Arlene K. Blake, C.Arb, BA, JD

Lawyer


Raised in the Northwest Territories, her first position after college (Red Deer) was as a deputy sheriff with the itinerant court (Supreme Court) in the Northwest Territories; she initially took conflict resolution training with the Justice Institute of BC while working for the Government of the NWT.  She obtained her law degree later at the University of Calgary, was called to the Alberta bar in 2006 and the NWT in 2010. Her general practice is comprised of Wills and Estates, Adult Guardianship, and Real Estate along with arbitration and administrative law. Arlene has been a member of the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society since 1994. She acted as Arbitrator for the Canadian motor vehicle arbitration Plan since 1994 and became the national arbitration specialist in 2013.  She obtained her chartered arbitrator status from the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Canada in 2012. She has acted as presiding officer and panel member for several administrative tribunals at the municipal and provincial level.  In participating on various tribunals Arlene has written over 300 decisions on a variety of issues. Arlene provides training in arbitration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Alberta.

In the spring of 2021, Arlene participated and obtained the Elder Law Certificate program facilitated through Osgoode Hall Law School.  Components of the program included;

  •  The impact of COVID-19 on elder law today and in the future
  • The role of advocacy: tips for being an effective advocate for older adults
  • The aging process and recognizing and combating ageism
  • Tackling the misuse of powers of attorney
  • The role of the Public Guardian and Trustee
  • Privacy rights in long term care, retirement and community settings
  • Tackling elder investment fraud and financial exploitation
  • The latest on capacity, substitute decision making and health care consent

Legal issues affecting older persons are similar to those affecting the general population, however the aging demographic requires an adapted view of law to ensure protection and preservation of rights. With additional insight provided through the certificate program the value she can bring to older adults is enhanced.

Nicole E. Guichon

Family Lawyer


Nicole (Nicki) Guichon joined the Alberta Bar in 2014 and practices family law. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta, and her Juris Doctor from Dalhousie University, Nicki had the privilege of articling at Children’s Legal & Educational Resource Centre (CLERC) in Calgary and practicing there for an additional 2 years. At CLERC (now Youthlaw at the Alex), Nicki was the Lawyer for Youth, where she provided information, advice, and representation to youth on civil law matters. Her legal practice focused on pregnant and parenting youth, independent living, and immigration matters.

Nicki joined Macphail Harding in 2016 and provides legal services in all areas of family law. Nicki’s experience in high conflict family litigation and continued representation of children and youth provides her with a child-focused approach to family conflict. Prior to becoming a lawyer Nicki had the pleasure of working with youth at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Calgary. Nicki is compassionate, empathetic, and has a desire to help people who need legal services. She is committed to providing quality legal services at an affordable cost.

When not helping families with their legal matters, Nicki enjoys: playing on the same hockey team as her husband; spending time with her horse, dog, and cat; bike-riding; and being in nature.

Chelsea K. Snyder

Corporate Lawyer


Chelsea practices corporate law and wills and estates.  She is passionate about helping individuals and businesses succeed and reach their potential personally and professionally.  Having started out at a large national firm and then continuing in private practice with her own firm for many years in Calgary, Alberta, Chelsea has a breadth of experience to enable her to assess and meet the needs of her various clients.  In addition to her legal training and expertise, Chelsea is continually educating herself to assist her business clients in overcoming barriers that may disturb or sabotage profitable results.

Chelsea went to law school at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and studied international human rights law in Strasbourg, France.  She is licensed to practice law in the State of New York and Alberta.  Her cross-border experience enables her to provide her clients with international business knowledge, contracts, and transactions.

Chelsea is married with three young children. She loves being a mom, teaching dance, and writing.  Chelsea is now working part time, and she is in the office on Mondays.

To set up a consultation with Chelsea, send her an e-mail at: csnyder@macphailharding.com

Jennifer

Legal Assistant