Volunteers are integral to the success of LESA programs. As we eagerly await LESA’s Refresher 2025: Wills and Estates, we would like to thank and spotlight the chair of our upcoming LESA Refresher, Shelley E. Waite KC. We recently reached out to Shelley to learn a bit more about her background, her current practice, and why she is inspired to volunteer at LESA. Shelley is a Partner at McLeod Law LLP, based in Calgary. Her practice focuses on estate planning, US/cross border planning, estate administration, estate dispute resolution, and more. Shelley holds an internationally recognized Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation. Recently, Shelley was also recognized for her contributions in the profession and the community with a King’s Counsel (KC) appointment.
Shelley’s interest in pursuing a legal career began while she was working as a lab technologist in Oregon and kayaking in her spare time. She learned more about the profession through the insights of a kayaking companion, a practicing lawyer. Supported by her employer and encouraged by her kayaking partner to pursue her newfound interest in the law, Shelley embarked on the path to law school. Shelley is motivated by helping people tackle problems. She finds deep satisfaction in being approachable and building connections with her clients and their trusted advisors.
Why Attend the LESA Refresher
Shelley emphasizes the crucial role of planning and notes that legal issues surrounding wills, estates, and trusts are growing increasingly intricate. As such, she hopes that attendees of the Refresher will walk away with new tips and strategies that they can apply to their everyday practice.
“We plan to have useful and practical information for our attendees to deal with this complex area of law, which also addresses the complex community we live in. LESA always has superior speakers with relevant topics and robust materials.”
Topics will include:
- De-escalating high conflict behaviour
- The lawyer as witness: privilege and waiver – in life and death
- Joint tenancy and trust claims
- Dower and life interests
- Litigation – competing and conflicting interests, caveats, and importance of ILA
- Application of s.160 of the Income Tax Act (Canada)
- Incapacity
- Administration of difficult estates – business and farm assets
- Additional topics will be added when available
Networking With Peers
Getting to know fellow Alberta wills and estates practitioners is important to developing a strong support network.
“It is not uncommon in this practice where you need to find counsel for an interested party that may be adverse to your clients’ position…it is always good to find a network of trusted counsel who can work with you and your clients on a resolution. Connections are vital to a successful practice and referrals are a great way to build on your practice.”
Why Volunteer for LESA?
When asked what why she volunteers for LESA, Shelley expressed her desire to share her knowledge with fellow practitioners, guide and mentor new lawyers, and foster connections within the Alberta legal community.
LESA greatly appreciates Shelley and her commitment as chair for LESA’s Refresher 2025: Wills and Estates in beautiful Victoria, BC.
LESA Refresher Details
Find conference details below, with more information on topics and faculty on the registration page.
Date: April 10-12, 2025
Location: Victoria Conference Centre
Early Bird Price: $1,495
Early bird pricing expires January 16, 2025. Regular price: $1,645
