Experience

The Honourable Daryl S. Fridhandler is a highly experienced corporate and commercial lawyer with extensive transactional expertise across diverse industries, with a particular focus on M & A transactions, project arrangements, and public and private finance.

Daryl advises public and private enterprises—including corporations, trusts, partnerships, and joint ventures—on all aspects of their business, from startup planning and structuring to going public and ongoing stock exchange compliance, governance, and transactional matters. He regularly serves as independent counsel to boards, committees, and special committees on transactional, governance, and investigative mandates. His practice also includes general corporate, finance planning, and tax-driven structuring for real estate development, general business, construction, and land-bank enterprises. Beyond corporate matters, Daryl has experience in commercial mediation and arbitration.

Daryl has been a founder and has held many board and leadership positions in numerous public, private, and not-for-profit organizations. He is also dedicated to providing legal advice to charitable and not-for-profit organizations across various sectors, including arts, culture, social services, and ethnic communities.

In 2024, Daryl was appointed to the Canadian Senate, bringing his legal and business acumen to policymaking and legislative oversight.

Professional Activities

  • Member, Law Society of Alberta
  • Member, ADR Institute of Alberta
  • Member, Institute of Corporate Directors
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association
  • Member, Calgary Bar Association

Awards

  • Client Choice Award 2013 (Lexology) – General Corporate Law Award (Alberta)
  • Alberta Centennial Medal, 2005
  • McGill Scarlet Key for distinguished service to the McGill community

Community

  • Alberta Ballet Company, Director and Chair (August 2017 to November 2023)
  • Mount Royal University, Board of Governors (May 2014 – June 2017)
  • Contemporary Calgary Arts Society (formerly Institute of Modern and Contemporary Art), Former Co‑Chair and Director (2009 – 2016)
  • Calgary Petroleum Club, Board of Governors (May 2008 – May 2014)
  • Calgary Police Commission, Commissioner and Vice Chair (October 2008 – October 2011)
  • Little Synagogue on the Prairie Society, Board Member and Fundraising Committee (2007 – 2012)
  • Calgary Exhibition and Stampede GP Ltd., Board of Directors (2006 – 2008)
  • Alberta College of Art and Design, Board of Governors (2002 – 2008)
  • Calgary Economic Development, Board Member (2002 – 2008; Chair (2003 – 2008)
  • Calgary Centre for Performing Arts (now Arts Commons), Board Member (2002 – 2004); Chair (2002 – 2004)