Experience

Shannon joined Parlee McLaws as an associate in 2003 following the completion of her articles with the firm. She has focused her practice in the area of civil litigation, with a primary emphasis on oil and gas litigation and insurance defence matters.  

Specifically, in the insurance context, Shannon has over 20 years of practice with claims involving: 

  • Municipal claims 
  • Professional negligence 
  • Product liability 
  • Occupier’s liability 
  • Commercial host liability 
  • Property damage 
  • Coverage issues and 
  • Personal injury claims 

In the oil and gas context, Shannon has extensive experience litigating all aspects of the industry, including:

  • Lease disputes 
  • Drilling contracts 
  • Service Agreements 
  • Constructive dismissal 
  • Breach of fiduciary duties 
  • Breach of confidential information 
  • Construction issues 
  • CAPL disputes 
  • Interference with contractual relations 
  • Pipeline issues 
  • Offsetting production 
  • Allegations of interference with production and 
  • Occupational Health and Safety 

Shannon has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta, as well as represented clients in proceedings before the Alberta Energy Regulator. In addition, Shannon has resolved many issues for her clients through judicial dispute resolutions and mediations. She is also trained in collaborative law., where the lawyers work together with their respective clients to try and resolve matters prior to litigation. 

In addition to her work as a lawyer, Shannon serves on the Board of Directors for the PREP Program, which is a resource centre for families of children with Down syndrome, and where her daughter attends for various programs. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing with her husband, walking her very energetic dog, Jack, and hanging out with her daughter, who is the coolest kid she knows.  

Professional Activities

  • Member, Calgary Bar Association

Community

  • Shannon is on the Board of Directors with PREP, a resource and educational facility for individuals with Down syndrome.
  • Volunteer Lawyer with the Court of King’s Bench Amicus Program

Notable Decisions

  1. Earth Drilling Co Ltd. v. Keystone Drilling Corp. 2022 ABKB 744; 2023 ABKB 17
  2. EMM Energy Inc v. Ener T Corporation v. Canadian Natural Resources Limited – 2023 unreported decision – successful dismissal of the Plaintiffs’ claim
  3. Mcmillan McGee Corp. v. Northrop Grumman Canada (2004) Inc. 2021 ONSC 12 and 2016 ONSC 6334
  4. Canadian Natural Resources Limited v. Husky Oil Operations Limited 2020 ABCA 386
  5. Columbus v. QuinnCorp Holdings Inc. 2019 ABQB 853; affirmed on appeal (unreported)
  6. Wilkinson v. Tam et al 1001-11886—an unreported liability trial in which she was 100% successful for her client.