Jonathan Denis, Q.C.
Founding Partner
I have spent my career in service to others in both the public and private sector. I look on each matter as if I were the client and how I’d feel in that situation.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan as the son of a Canadian soldier and a teacher, Jonathan graduated with degrees in business (finance/marketing) and law at age 24. Jonathan moved to Calgary after graduation and was called to the Alberta bar in 2001 and quickly became a key member of one of Canada’s top ten national law firms.
Jonathan was elected MLA for Calgary-Acadia (formerly Calgary-Egmont) in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. In addition to his duties as a legislator, Jonathan served in several senior cabinet roles, including Parliamentary Assistant for Energy, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Solicitor General & Minister of Public Security, Provincial Secretary, Minister of Justice & Attorney General, and Government House Leader.
Some of Jonathan’s accomplishments while in the provincial government include:
Introducing a new set of Rules of Court;
Funding new police positions to Alberta cities;
Reducing department spending by 39% while still achieving ministry goals;
Passing civil forfeiture legislation for seizure of proceeds of crime;
Improving access to justice by raising the limit at Provincial Court (Civil Division) to $50,000.00;
Amending election statutes to require better public disclosure of contributions; and
Passing legislation to crack down on impaired drivers.
Since returning to the private sector in 2015, Jonathan founded Guardian Law Group LLP with Donna Gee.
A recognized authority in politics and governance, Jonathan is frequently invited as a guest speaker to organizations and charities. Jonathan has received numerous accolades in his career, including being named to the Queen’s Counsel of Alberta and one of Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40” (when he was under 40).
Jonathan has a rare expertise in campaigns and elections law. He has acted as lead counsel on several judicial recounts and his clients have included sitting Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and city councillors.
Education:
Bachelor of Administration – University of Regina (1997)
Juris Doctor – University of Saskatchewan (2000)
ICD.D Director’s Education – Rotman School of Business – University of Toronto (2018)
Master of Laws (LL.M.) – James E. Rogers College of Law – University of Arizona (In Progress)
Date Called to Bar:
2001
Date Obtained Q.C:
2010
Professional Associations:
Law Society of Alberta
Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers’ Association (ACTLA) – Government relations chair
Director, High Ground Cannabis (medicinal cannabis producer)
Areas of Practice:
Civil & Commercial Litigation, Serious personal injury, Wrongful death claims, Insurance law, Professional negligence claims, Defamation, Debt claims, Foreclosure, Employment law, Government relations & public affairs
In the Media:
Five former Attorneys General call for RCMP probe into SNC-Lavalin affair
Support of Clare’s Law to prevent domestic abuse
Newspaper settles law suit, retracts calling politician racist
Former UCP hopeful wins defamation case against NDP
Class-action law suit filed against operators of McKenzie Towne care home
Limo Driver injured
Column: Defend – not defund – our police
Daughters of McKenzie Towne Continuing Care Centre resident file wrongful death suit
Edmonton city councillor Mike Nickel will not be reprimanded
Awards:
Top 40 under 40, 2010
Community Involvement:
Campaign Manager, Calgary-West UCP (2019)
Fundraiser for the local charities
Director, Institute for Public Sector Accountability
Instructor of Articling Students – Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education (CPLED)
Recognitions:
Former two-term MLA
Former senior cabinet minister, most notably as Minister of Justice & Solicitor General
![Jonathan_127[background_removed] Jonathan_127[background_removed]](https://www.guardian.law/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Jonathan_127background_removed-250x750.png)
Contact Jonathan Denis
Office Number:(403) 457-7778
Fax:1-877-517-6373
Address:
Riverfront Pointe
342 4 Ave S.E.
Calgary, AB T2G 1C9
Website: www.guardian.law
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