Archives: Lawyers

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 October 2023.

He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree 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 a fundraiser for the Sports and Entertainment Law Society and volunteered with 1L orientation for incoming law students.

Paul represented the University of Alberta at the Hockey Arbitration Competition of Canada and was a volunteer high school basketball coach for 2 seasons. Paul is a member of the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association.Outside of work, Paul enjoys golfing, lifting weights, watches and reading.

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 completed his articles with McCuaig Desrochers LLP and became an associate at the firm in August 2019.

He received his Bachelor of Commerce Degree with Distinction (majoring in Finance) from the University of Alberta in 2014 and his Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of Alberta in 2018. In addition to these degrees, Travis has also received a Certification in Business Administration with Distinction from Northern Lakes College in 2010, as well as a Diploma in Business Administration from Portage College in 2011.

During law school, Travis volunteered both with Student Legal Services under the Civil/Family Law Project, as well as Habitat for Humanity, helping build houses in Fort Saskatchewan.

Outside of work, Travis enjoys fishing, hiking, playing guitar and cheering on both the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Elks.

Jeff Arsenault joined McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an associate lawyer in 2017 after articling with the firm and joined the partnership of McCuaig Desrochers LLP in 2023. Jeff maintains a general business law practice, assisting with a broad range of corporate and commercial legal issues including business sales and acquisitions, commercial financing, corporate structuring and reorganizations, commercial leasing and real estate transactions, joint ventures, shareholder disputes, and other business agreements and arrangements.

Jeff also works with several not-for-profit organizations assisting them with their structuring and governance models.

Jeff received his Juris Doctor with Distinction from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2016. While in law school, Jeff volunteered with Student Legal Services of Edmonton (SLS) representing low-income individuals. Jeff currently serves as the Chair of the Business Law (Alberta North) section of the Canadian Bar Association.

Originally from Prince Edward Island, Jeff received his Bachelor of Music with Distinction in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Prince Edward Island before moving to Alberta to complete a Master of Arts (Musicology) at the University of Alberta.

Outside of work, Jeff enjoys a variety of activities, including softball, soccer, board games, and playing guitar.

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.

Christopher J. Dawson joined McCuaig Desrochers LLP as an associate in 2014 and became a Partner at McCuaig Desrochers in January of 2020. Chris has a wide-ranging litigation practice, with his primary areas of interest being civil litigation, family law, wills and estates, employment law, estate litigation, and construction law. Chris completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Alberta, a Masters Degree in History at the University of Victoria, and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Saskatchewan.

Chris is currently a member of the Canadian Bar Association’s Family Law, Wills and Estates, and Construction Law sections in Alberta and is the former Chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s Real Property Law (Northern Alberta) Section. He also volunteers as an evening clinic lawyer with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC).

Chris has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta.