I have been practising law since 1999 and in St. Albert since the spring of 2001, and I enjoy working with and meeting people that call our local area home.

I have developed my legal practice in the areas of:

• Family Law, particularly Collaborative Practice
• Wills & Estates, including estate planning and administration
• Residential Real Estate

My preferred approach in family law matters is one of common sense, practical realities, and moderation. I have extensive training in dispute resolution which allows me to offer clients more options when deciding how to address the issues that arise in times of family upheaval.

In addition to my training, I have been a Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer since 2002, a past board member of the Association of Collaborative Family Professionals (Edmonton), Chair of the Forms and Precedents Committee for the ACFP(E) since 2007, and ACFP(E) Registrar since April 2019.  I maintain memberships in the ACFP(E), as well as the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and the Collaborative Divorce Association of Alberta.  I have also been a guest lecturer on the Collaborative Process at the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, where I received my law degree in 1998, and an instructor in Basic Collaborative Law for the Legal Education Society of Alberta.

With my training and experience with families in transition, I can help people entering into new relationships understand how to deal with property in the event of relationship breakdown, death, or incapacity and to create a cohabitation, prenuptial, or marriage agreement that specifically addresses their individual needs.

I enjoy helping people of all ages plan their estates in the event of death or incapacity and I have a keen interest in those matters facing our aging population.

To be competent in the above areas also demands a knowledge of common real estate issues. I am happy to assist people with moving to or from our area and with questions regarding real property rights.

Born in the St. Albert area and raised in rural northern Alberta, I now live just north of St. Albert with my husband and two daughters.

Michelle began her legal education and career in Dublin, Ireland where she was born and raised. Since moving to Canada in 2013, Michelle and her family have called Edmonton their home.

Her preferred areas of practice are:

• Family Law, particularly Collaborative Practice, and some litigation
  
• Residential Real Estate
  
• Wills & Estates, including estate planning and administration

Since being called to the Alberta bar in 2017, Michelle has primarily been involved on the litigation side of Family Law and Divorce and understands the emotional impact the litigation system can have on families going through the process, not to mention the high costs and long delays. Michelle is passionate in assisting and navigating her clients beyond one of the most stressful times in their lives. Michelle listens to what her clients want and understands that going through the legal process and separation can be overwhelming to many.

Michelle is excited to practice in the area of collaborative law, she believes this process takes a significant amount of conflict out of Divorce and separation and allows the parties to be involved in a positive resolution that will work for them, for their family. No family is the same, being involved in the outcome of your individual family unit makes for a happier resolution for everyone.

Michelle enjoys volunteering for charities, organizing events and participates in legal advice clinics.

Michelle enjoys traveling to and exploring new places with her family and pets, keeping fit, and has a love for trying out new food.

I have practiced law in the city of St. Albert since 1986.

My preferred area of practice is residential real estate, including sales, purchases, and refinances.

I have enjoyed working with clients, realtors, and mortgage specialists, closing thousands of real estate transactions over the past 37 years. I also take pride in watching the businesses I’ve incorporated grow and succeed.

I am a Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer, a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, and a past chair of the Association of Collaborative Family Professionals (Edmonton). I have received thorough training in mediation and in the Collaborative Family Law process, and I have experience handling numerous Collaborative Family Law cases. I have been a guest lecturer on Collaborative Practice at the University of Alberta Law School, from which I graduated in 1985.