About Reo
Hi, I'm Rod.
I am originally from Medicine Hat, Alberta, and graduated from in 1989 from high school. I was originally enrolled in the apprentice programme to become a chef – through some unforeseen developments [the restaurant that I was working at suddenly closed its doors], I decided to enrol into college to become a P.E. Teacher.
My Background
I graduated in 1993 from the University of Lethbridge, however there were no jobs [Ralph Klien was elected and teaching jobs were frozen]. I then spent the next five years teaching English primarily in Gifu Japan.
I then obtained an MBA from McGill, and then obtained my law degree from the University of Saskatchewan [along the way studying at Jernkopping Sweden].
In 2003, I articled at Davis & Company, in Yellowknife, and stayed on as an associate until 2007. I worked on corporate commercial files primarily with the partner in the Aboriginal Law Group.
From 2007 until 2009 I was a solicitor at Lawson Lundell LLP and worked as a general corporate/commercial lawyer on: aboriginal law in the N.W.T., real estate, corporate governance and financial services matters in the Calgary office.
From 2009 to 2011, I was an associate at Shea Nerland Calnan LLP. I was performing exclusive work as a commercial litigator.
Since 2011, my practice has been primarily focused on litigation/tribunal/court related matters. I have appeared in front of: the Court of Appeal, Mental Health Review Boards, Queens’ Bench Justices, Provincial Court Judges, and even the School Board [re: truancy] - I have 20 reported decisions.
In my spare time I enjoy power lifting and spending time with my wife Michiyo, and daughter Nikita.
I currently keep active in the community by sitting on the board of directors for a provincial political party, and in the past have sat as a director of the Autism Calgary Association and a member of the Combative Sports Commission. I was a marker of CPLED exam and assignments and also guest lectured for the oral advocacy course.