Harper Lee Law provides legal services in civil litigation, commercial litigation, estate administration & litigation, employment law, Safety Codes Act matters, government regulations, bankruptcy and insolvency, corporate and commercial law, and insurance law, amongst others. Our team is dedicated to helping clients navigate legal challenges with tailored advice and representation.
For more information on how we can assist, contact Harper Lee Law.
General Litigation
If you are involved in a legal dispute, whether as an individual or a business, the first step is to understand your rights and obligations. Litigation follows the procedures outlined in the Alberta Rules of Court (AR 124/2010), which govern civil actions, evidence disclosure, and court proceedings.
- For Plaintiffs (Those Filing a Claim): Ensure you have a valid legal claim and gather all necessary evidence. Claims must be filed within the applicable limitation period under the Limitations Act (RSA 2000, c L-12).
- For Defendants (Those Being Sued): Respond within the required timeframe, typically 20 days if served in Alberta, to avoid a default judgment. Legal representation can help you assess possible defences and settlement options.
Under the Alberta Rules of Court (AR 124/2010), you must respond to a civil claim within a specified timeframe, usually 20 days if served in Alberta. Failure to respond may result in a default judgment against you.
If you have been served with a legal claim, contact Harper Lee Law for immediate assistance.
The Residential Tenancies Act (RSA 2000, c R-17) outlines tenant and landlord rights regarding rent, repairs, evictions, and security deposits. Disputes can be resolved through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS).
For legal advice on landlord-tenant issues, contact Harper Lee Law.
Commercial Litigation
Commercial litigation involves disputes between businesses or individuals in a business context, including breach of contract, partnership disputes, shareholder conflicts, and debt recovery. These cases are governed by contract law, the Business Corporations Act (RSA 2000, c B-9), and other relevant legislation.
For legal representation in business disputes, contact Harper Lee Law.
If a party breaches a business contract, remedies may include damages (financial compensation), specific performance (forcing the breaching party to fulfill obligations), or contract rescission. The Alberta Rules of Court (AR 124/2010) outlines procedures for enforcing contractual rights.
For assistance in contract disputes, contact Harper Lee Law.
A court judgment can be enforced through various methods, such as garnishing wages or bank accounts, seizing assets, or registering a writ against property. The Civil Enforcement Act (RSA 2000, c C-15) provides mechanisms for judgment enforcement in Alberta.
For help enforcing a court judgment, contact Harper Lee Law.
If your business is served with a lawsuit, you must respond within the time limits set by the Alberta Rules of Court (AR 124/2010). Failing to respond can result in a default judgment. Seeking legal counsel early can help you build a strong defence.
For strategic legal representation, contact Harper Lee Law.
Estate Administration & Litigation
Estate administration is governed by the Estate Administration Act (SA 2014, c E-12.5). The executor or personal representative is responsible for gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the estate according to the will or intestacy laws.
For guidance in estate administration, contact Harper Lee Law.
A will can be challenged under the Wills and Succession Act (SA 2010, c W-12.2) if there are concerns about undue influence, lack of capacity, or failure to provide for dependents. The court will assess the validity of the will and determine if changes are necessary.
For legal representation in estate litigation, contact Harper Lee Law.
Employment Law
In Alberta, reasonable notice refers to the amount of advance notice an employer must provide when terminating an employee without just cause.
- For Employees: If you are terminated without cause, the minimum notice period under the Employment Standards Code (RSA 2000, c E-9) ranges from one to eight weeks, depending on your length of service. However, common law reasonable notice (determined by courts) may be longer, considering factors such as your age, position, tenure, and job market conditions. You may be entitled to additional severance pay if your employer fails to provide sufficient notice.
- For Employers: Employers must provide the statutory minimum notice or severance pay unless terminating for just cause. To minimize the risk of wrongful dismissal claims, employers should also consider common law reasonable notice, which may exceed the statutory requirements. Well-drafted employment contracts with enforceable termination clauses can help manage liability.
