Calgary boutique JSS Barristers continues to enjoy a maverick model that allows it the flexibility to take on class-action work in both the plaintiff and defense capacities and a broad range of commercial, bankruptcy and professional liability work, with a good deal of it falling outside of typical oil-and-gas industry matters that drive much of the work for local firms. “They are doing very well in terms of market traction – I joke with them that half my practice is with them,” quips a peer. Peers also feel confident enough in the firm’s individual and collective acumen to increasingly seek them out for referrals.
“JSS provides top-tier litigation advice and service,” states one referral source. “They are attentive to clients that I refer to them when I have a conflict acting. They provide direct, open communication, an excellent skillset, and practical and realistic guidance.” Clients have also been appreciative of the firm’s dogged approach. “They not only know the law, they use it strategically,” enthuses one. “They also seek to understand what motivates the opposition. They are strategic in every move.” Another shares this high opinion: “JSS's strategic advice in litigation is unparalleled. Their significant experience and good judgment has provided us with an advantage in all matters that we have worked with them on. All of their predictions to date have been accurate. They also have a keen attention to detail and are able to distill complex legal issues into understandable information for the business team.”
Carsten Jensen and Ryan Phillips represent the owners of a 37-floor Calgary office complex. This action involves an agreement to sell the complex for $65 million. The purchasers failed to close. The same JSS pair represent Inter Pipeline in a C$30 million action to enforce property and earth movement insurance coveragefor a deformation or “buckle” on a pipeline owned and operated by the clients. The buckle was discovered when an adjoining pipeline on a steep slope suffered a release of hydrocarbons, and the buckle was determined to be the result of earth movement on the slope.
Andrew Wilson and Gavin Price act for Apache Canada in proposed class action, valued at $60 million, by former Apache
employees for long-term compensation pursuant to a long-term compensation plan. Wilson and Price are cheered by a peer for having “a very strong reputation in class actions and securities. Andrew Wilson is considered a leader in securities, and I see them often. Gavin is a very good litigator but also does a very good job at working with opposing counsel while fighting hard. They both know how to work hard on settlement discussions.”
Glenn Solomon is identified as “someone who has a strong presence in administrative law and also is really developing a niche in privacy cases.”
