Laurie always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Her childhood memory albums quote her saying as much, and she loved reading and writing. She kept a flashlight hidden under her pillow so she could read long after it was lights out. Law seemed like a natural progression. But her main motivation? “Law would give me a voice.”

Laurie worked for 12 years in the hospitality industry, prior to and all the way through law school. Those years spent helping others feel at home when away from their home taught her how to read people and connect with them, a skill that’s vital to her condominium law practice. “We’re dealing with people’s homes and their lives,” she says. “It can get emotional.”

In her work at McLeod Law, Laurie represents both condominium corporations and developers. She advises corporations on governance issues and helps developers ensure their contracts are enforceable and supported by marketing materials that are compliant with recently amended consumer protection legislation.

Laurie is particularly proud of Stagg v. Condominium Plan No. 882 2999, frequently cited case law. In that case she acted for homeowners against a condominium board to win a $75,000 judgment for legal costs. “This case sends a clear message that condominium boards must comply with the law,” she says, “and homeowners needn’t acquiesce when boards behave badly.” Law has indeed given Laurie a voice.

Although she tends to work a lot, Laurie likes to take a couple big trips a year with her husband. To clear her head, she walks an impressive 125 kilometres a month and cooks up a storm in her kitchen.

In celebration of our milestone anniversary, 40 Years 40 Stories celebrates the diverse expertise, personalities and points of view that have helped our firm grow with the Calgary community since 1980.