Jess Hadley
Mediator, Lawyer and Workplace Investigator
| Pronouns | she/her |
| Law School | University of Victoria Law |
| Hometown | Calgary, Alberta |
| When not at work I am | Hanging with my family |
| Languages | English |
| Ice Cream Flavour | Strawberry |
| If I wasn’t a lawyer I would be | A Mediator |
| Book Recommendation | The Truth about Stories, Thomas King |
| Community Work | Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association |
about Jess
With 20 years’ experience practicing law in BC and Alberta, my clients trust me to unpack their most challenging workplace problems with skill and finesse. My practice includes workplace mediation, complex workplace investigations, and selected labour and human rights litigation.
My superpower is my ability to listen with curiosity, and then quickly zero in what needs to happen and how. My deepest values are excellence and service, and I have developed my skills through training in advanced mediation, nonviolent communication, trauma informed practice, queer-competent lawyering, and critical race theory. I currently supervise the PBSC Human Rights Clinic at U of C Law and provide legal advice to Day School Claimants via the Indigenous Legal Clinic at the Allard School of Law. Outside law, I proudly sit on the Board of the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, and I’ve been a long-term Big Sister to two amazing girls. I have a hilarious daughter who keeps me on my toes, and I love exploring the mountains and rivers of Alberta with my family – normally at a slow pace and fuelled by chocolate.
I am privileged to live and work in my hometown of Calgary or Moh-kins-tsis, which sits on the traditional territories of the Treaty 7 peoples: the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations); the Tsuut’ina First Nation; and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations). Calgary is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
Affiliations:
- ADR Institute of Canada (and ADRBC and ADRIA)
- Association of Women Lawyers (Calgary)
client reviews
Thank you so much for your report and follow up. We very much appreciate your professionalism and expertise… All who spoke with you commented on the gracious and delicate manner in which you navigated this situation.
– Gina Niccoli-Moen, School District Superintendent, 2023
Jess, it has been a pleasure to work with you. This was a difficult file from the beginning and the support and advice you provided was invaluable. Truly appreciated and valued the guidance you provided.
– Russell Horswill, School District Secretary-Treasurer (retired), 2023
I wanted to say that this experience has been bearable because of your support. I am so grateful to you, you are an excellent listener, very well informed on matters of labour relations and discrimination and flexible… These are the characteristics of an expert indeed!
– Shanee Prasad, Union President
Jess[ie] was incredibly helpful and seemed genuinely invested in providing the best legal advice she could. She was also very personable, relatable, and easy to talk to while remaining concise and professional. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking employment law advice.
– Justine T.
Jess has been an incredible resource for us in providing assistance and advocacy for several of our members. She is a top notch labour lawyer for sure!
– Alberta Union President
Jess[ie] was wonderful to work with. She took the time to understand my needs and was very clear with her advice. Very friendly and professional. I would highly recommend her.
– Bonnie L.