Barbara Stratton supports clients navigating the complex aspects of wills and estate litigation, assists employers and employees on all aspects of employment law from inception to termination and represents physicians and surgeons in administrative and litigation matters and a variety of other health law issues. She has been recognized as a leading lawyer for the past number of years in the medical malpractice area and for estate & personal tax planning by Lexpert, and was named in the Lexpert's Special Edition on Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers.
Barbara's litigation and mediation experience spans all areas of her practice. She has extensive experience in court, having appeared before all levels of Court in Alberta and having had hearings before various administrative panels, public inquiries and professional regulatory bodies, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta. Barbara has used mediation extensively, and has guided clients to solutions and settlements in a variety of disputes. She also completed the Mediation and Conflict Management Seminar with Harvard Law School.
Health Law
Barbara is the co-head of the firm’s health law practice. She represents physicians and surgeons in civil litigation and hospital and College complaints. Barbara is repeatedly recommended by Lexpert in the area of medical negligence, representing defendants.
Wills and Estate Litigation
Barbara assists families in disputes over wills and issues relating to personal directives, enduring powers of attorney and family maintenance and support claims (previously referred to as dependent relief or family relief claims). She provides practical advice and takes proactive steps to lessen the risk that a claim is made against an estate. When lawsuits occur, Barbara regularly uses alternate dispute remedies, including arbitration, mediation and judicial dispute resolution, to resolve the litigation without a trial or court application.
Employment Law, Privacy Law and Human Rights Breaches
Employers rely on Barbara to provide strategic advice in employment law, including employee terminations, privacy and human rights. She represents employers in lawsuits brought in court and claims made to the Human Rights Commission and to the Privacy Commission.
Barbara assists employees who have experienced job loss or a breach of their human rights or privacy in negotiating settlements. She also represents the employee in Court if a lawsuit is started or when a claim is filed with the Human Rights or Privacy Commissions.
Speaking Engagements and Volunteer Organizations
Barbara presents to various groups on estate (wills) litigation, health law, employment law and civil litigation.
In addition to her practice, Barbara is a member of the Legal Forum. She is a mentor with the Alberta Lawyers' Assistance Society and an active volunteer with Edmonton area charities. Barbara was facilitator at the Alberta bar admission course (CPLED), a member of the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta Branch) Planning Committee for the Alberta Court of Appeal 100 year Anniversary Symposium, and is a Past Chair of both the Wills, Estates and Trusts and Civil Litigation sections of the CBA (Alberta Branch, Northern).
Bennett Jones