Experience

After starting at Parlee McLaws in 2019 as a summer student, Kelly completed her articles with Parlee and joined the firm as an Associate in 2022. Kelly has a litigation focused practice with an emphasis on labour and employment, and corporate commercial litigation.

Since beginning her articles, Kelly has been involved with matters at various levels of court, including Provincial Court, Court of Queen’s Bench, and Federal Court. She has appeared in the Court of Queen’s Bench and has trial experience in Provincial Court.

Before attending law school, Kelly received a BA in Urban Planning and Art & Design, and then worked for two years at a local not-for-profit.

During law school Kelly participated in a year long clinical course at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre, where she had the opportunity to provide legal information and guidance to low income Edmontonians. She also volunteered with Student Legal Services and as Co-Chair of the University of Alberta Faculty of Law’s Women’s Law Forum. In second and third year, she worked as a research assistant for several professors with a focus on gender equality and human rights. During her second year of law school Kelly also worked part time at Little Duchess Bake Shop and now has an ever-present hankering for scones.

Outside of work Kelly enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, baking, and spending time outside with her husband, friends, and family in her favourite city, Edmonton.

Professional Activities

  • Member, Canadian Bar Association – Alberta

Awards

JURIS DOCTOR, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB 2021

  • Norman J Pollock QC Prize in Advocacy (academic achievement in Advocacy course) 2021
  • Catherine Miller Community Service Award (community service and academic standing) 2020
  • John E Brownlee Memorial Prize in Local Government Law (academic standing in Planning Law) 2020
  • Faculty of Law Scholarship (academic standing)  2020
  • Roger S Smith Undergraduate Student Research Award (supervisor, Dr Anna Lund)  2020
  • David Mochan Memorial Prize in Criminal Law (academic standing in Criminal Law) 2019
  • Rhonda Zacharias Memorial Award (community service and academic standing) 2019
  • Major Entrance Scholarship (GPA and LSAT score) 2018

BACHELOR OF ARTS, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB 2016

Major in Planning, Minor in Art and Design

  • Peter J Smith Medal in Planning (superior academic achievement) 2016
  • Jason Lang Scholarship (academic standing) 2015, 2014
  • Louise McKinney Scholarship (top5 – 2% of GPAs) 2013

Community

  • Volunteer, Edmonton Community Legal Centre
  • Big Sister, Big Brothers Big Sisters Edmonton