Julie Shepherd

Full Profile

Julie is a skilled advocate with extensive trial, arbitration and mediation experience. She practises in the areas of commercial litigation, construction, insurance defence, employment and municipal law.

She is often engaged to prosecute bylaw and regulatory offences for several government bodies and has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta.

With a proven track record of navigating complex disputes across diverse industries and legal forums, Julie brings a rare combination of insight and versatility to her practice. Clients value her ability to analyze cases from all angles, anticipate challenges and develop practical strategic solutions. Julie’s innovative problem-solving approach consistently leads to effective outcomes, whether inside or outside the courtroom.

While at law school, Julie was Editor of Law Review, as well as a moot court competition finalist and, upon graduation, was awarded a Certificate of Distinguished Public Service. Over the years, she has given various presentations and conferences, namely on workplace investigations, post-termination restrictions on employees, employee termination management and updates on wrongful dismissals. During the course of her legal career, Julie has participated multiple times as a Volunteer Instructor and Competency Evaluator in oral advocacy at the Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education and has acted for many years as Civil Claims Duty Council for Pro Bono Law Alberta. Moreover, she has facilitated a presentation on civil procedure for the Legal Education Society of Alberta and acted as a Mock Trial Coordinator at Law Day (Alberta) for two years. She is currently involved in the community as a Beaver Scouts Leader.

Admissions

• Alberta Bar, 2013

• California Bar, 2010-2012
   

Education

• National Advanced Certificate in Local Administration Program, Level I, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada – Ongoing

• J.D., Western State College of Law, Orange County, California, 2010

• B.A., University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2007
   

Professional Associations

• Law Society of Alberta

• Canadian Bar Association

• Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association 

Experience

• Advisory on issues of municipal governance and authority, municipal enforcement and municipal liability defence work. Representation of municipalities on land use issues and before the Calgary Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.  

  • Services: preparation of enforcement-related documents, provision of legal advice regarding inspections and investigations, and handling hundreds of charges every year through the enforcement processes by resolution or conviction at trial.

• Bylaw drafting and bylaw offences prosecution, advisory on pitfalls and amendments to improve enforcement outcomes.

• Representation of senior executives in wrongful dismissal claims, employment litigation and dispute resolution, and advisory to employers (drafting offers, termination letters, etc.).