Energy & Regulatory Litigation Lawyer.
Helping clients with their litigation needs, energy and regulatory-related disputes.
Year of Call.
Alberta
2020
Bio
Laura brings a blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, both of which are complimented by her value of efficiency and practical, elegant solutions to complex problems. When it comes to litigation, Laura understands the best solution for her clients is never one-size-fits-all; rather, her tailored approach is premised on a deep understanding of her client's business and goals, an appreciation for the particular circumstances of the matter, and the overarching commercial context. Each opportunity to develop, curate, and execute a bespoke, multi-step strategic solution gets Laura fired up as it allows her to put her natural knack for creative problem-solving to use for the benefit of her client-counsel team.
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As a litigation lawyer and founding partner of Blue Rock Law LLP, Laura regularly practices in the areas of energy-related regulation, litigation and arbitration. She has appeared before all levels of Alberta courts, has assisted clients with matters before, or related to decisions of, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, Alberta’s Environmental Appeals Board and the Municipal Government Board. She has additionally assisted on several O&G or electricity-related arbitration disputes, often involving technical energy-related regulatory issues. Lastly, she is a Registered Parliamentarian and has assisted clients by chairing meetings for associations, limited partnerships, and corporations.
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Laura was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, growing up northwest of Calgary in Bearspaw. She spent her childhood participating in competitive sports and escaping into the mountains for camping, hiking, rock climbing, biking, skiing, and of course, following her blue heeler dog, Annie, on adventures into the forest looking for treasure. To this day, Laura still spends as much of her free time as she can hiking, mountain biking, and backcountry skiing. Laura was drawn to the legal profession after working in O&G recruitment in Houston, TX where she saw her legal colleagues negotiating master service agreements with O&G service companies and operators. Laura pivoted her career plans to complete law school, and transitioned her business sense, sales skills, and client service focus developed in her prior roles of headhunting and sales, to the provision of exceptional legal service.
Education
University of Calgary, 2016 - 2019, JD
University of Calgary, 2010, B.Sc
Community
Member, National Association of Parliamentarians
Member, Calgary Bar Association
Member, Canadian Bar Association, Natural Resources
Recognition
Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition 2019 – 3rd Place Team, 4th Place Top Oralist
Alberta Court of Appeal Moot Court Competition, Constitutional Law 2018 – 1st Place Team
Representative Work
Energy & Regulatory Litigation and Arbitration
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Major O&G Producer and Refiner: Acting as counsel before the Canada Energy Regulator in respect of a tolls hearing on the Enbridge Mainline
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Canadian-based International O&G Producer: Acting as counsel before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in respect of an overseas O&G investment dispute
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Large Electricity Operator: Acting as counsel in a commercial arbitration regarding an electricity generation facility subject to regulation by the Alberta Utilities Commission
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Major Pipeline Operator: Acting as counsel in a commercial arbitration in respect of a private commercial arrangement relating to O&G pipeline transportation
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Various companies: Acting as counsel in commercial disputes between energy companies relating to O&G assets, pipelines and electrical facilities
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Mid-sized O&G producer: Acting as counsel before the Saskatchewan Court of King's Bench on a dispute related to licensing and well use.
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Mid-sized O&G services provider: Acting as counsel before the Alberta Court of King's Bench on a dispute arising from an O&G lien
Construction & Real Estate Litigation
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Mid-sized Construction Materials Manufacturer: Acting as counsel before the Alberta Court of King's Bench on a dispute relating to allegations of deficient work and construction defects
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Large Condominium Builder: Acting as counsel before the Alberta Court of King's Bench on a dispute relating to allegations of deficient work and construction defects
Parliamentary Procedure
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Various Clients: advising on strategic approach to parliamentary procedure in advance of contentious association, shareholders and/or board meetings
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Health Industry Private Business: Acting as secretary and parliamentary advisor at contentious board meetings
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Various Clients: acting as independent Chair at large associations, shareholders, and/or board meetings