Virginia May, Q.C. (Ret'd)
Counsel and Strategic Advisor
Virginia May, Q.C. has been recognized by the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association and the University of Calgary as a leading litigator in Alberta. She has been a mentor and guide for many lawyers and is held in high esteem as a role model and inspiration to others universally among her peers. Virginia’s career, so far, has consisted of three decades of trailblazing and career challenges. She was the first female partner of a major law firm in the 1980’s, at Burnet, Duckworth and Palmer and in 1995 she founded May Jensen Shawa Solomon LLP, a very successful and industry leading boutique litigation firm.
Education:
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) (1980) – University of Calgary, Law School
Bachelor of Arts, History (1965) – University of London England
Date Called to Bar:
1980
Date Obtained Q.C:
1991
Professional Associations:
Law Society of Alberta
Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA)
Areas of Practice:
Virginia retired from her 30 year full-time legal practice as a Civil Litigator and now focuses on Mediation and Arbitration.
Community Involvement:
Mentor-in-Residence to Law Students at the University of Calgary
Awards:
Distinguished Service to the Legal Profession in Alberta, jointly awarded by LSA and CBA, 2010
Kenneth Moore Alumni Award for service to the Law School of Calgary, 2010
Elected Bencher of the Law Society, four times (1991, 1993, 1995, 1997). Sat on numerous disciplinary hearings and elected to the Executive Committee. Member of all major Law Society committees over time and 1997.
Was a member of the Law Reform Commission, Rules of Court project.
Woman of Distinction Award in the Professions by the YWCA, 1991
Former Chairperson of Law Day for Alberta.
Was listed in Lexpert, Canadian Legal Expert Directory, listing Canada’s best lawyers in a variety of areas of practice, from 1997 until retirement.

Contact Virginia May, Q.C.
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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