Profile – Jess Hadley

about Jess

I’m passionate about helping my clients to resolve their workplace issues intelligently and proactively. Driven by a commitment to fairness and integrity, I love serving as a trusted advisor and advocate. 

After living on the West Coast from 1999 to 2019, I returned to my hometown, Calgary.  With 17 years of experience practicing law in BC and Alberta, I support clients across both provinces. 

In my first few years as a lawyer, I was lucky to work at a leading non-profit law office in Vancouver, where I represented hundreds of marginalized clients in cases important to their well-being. I helped people protect their basic income, their housing, and their access to essential services. I became passionate about holding governments and businesses accountable to treat regular people fairly and equitably, and through this work I developed an expertise in human rights law and many different aspects of workplace law.  In 2013, I decided to focus exclusively on workplace law, and I have never looked back.  I joined Forte Law in 2020 because I wanted to work with a team that brings not just excellence but also common sense and kindness to the practice of law, and that is exactly what I have been able to do here. 

My practice now includes labour law, complex workplace investigations, and mediation.  In all these areas, I get huge satisfaction from helping my clients tackle complicated and stressful problems with skill and finesse. My superpower is quickly and accurately cutting through complexity to the essence of what needs to happen and how.  Having seen the negative effects that all kinds of legal processes can have for my clients, I bring a trauma-informed approach to all my practice areas.  

Over the past 17 years, I’ve volunteered for Pro Bono Students Canada, Amici Curiae pro bono, Access Pro Bono, and a variety of mentorship programs for young lawyers. I currently work with the board of the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Society, and I’ve also 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. 

Jess is privileged to practice law from the traditional territories of the peoples ofthe Treaty 7 region, which includes 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.

client reviews

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.