Biography

Abby practices in the Family Law group at Vogel LLP. She worked as a law student at Vogel LLP, then joined the firm as an associate in 2008 after completing a joint article with the Alberta Court of Appeal and Vogel LLP.

Abby has been dedicated to the practice of family law from the very beginning. Abby’s strongest skill set is in the issues of custody, access and parenting issues. In 2013, Abby left the firm briefly to work as a Lawyer for Children and Youth with the Children’s Legal & Educational Resource Centre (CLERC) in high conflict parenting matters. She returned in 2017 with a wealth of experience and new perspectives on the impact of divorce and separation on children and the importance of hearing the voices of children.

In her representation of children at CLERC, Abby developed a keen understanding of the importance and impact of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on family law matters. Where children are involved, Abby’s strength lies in advocating for her clients to achieve the outcome they seek, while ensuring that the interests of the children are at the forefront. While recourse to the court is sometimes necessary, Abby encourages clients to use the various alternative dispute mechanisms available, such as mediation, as often these processes will result in better more long-lasting outcomes for the parties and for the children.

Abby’s other passion is for research, writing and drafting. At present, Abby acts as co-counsel with more senior family lawyers in the firm and is able to add value for clients by providing robust and effective litigation support. Abby has excellent legal research skills and is adept at drafting all manner of documents including applications, affidavits, briefs of argument, proposals and also more recently, a response brief at the Supreme Court of Canada in an estate matter. Abby also assisted Medina Shatz with her successful appearance at the Alberta Court of Appeal, where the Court of Appeal agreed that the establishment of an adult interdependent relationship is not a condition precedent to an order for disclosure and, that if it was, that would create a significant barrier impeding claimants’ access to justice.

Abby is always looking to improve and grow her legal skills. Abby attends Canadian Bar Association Sections in family law and children’s law as well as professional education courses, seminars and conferences in the area of family law. Abby also researched and contributed to the Spousal Support Case Summaries chart published in previous years by Vogel LLP and circulated to all Alberta family law lawyers.

Abby grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. She completed her law degree at the University of Calgary, where she participated in many mooting programs, such as the McGillivray Moot (finalist), Student Legal Assistance (SLA) Trial Competition (winning team), the Blackstone Debate Competition, the Alberta Court of Appeal Moot (winning team) and the Gale Cup Moot. In addition, Abby co-coached the Gale Cup Moot from 2008 to 2013, alongside the Honourable Madam Justice J.A. Antonio. Prior to law school, Abby completed her Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History and Classics at the University of Alberta. She was called to the Alberta Bar in 2008.

Abby loves camping, hiking, riding, yoga, reading and spending time with her three children, husband and pets. She is devoted to her family and children.