Stela has carved a niche for herself in the realm of construction litigation and arbitration, with her practice specifically tailored towards delivering strategic, resolution-focused counsel. Her clientele spans owners, contractors, and subcontractors, all navigating the complexities of construction and engineering disputes. Her expertise lies in untangling the intricate web of commercial, industrial, and infrastructure project disputes that often involve contractual disagreements, design and engineering complications, negligence claims, construction shortfalls, and delay issues. Stela's approach is laser-focused on enhancing her clients' prospects for success, steering towards cost-effective dispute resolution avenues that circumvent the prolonged processes and uncertainties of litigation or arbitration.

Her role has seen her at the forefront of significant cases, such as representing a design-build contractor embroiled in a dispute over a major ring road project in southern Alberta, and acting for the owner of a sulfur forming facility in a contention with an EPC contractor. She has also robustly defended against a breach of contract and negligence claim stemming from an explosion that wreaked havoc on a decoking facility within the CNRL Horizon Project in the oil sands.

Stela's contributions to legal scholarship include co-authoring an article on the complexities of navigating multi-jurisdictional proceedings, aptly titled "Jurisdictional Jenga," and offering insights into the evolving landscape of AI regulations and their implications for business compliance programs. Her work also explores the environmental impacts of transmission lines and the nuances of adjudication under the PPCLA, emphasizing the importance of early and cautious action.

Her professional affiliations reflect her commitment to her field, with memberships in the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association's Construction Law Section in Southern Alberta, the Calgary Bar Association, and The Advocates’ Society. Stela is also actively involved in the Association of Women in Law and the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, underscoring her dedication to supporting and advancing women within the legal and construction sectors.

Her expertise and contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning her recognition in the "Ones to Watch" category by Best Lawyers in Canada for Construction Law, as early as 2023. Her academic credentials, including a BA (with Distinction) and a JD from the University of Calgary, underpin her solid foundation and innovative approach to construction law and arbitration.