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Summarize
Ciara Mackey helps clients navigate their most complex legal problems and high stakes appeals with practical advice and compelling advocacy.

Overview

Ciara’s practice is built on deep legal analysis and a commitment to delivering practical, business-driven solutions. She advises clients across industries—including energy, petrochemical, technology, and professional services—on high-value corporate and commercial disputes, with a particular focus on appellate matters. Ciara works closely with clients to align litigation and appeal strategies with their broader business goals, helping them manage risk and protect long-term value.

With a strong track record in commercial litigation and appellate advocacy, Ciara supports clients in navigating disputes with substantial financial and reputational impact. She has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada and all levels of court in Alberta, and regularly represents clients in administrative proceedings, judicial reviews, and alternative dispute resolution.

Clients rely on Ciara’s ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice and her dedication to achieving results. Her appellate experience is informed by her prior role as legal counsel to the Court of Appeal of Alberta, where she gained unique insight into appeal dynamics, judicial decision-making, and high-level litigation.

Ciara is a frequent speaker on topics related to litigation strategy and legal writing and has published in the Alberta Law Review. During law school, she was actively involved with the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta and has published and presented on issues of health law, technology, and policy. She was awarded the George Bligh O'Connor Silver Medal in Law in 2011.

Client Work

Successful appellate proceedings on behalf of a North American Railway overturning a judgment for over $200 million relating to a failed real estate transaction and the claimed opportunity for a real estate development. Remington Development Corporation v. Canadian Pacific Railway, 2025 ABCA 244

Dow Chemical Canada in its successful C$3.56-billion claim against NOVA Chemicals for breaches of contract

The landlord in a successful claim for breach of lease against a tenant who had leased an entire 37 story office building and then vacated it with 12 years left on the lease, claiming that a minute amount of hazardous materials in building materials from decades earlier justified that decision.  CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC v 801 Seventh Inc, 2025 ABKB 145; 2023 ABCA 97 ; 2021 ABQB 861; 2021 ABQB 81
A large energy company in prosecuting allegations of fraud and self-dealing against a group of former contractors.
Dow Chemical Canada ULC and Dow Europe GmbH, in a successful $1.3-billion breach of contract claim against the operator of a jointly owned ethylene manufacturing facility.
Wood Group Mustang (Canada) Inc., in defence of an action commenced by Canadian Natural Resources Limited, in the failure of an underground emulsion pipeline in 2009. Amounts claimed are in excess of $80 million.

Recognitions & Awards

Benchmark Litigation: Canada

Recognized as a Future Star

Education & Bar Admissions

Education

  • University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine, BHSc, 2007
  • University of Alberta, LLB, 2011

Bar Admissions

  • Alberta, 2012

News, Events & Speaking Engagements

PlaceholderIn The News

Counsel Comments: Alberta Take Five April Edition

May 10, 2023
Michael D. MysakCiara J. MackeyAlicia Yowart
Michael D. Mysak, Ciara J. Mackey & Alicia Yowart