Archives: Lawyers

Justin Haack completed his Bachelor of Science at MacEwan University in 2019 and graduated from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in 2022. He completed his articles in 2023 and joined McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an associate in 2026.

During law school Justin volunteered with Student Legal Services Criminal Law Project and Civil/Family Law Project, as well as at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. As a lawyer he volunteered with Probono Law Alberta in their Civil Claims Duty Counsel and Court of King’s Bench Amicus Court Assistance Programs.

Justin has a general civil litigation practice with an emphasis on construction litigation including construction liens and prompt-payment disputes, employment law, and human rights law. He has appeared before all levels of Court in Alberta and has acted as counsel in a prompt-payment adjudication.

Outside of work Justin enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog, travelling, cooking, dining out at local restaurants, hockey, and being with his family.

Eky Singh was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta. She completed her undergraduate degree at MacEwan University, earning a Bachelor of Commerce, before pursuing her Juris Doctor at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) in Kamloops, British Columbia.

During her time in law school, Eky was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. She volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada, focusing on advocacy work for the Fraser Valley Institution for Women. Eky served as a Vice President for the Business Law Society at TRU, where she hosted the TRU Business Law Society Podcast, discussing various corporate and commercial law topics with professionals in the industry. Additionally, she worked as a teaching assistant for Fundamental Legal Skills, mentoring students in skills such as legal analysis, writing, research, and oral advocacy. Eky gained practical experience by spending a summer working at a top corporate boutique law firm in Vancouver.

Outside of her professional life, Eky is passionate about travelling, fitness, and exploring new culinary experiences. She loves trying out new restaurants and is always open to new adventures. Eky is fluent in both English and Punjabi.

Jean-Pierre Desrochers completed his Bachelor of Arts with distinction at the Campus Saint-Jean of the University of Alberta in 2017, and graduated from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in 2021.

Jean-Pierre’s practice is focused on wills and estate planning, estate administration and litigation, employment, and corporate and commercial matters including share purchase transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial leases.  Jean-Pierre is fluent in French and English, and is dedicated to helping his clients find practical and efficient solutions to their legal issues.

Jean-Pierre is a member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Association des juristes d’expression francaise de l’Alberta (AJEFA).  During law school, Jean-Pierre volunteered with Student Legal Services under the Civil/Family Law Project and the Criminal Project, providing free legal information to Edmonton’s low income community.

Outside of work, Jean-Pierre enjoys reading, hockey, golf and skiing.

Paul Smith completed his articles with a boutique Alberta law firm and worked as an associate at a regional Alberta law firm prior to joining McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an associate in 2023.

He received his Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 2016 and his Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta in 2021. During law school, Paul volunteered with Student Legal Services under the Civil/Family Law Project, organized fundraising for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and volunteered with 1L orientation for incoming law students.

Paul maintains a general solicitor practice and regularly assists clients in a variety of areas, including real estate, corporate/commercial, wills and estates, and labour/employment law.

Paul enjoys providing clients with practical, cost-effective service to maximize their valuable time and money. While every file will present its own unique circumstances and challenges, Paul focuses on understanding and helping clients achieve their desired outcome in a timely and pleasant manner.

Paul represented the University of Alberta at the Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada in Toronto and was a volunteer high school basketball coach for 2 seasons. Paul is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association and the Edmonton Bar Association. Paul volunteers with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre where he provides free legal services for individuals where income poses a barrier to access to justice. Outside of the office, Paul enjoys golfing, lifting weights, reading and horology.

Megan E.A. Franklin joined McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an associate in 2023. She completed her articles in 2021.

Megan received her Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Law in 2020. While in law school, she volunteered with Student Legal Services and the Edmonton Community Legal Centre. Prior to law school, Megan completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta.

Megan is currently working in various areas of the law offered by the firm, but most often in the areas of family law and general litigation matters.

Outside of the office, Megan maintains an active lifestyle. She can be found skiing in the mountains, biking the city roads, and hiking. She also volunteers as an evening clinic lawyer with the Community Legal Center.

Klarissa Jeiel Rivero was called to the Bar in 2024 after articling at McCuaig Desrochers LLP. She joined the firm after obtaining her Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2023.

