Stephanie McLean
Labour and Employment Lawyer
| Pronouns | she/her |
| Law School | University of Calgary |
| Hometown | Edmonton |
| When not at work I am | Serving the needs of my child and three dogs |
| Languages | English |
| Ice Cream Flavour | Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked |
| If I wasn’t a lawyer I would be | A psychologist or actress |
| Book Recommendation | How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan |
about Stephanie
I take a down to earth and strategic approach to the law. I love helping clients solve wicked issues, find innovative solutions, and navigate the unfamiliar.
I practice primarily in the area of labour law, bringing my diverse background in government, in-house roles and private practice. I advise unions and employers, which gives me insight into the dynamics and stakeholders on both sides. I enjoy building relationships with my clients, which allows me to understand their needs and take a practical approach to the law. In the dynamic field of labour law, having social, political, and organizational insight is essential for achieving the best outcomes, and my varied experiences equip me to meet these challenges head-on.
Before joining Forte Workplace Law, I honed my expertise at a Vancouver-based law firm, specializing in labour law. My time as General Counsel and Assistant Chief of Staff for the Carpenters Union (UBCJA) fueled my passion for advocating within the building trades and construction sectors.
Though I now call Victoria, BC home, my roots are in Alberta and I maintain practicing status in BC and Alberta. Growing up in Edmonton and starting my legal career in Calgary allowed me to serve the people of Alberta as the MLA for Calgary Varsity, and later as the Minister of Service Alberta and Status of Women. I’m proud to have spearheaded innovative initiatives, making Alberta the first province to introduce non-binary identity documents, increase female representation on the boards of publicly traded companies, and implement protections against predatory lending.
I began my legal career by running my own practice in family and criminal law and learned firsthand the dedication and resilience required to manage a small business. This firsthand experience is invaluable to me in advising my employer clients, as I can understand some of the challenges they face.
When I am not at work, you can find me spending time with my family. We love to get out and explore the beauty of Vancouver Island including mushroom foraging, rockhounding, and taking cold dips in the ocean!