Founding Lawyer

Sophie is deeply committed to championing workers’ rights. With a background in Human Resources, coupled with experience working for the Alberta Human Rights Commission and law firms in Calgary representing both employers and employees, she has a comprehensive knowledge of the complex workplace issues affecting employees today. Her fluency in French also allows her to work with a diverse clientele.

Sophie primarily represents non-unionized individuals, but she has a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by unionized employees who don't feel adequately supported by their unions with respect to their workplace matters. Sophie is committed to finding effective solutions for unionized employees, including engaging with the government to advocate for legislative reforms.

Having navigated every stage of litigation, Sophie brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She has represented clients in employment, labour and human rights matters before the Alberta Court of Justice, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, Court of Appeal of Alberta, Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta, Canadian Human Rights Commission, Alberta Labour Relations Board, and Canada Industrial Relations Board.

Before establishing her own firm, Sophie honed her skills in employment law while working for law firms in Calgary. Her journey also includes invaluable stints at the Alberta Human Rights Commission and as a Student-at-Law for the Alberta Court of Justice, where she assisted judges with legal research. Before obtaining her law degree, Sophie worked in human resources in the oil and gas industry.

Sophie provides pro bono immigration advice at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association. She is also a member of the Neuroendocrine Tumours (NET) Patient Advocacy Committee for the Canadian Cancer Theragnostic Foundation. The foundation advocates for improved care and greater access to treatment for Albertans living with NETs and related cancers. Prior to that, she volunteered on the Trauma Advisory Committee for Alberta Health Services.

Education

Sophie holds a law degree from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources & Organizational Dynamics from the Haskayne School of Business.

Languages

Sophie offre des services juridiques en français.

Beyond the law

Outside of work, Sophie and her husband can be found adjudicating disputes between their kids covering all areas of law including lightsaber assaults, toy theft, trespassing on sovereign bedrooms, non-UN sanctioned invasions of ‘personal space’, intentional application of force to a sibling without their consent, slander, and other entertaining complaints.

Email: sophie@purnellemploymentlaw.com

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Employment Lawyer

(Currently on maternity leave)

Stephanie is a passionate advocate with a deep commitment to employment and human rights law. She finds her inspiration in the stories of the people she serves. Understanding the pivotal role employment plays in individuals' lives, she strives to empower her clients through a relatable and practical approach. With experience representing both employers and employees, Stephanie brings a nuanced understanding to her work. She navigates complex issues with skill and empathy. Her dedication is evident in her track record, having successfully negotiated settlements and appeared before Alberta's highest courts.

Stephanie's journey to law was preceded by diverse experiences, including stints in fashion startups, retail, and international adventures. Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts (with distinction) in Law & Society and Political Science, as well as a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta. Even during her studies, she remained active in community service, volunteering with legal aid organizations and participating in charity events like the U of A’s Law Show. Stephanie’s vibrant personality left a lasting impression on her law school peers who voted her “most likely to appear on reality television” at their law school graduation. A prediction she humorously assures her husband she’ll never subject their family to.

Outside of work, Stephanie can be found exploring new restaurants, attending local events, cheering on the Calgary Flames (when she’s not cheering on the Vancouver Canucks), and spending time with her young (rambunctious) family. To unwind, she finds solace in binge-watching an array of reality TV shows, with a particular affection for anything on Bravo.

Email: stephanie@purnellemploymentlaw.com

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Employment Lawyer

Benyat is a dedicated and bold advocate for workers’ rights. Her passion for this work began during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she led a petition for stronger safety protections for employees at the JBS Foods beef processing plant in Brooks, Alberta. The petition gained over 17,000 signatures in just two weeks, highlighting the urgent need for government action. Her call for a temporary shutdown and a third-party inspection demonstrates her commitment to workers’ rights. The petition received media coverage across Canada, bringing attention to her impactful work.

Benyat earned her law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. While in law school, Benyat worked in the Workers' Rights Division at the Parkdale Legal Clinic where she successfully represented workers in cases involving wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages, reprisal, and human rights issues. This experience deepened her understanding of workplace matters. During her studies, she also worked as a Research Assistant with the Ase Community Foundation, where she researched literature on race and disability in human rights tribunal decisions.

After law school, Benyat articled at Calgary Legal Guidance where she represented vulnerable Calgarians in criminal and traffic matters at the Alberta Court of Justice and the Calgary Indigenous Court. She also provided pro bono legal assistance in areas like family, housing, civil, and estate law.

Before beginning her legal career, Benyat earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations with a minor in Economics from the University of Calgary. She is dedicated to equity, diversity, inclusion, and advocacy. As an undergraduate, she co-founded and served as Co-President of the African-Caribbean Student Association, which was awarded Club of the Year by the University of Calgary’s Students’ Union in 2020 – an award that recognizes exceptional leadership and contributions to the campus community.

Benyat is certified in de-escalation training, enabling her to manage difficult conversations calmly and with empathy. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, drawing, and attempting to navigate the lively chaos of her enormous extended family.

Email: benyat@purnellemploymentlaw.com

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Legal Assistant & Office Administrator

Lily is known for her attentive listening skills, calm and professional approach to difficult situations, and her ability to swiftly analyze situations and deliver effective solutions — earning high praise from both clients and our team.

Lily is an accomplished graduate from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (with distinction) and a minor in Sociology. Lily is passionate about human behaviour and social justice; it’s this passion that has inspired her to attend law school in the future.

Lily's commitment to our clients is unwavering; she ensures they feel supported and heard, tirelessly striving to assist them in every possible way. With prior experience as a Legal Assistant, including helping launch a law firm during the challenges of COVID-19, Lily has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, resourcefulness, and intelligence. Her rapid grasp of various aspects of employment law in Alberta underscores her dedication to her work.

Beyond her work, Lily enjoys legal dramas like Law & Order, spending time with her cat and exploring the mountains.

Email: lily@purnellemploymentlaw.com