Aaron Bickman
TEP, KCPartner
OFFICE: Downtown
The team’s knowledge and experience help us deliver efficient, effective advice to our clients.
Aaron has a diverse practice with a focus on Wills, Trusts, and Estates. He has extensive experience in estate planning, administration, and dispute resolution. His practice experience includes business law and real estate law. He is a certified mediator and is taking engagements to act as mediator for Estate Disputes and Guardianship & Trusteeship Disputes.
Aaron is a recognized thought leader in the application of The Surrogate Rules and complicated court applications, which helps him generate positive, timely results for his clients. He shares his knowledge with colleagues and the public through teaching and speaking roles.
Clients have highly recommended Aaron, giving him a top rating on Martindale-Hubbell.com. He is also included in The Best Lawyers™ in Canada for Trusts and Estates.
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Education
- 2018 Executive Certificate in Conflict Management, University of Windsor Faculty of Law
- 2017 Advanced Alternative Dispute Resolution, University of Windsor Faculty of Law
- 2003 University of Manitoba, LLB
- 1998 University of Calgary, BA
Admissions
- 2004 Alberta
Experience
Aaron has been a partner at McLeod Law since 2013. Clients rely on him to help them navigate complex and stressful life-cycle issues. The diversity of his experience helps him understand his clients’ needs and give complete advice and comprehensive solutions.
- Represents clients at the Alberta Court of King's Bench for various estate, Represented Adult, and civil litigation matters.
- Preparation of wills, enduring powers of attorney, and personal directives.
- Preparation of all documentation required for the administration and probate of estates.
- Preparation of all documentation required in Represented Adult matters.
- Preparation of documentation required in corporate transactions.
- Advising and drafting Trusts and advising Trustees on Trust Administration
Resources
Story
Aaron Bickman, TEP
Publication
Road Testing Your Incapacity Plan
- Recognition
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HONOURS & AWARDS
- Appointed King’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, 2024
- Aaron is recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for work in Trusts and Estates (2022-2025).
- Aaron comes highly recommended by clients, giving him a 5 out of 5 ("Gold" rating) by Martindale-Hubbell.
- University of Manitoba, Faculty of Law
- Frank Billinkoff Prize for top standing in wills and succession
- Jane Evans QC Prize for demonstrated excellence in property, trusts, and wills and succession
PUBLICATIONS
- “The importance of succession planning," The Constructor, Calgary Construction Association, March 2019
- Memberships
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- Law Society of Alberta
- Calgary Bar Association
- President
- Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners
- Trust and Estate Planner (TEP) designation, (2016-Present)
- Community
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- Alberta Surrogate Rules Advisory Committee
- STEP Canada
- STEP Inside Editorial Board, 2021-present
- Jewish National Fund of Canada
- Board Member, Calgary Board of Directors, 2012-2019
- President, Calgary Board of Directors, 2013-2016
- Board Member, National Board of Directors, 2014-2017
- Pro Bono Law Alberta, King’s Bench Amicus Court Assistance Program
- Volunteer
- Canadian Bar Association (Alberta South)
- Provincial Council (former)
- Alberta Law Conference Committee, 2012, 2014, 2016
- Law Day Calgary Committee co-chair, 2009, 2010, 2012
- Law Day Calgary Volunteer, 2008-2015
- Canadian Bar Association (Alberta South) Wills & Trusts Section
- Former Co-Chair and Executive Member
- Wills and Succession Act Committee co-chair
- Canadian Bar Association (Alberta South), Residential Real Estate Section
- Former Chair and Executive Member
- Legal Archives Society of Alberta
- Board of Directors, 2015-Present
- Calgary Surrogate Court Roundtable
- Participant in surrogate process review, 2017-2020
- Alberta Justice, Wills and Estates
- "Technical Discussions" with specialists regarding the proposed amendments to the Matrimonial Property Act contained within the Wills and Succession Act, May 2012
- Consultation with the Office of the Public Trustee for the Province of Alberta
- On a committee including the Public Trustee for the Province of Alberta and senior wills and estates practitioners regarding the implementation of the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act and regulations, May 2009
- Teaching Roles & Speaking Engagements
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SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
SPEAKER
Estate Planning During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Beth Tzedec Synagogue, Hazak group, June 2020
SPEAKER
"Honing the Solicitors' Spidey Sense" - Red Flags in Drafting Wills Related to Family Maintenance and Support Applications
Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA), November 2019 (Calgary), November 2019 (Edmonton)
SPEAKER
Solicitor Potpourri: Estate Planning Practice Tips
Canadian Bar Association (Alberta South), Wills and Trusts Section, April 2019
SPEAKER
Advanced Estate Administration
Legal Education Society of Alberta, May 2018, November 2018, 2016 (Note taker)
SPEAKER
Wills and Estates Practice Fundamentals
Canadian Centre for Professional Legal Education, October 2014, November 2016, November 2017, March 2018
SPEAKER
Wills and Estates Case Update
Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners, Calgary Chapter, January 2018
SPEAKER
“Limited Grants - What's The Rush?”
Canadian Bar Association (Alberta South), Residential Real Property Section, November 2017
SPEAKER
Estate Planning
Friends of Fish Creek, October 2017
SPEAKER
Planning for Incapacity
Retired Teachers Association of Alberta, April 2017
SPEAKER
Obligations of an Executor/Trustee/Attorney to Properly Account: Beyond the Basics & Tales from the Trenches
Society of Trust and Estates Practitioners, Calgary Chapter, October 2016
SPEAKER
Personal Planning
University of Alberta, October 2016
SPEAKER
Wills 101
Beth Tzedec Synagogue, Hazak group, October 2016
CHAIR
Wills and Estates for Legal Support Staff
Legal Education Society of Alberta, September and October 2012
SPEAKER
Real Estate Boot Camp
Legal Education Society of Alberta, November and December 2009
TEACHING ROLES
DEVELOPED COURSE MATERIAL
Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual
Legal Education Society of Alberta, July 2023
DEVELOPED COURSE MATERIAL
Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual
Legal Education Society of Alberta, April 2019
DEVELOPED COURSE MATERIAL
Alberta Estate Administration Manual
Legal Education Society of Alberta, 2015-2016
EDITOR
Tables of National Concordance, Alberta material
Canadian Bar Association Wills and Trusts Section, 2011-2012
DEVELOPED COURSE MATERIAL
Remedies from the 2007 Alberta Residential Conveyancing Manual
Legal Education Society of Alberta, October 2011