Working with Patrick on a complex insurance case was a game-changer for our Calgary-based construction company. We were tangled up in a web of claims that seemed insurmountable until Patrick stepped in. His mastery over insurance law, especially in defending professionals like us against claims, was evident from our first strategy meeting at BLG's downtown office, a stone's throw from the Calgary Tower.

Patrick's approach was thorough and hands-on. He dove deep into our case, dissecting every claim against us with a precision that was frankly awe-inspiring. It wasn't just his technical prowess that stood out; it was his ability to make us feel like we were in safe hands throughout the ordeal. His strategy was not just about defense but about understanding our business's unique pressures and navigating a path that considered our long-term interests.

His experience across various sectors, from defending against product liability claims to handling intricate shareholder disputes, brought a well-rounded perspective to our case. Patrick managed to unravel the complexities of our situation, translating the legalese into actionable insights we could understand. It was clear he was drawing not only from his profound legal knowledge but also from a deep well of experience in similar high-stakes scenarios.

Patrick occupies a pivotal role at BLG as the Regional Group Manager of Specialized Litigation, overseeing the Labour & Employment, Health, and Insurance practices. With a legal career spanning two decades, his expertise is deeply rooted in the realm of complex insurance defense, making him a cornerstone of the firm's Health Law Group. His proficiency in professional negligence defense, combined with his managerial duties, positions him as a crucial figure for clients in the health sector.

His legal prowess extends across a diverse spectrum of insurance disciplines, primarily focusing on the defense of professionals. Patrick has a rich history of representing a wide array of clients, including architects, engineers from various specialties, project consultants, and professionals in locating and surveying. Beyond the construction domain, he has a track record of defending manufacturers and distributors against product liability claims, as well as representing insurers, insurance brokers, MGAs, real estate agents, and commercial hosts. His expertise isn't confined to defense; Patrick also navigates subrogated claims for insurers and engages in uninsured construction disputes, shareholder disagreements, estate litigation, and intellectual property issues. Moreover, his service extends to providing insurers with coverage opinions and aiding in the formulation of their Canadian policy wordings.

Patrick's notable achievements include defending claims against Alberta Health Services regarding its COVID-19 mandatory immunization policy and representing the Lloyd's insurance market in Canadian Class Actions stemming from COVID-19 business interruption claims. His experience spans beyond individual cases to include representing entities in both residential and major infrastructure project disputes across western Canada.

His engagement with the legal community is reflected in his contributions as a panelist and presenter on topics pertinent to insurance law, commercial litigation, and advocacy. Furthermore, Patrick's commitment to professional development and the broader community is evident in his service on the Canadian Bar Association's Alberta Branch board, his involvement with the ADR Institute of Alberta, and his volunteer work with the Canadian Cancer Society and as an ESL instructor.

Patrick's dedication to his field has been recognized through multiple awards and recognitions, highlighting his expertise in corporate and commercial litigation, product liability law, insurance law, construction law, and personal injury litigation. His appointment as Queen's Counsel in 2022 underscores his standing in the legal community.

Licensed to practice in both Alberta and Manitoba, Patrick's academic credentials include an LLB from the University of Alberta, alongside advanced degrees in arts and sciences, underscoring his comprehensive background and depth of knowledge. His distinguished career, marked by a commitment to legal excellence and community service, showcases his invaluable contribution to BLG and the legal profession at large.

P.J. Heinsen

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