Employers must provide notice or severance pay unless termination is for just cause. The required notice period is outlined in the Employment Standards Code (RSA 2000, c E-9) and may be extended by contract or common law principles.
For legal advice on termination rights, contact Harper Lee Law.
Wrongful dismissal occurs when an employer terminates an employee without just cause or without providing proper notice or severance under the Employment Standards Code (RSA 2000, c E-9). Employees may be entitled to compensation based on statutory and common law notice periods.
If you believe you have been wrongfully dismissed, contact Harper Lee Law.
Workplace harassment is addressed under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (SA 2017, c O-2.1) and the Alberta Human Rights Act (RSA 2000, c A-25.5). Employees can file complaints with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) or the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
For legal advice on workplace harassment, contact Harper Lee Law.
Safety Code Matters and Government Regulations
The Safety Codes Act (RSA 2000, c S-1) regulates compliance with building, fire, electrical, gas, and other safety standards in Alberta. Legal proceedings may arise when there is non-compliance with safety regulations, including enforcement orders, fines, or prosecution for violations.
- For Municipalities and Authorities Seeking Prosecution: If you are an authority responsible for enforcing safety regulations, you may need to initiate prosecution against an individual or business for non-compliance. This process involves gathering evidence, issuing notices, and presenting the case in court.
- For Individuals or Businesses Facing Prosecution: If you have been charged under the Safety Codes Act, you have the right to challenge the allegations, seek a variance, or negotiate compliance measures. Penalties can include fines or remedial orders, and defending your case effectively is crucial to mitigating consequences.
Government agencies enforce various regulations, such as environmental laws, workplace safety, and licensing. Businesses may appeal regulatory decisions through tribunals or judicial review processes.
For legal representation in government regulatory matters, contact Harper Lee Law.
Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Individuals and businesses facing financial difficulties may consider consumer proposals, bankruptcy, or restructuring under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (RSC 1985, c B-3). Each option has different legal consequences.
For advice on debt relief and insolvency matters, contact Harper Lee Law.
Upon filing for bankruptcy, most assets become part of the bankruptcy estate, managed by a licensed insolvency trustee. Some assets are exempt under Alberta law, including necessary personal items and a portion of home equity.
For more details on asset protection during bankruptcy, contact Harper Lee Law.
Corporate and Commercial Law
The choice between sole proprietorship, partnership, and corporation depends on liability, taxation, and regulatory considerations. Incorporation under the Business Corporations Act (RSA 2000, c B-9) provides limited liability and tax advantages.
For legal guidance on structuring your business, contact Harper Lee Law.
Business incorporation is governed by the Business Corporations Act (RSA 2000, c B-9). Entrepreneurs must file incorporation documents with Alberta Corporate Registry and comply with tax and regulatory obligations.
For help incorporating your business, contact Harper Lee Law.
A well-drafted contract should clearly outline the obligations, payment terms, dispute resolution mechanisms, and termination clauses. Under Alberta contract law, a valid contract requires offer, acceptance, consideration, and intent.
For contract drafting and review, contact Harper Lee Law.
Shareholder and partnership disputes often involve breach of fiduciary duty, disagreements over company direction, or profit-sharing conflicts. The Business Corporations Act (RSA 2000, c B-9) provides remedies such as derivative actions and oppression claims.
For legal advice on resolving business disputes, contact Harper Lee Law.
Corporations must adhere to governance rules under the Business Corporations Act (RSA 2000, c B-9), including maintaining corporate records, holding shareholder meetings, and filing annual returns. Directors and officers have fiduciary duties to act in the best interest of the company.
For assistance with corporate governance compliance, contact Harper Lee Law.
Insurance Law
Insurance companies must act in good faith when handling claims under the Insurance Act (RSA 2000, c I-3). If a claim is unfairly denied, you may appeal the decision or pursue litigation.
For legal representation in insurance disputes, contact Harper Lee Law.
Under the Insurance Act (RSA 2000, c I-3), insurers must follow specific notice requirements before canceling a policy. Failure to provide proper notice may make the cancellation invalid.
For assistance in disputing an insurance cancellation, contact Harper Lee Law.