant in respect to release of money owed to the landlord under letter of credit security)
  • John F. Schneider Professional Corporation, operating as Canmore Legal Services, et al. v. Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation, 2017 CanLII 61802 (Supreme Court of Canada dismissal of opposite party’s application for leave to appeal the 2017 decision of the Alberta Court of Appeal)
  • Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation v. John F. Schneider Professional Corporation (Canmore Legal Services), 2017 ABCA 97 (Court of Appeal decision affirming trial judgment. The focus of the Court was personal liability of professionals operating through their professional corporations.)
  • 1864684 Alberta Ltd v 1693737 Alberta Inc, 2016 ABQB 371 (Decision affecting the rights of (commercial) condominium purchasers versus lienholders in a receivership)
  • Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation v. John F. Schneider Professional Corporation (Canmore Legal Services), 2016 ABQB 173 (Full indemnity costs decision re: 2016 ABQB 92 case below – lead counsel)
  • Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation v. John F. Schneider Professional Corporation (Canmore Legal Services), 2016 ABQB 92 (Trial decision – lead counsel). Trial decision of the Hon. Justice G.C. Hawco awarding the Plaintiff (client) full judgment with interest and costs throughout in regard to a claim of debt and dismissing the counterclaim of the Defendants alleging various matters.
  • Pillar Resource Services Inc. v. Primewest Energy Inc, 2016 ABQB 120. Costs decision.
  • Geophysical Service Incorporated v. Antrim Energy Inc., 2015 ABQB 482. Summary dismissal application in regard to alleged infringements of intellectual property.
  • Geophysical Service Incorporated v. EnCana Corporation et al, 2015 ABQB 196. Simultaneous hearing of more than a dozen security for costs applications.
  • Geophysical Service Incorporated v. Arcis Seismic Solutions Corp. et al, 2015 ABQB 88. Appeal before a Justice from a decision of a Master regarding a jurisdictional challenge.
  • Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation v. John F. Schneider Professional Corporation (Canmore Legal Services), 2015 ABQB 413 (lead counsel). Application for an attachment order and apportionment of costs.
  • Horst Tyson Dahlem Professional Corporation v. John F. Schneider Professional Corporation (Canmore Legal Services), 2013 ABQB 601 (lead counsel). Pleading amendment application.
  • Lutz v. Lutz, 2013 ABCA 159: Appeal before panel at the Court of Appeal regarding a technical matter in respect to Lutz v. Lutz, 2012 ABQB 300. (lead counsel)
  • Lutz v. Lutz, 2012 ABQB 300 (Originating Application decision – lead counsel). Originating Application decision regarding a real estate property dispute.
  • Steinmark Group Ltd. et al v. Canadian Spirit Seafood Ltd. et al (Action No. P1302900985): Successful application to strike the claim as lead counsel on behalf of defendants in Provincial Court.
  • Martin v. Edon Properties Ltd. (Action No. P1102900227): Successful defence as lead counsel of a property management company in a wrongful dismissal action at trial in Provincial Court (Red Deer).
  • Town of Cochrane v. Austech Holdings Inc. (Action No. 1101-05026): Successful representation as lead counsel on behalf of the Town of Cochrane in regard to two summary dismissal applications at the Court of Queen’s Bench.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Chair, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (2017-2019, Board Director 2014-2020)
  • Practice Review Committee Member, Law Society of Alberta (2018-2021)
  • Audit and Finance Committee Member, Law Society of Alberta (2014-2018)
  • Executive Member, Canadian Bar Association Civil Litigation sub-section (Alberta-South) (2014-2018)