Klarissa had a distinguished academic career before entering private practice. Among her many achievements, she won the 2023 Sheldon M. Chumir Memorial Essay Prize in Human Rights or Ethics in Government, and she served as the Vice President Communications for The Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers University of Alberta Chapter. Klarissa also has a long and active history of volunteerism, including as a caseworker for Student Legal Services (assisting low-income individuals with legal issues) and with The River City Venture Clinic (helping new entrepreneurs with common legal issues faced by startups).

In her free time, Klarissa keeps up a personal blog where she shares law school tips and resources. She also enjoys reading fiction, playing the piano, watching anime and movies, and hunting for the perfect find at the thrift store.

Originally from the Philippines, Klarissa is fluent in both English and Tagalog.

Hadeel Othman was born and raised in Edmonton. She completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Sociology at the University of Alberta. Hadeel returned to the University of Alberta to complete her Juris Doctor and graduated in June 2023.

During law school, Hadeel volunteered with Student Legal Services and the Edmonton Community Legal Centre within their criminal and family law divisions. During school, Hadeel also worked for the Alberta Law Reform Institute and took a summer position with the Strathcona County Legislative and Legal Services. Through the University of Alberta, Hadeel also interned for the Edmonton office of the Judge Advocate General of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Outside of work, Hadeel is a big believer of championing the local arts and volunteering at local events and festivals. She also enjoys reading, baking, boxing, and hiking.

Travis Yachimec joined McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an articling student before becoming an Associate in 2019 and a Partner in 2026. His practice is grounded in a strong business and legal foundation, supported by a Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Distinction (Finance) in 2014 and a Juris Doctor Degree with Distinction in 2018, both from the University of Alberta. He also holds a Certificate in Business Administration with Distinction from Northern Lakes College and a Diploma in Business Administration from Portage College.

During law school, Travis volunteered with Student Legal Services under the Civil/Family Law Project and contributed to Habitat for Humanity builds in Fort Saskatchewan. He continues to give back to the community as a volunteer lawyer with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre and is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association.

Travis works closely with clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, including corporate structuring and reorganizations, business purchases and sales, commercial financing, real estate transactions, and commercial leasing. He also advises on construction law issues and regularly represents clients in construction lien disputes.

Outside the office, Travis enjoys fishing, hiking, playing guitar, cheering on the Edmonton Oilers, coaching his son’s hockey team, and spending time with his family.

Jeff Arsenault is a Partner at McCuaig Desrochers LLP, where he maintains a broad business law practice. He advises clients on a wide range of corporate, commercial, and employment matters, including business acquisitions and sales, corporate structuring and reorganizations, commercial financings, real estate and leasing transactions, shareholder and joint venture arrangements, and employment contracts, workplace policies, and termination issues. Jeff works closely with clients to provide practical, business-minded legal solutions that help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

In addition to his work with private businesses, Jeff regularly advises not-for-profit organizations on governance, compliance, and organizational structuring.

Jeff joined the firm as an Articling Student in 2016 and became a Partner in 2023. He earned his Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. During law school, he volunteered with Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS), providing legal support for low-income individuals. He currently serves as Chair of the Business Law (Alberta North) Section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Originally from Prince Edward Island, Jeff holds a Bachelor of Music with Distinction in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Prince Edward Island, and a Master of Arts (Musicology) from the University of Alberta.

Outside of the office, Jeff enjoys slo-pitch, playing guitar, competitive video games and other strategy-based hobbies.

Eric Mahood completed his articles with McCuaig Desrochers LLP and became an associate at the firm in September 2015. Eric’s main areas of practice are business law, commercial and residential real estate and leasing, franchising (for both franchisors and franchisees), information and privacy, wills and estates, and immigration. He prides himself on providing practical legal advice to businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Eric graduated from the University of Alberta with a Juris Doctor in 2014. During law school Eric worked for Student Legal Services as the Legal Education and Reform Coordinator. In that role he supervised other students in giving legal assistance to homeless individuals in Edmonton’s inner city and preparing and delivering legal lectures on a wide variety of topics. During and prior to law school Eric and his wife owned and operated a franchised coffee store and bakery on campus.

Eric is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and of the Canadian Bar Association including the Commercial Leasing and Immigration sections. He also provides legal assistance as a volunteer at the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.

Prior to law school, he received a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours from the University of Alberta, and worked as an employment counselor for Edmonton inner city residents. Outside of law Eric is an avid skier and enjoys volunteering with local community organizations. He has also served on the boards of local Edmonton musical and charitable organizations.