Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP | Calgary, Alberta, Canada
A lawyer since 1981
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Barry's legal journey began at Osgoode Hall Law School, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws in 1980, following a dual Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History from Middlebury College, Vermont, in 1977. His admission to the Alberta Bar in 1981 marked the start of a distinguished career that spans several industries including construction, financial services, and the energy sector.
Within a few years of his bar admission, Barry joined forces with BD&P through its merger with Homme Baker in 1984, a firm where he had been practicing since 1981. By 1987, he had risen to the rank of Partner, a position he has held with distinction ever since.
Barry's expertise covers a wide array of practice areas, from commercial and construction arbitration to energy and estate litigation, not to mention his proficiency in mediation and securities litigation. His reputation for excellence is underscored by his involvement in over 70 reported decisions across the Alberta Courts, the Tax Court of Canada, and even the Supreme Court of Canada.
A significant highlight of Barry's career was representing Deans Knight Income Corporation in a groundbreaking tax case before the Supreme Court of Canada. The case revolved around the application of the general anti-avoidance rule in the Income Tax Act, a challenge that Barry navigated with skill, although the journey saw victories and setbacks across various courts.
Beyond the courtroom, Barry has dedicated time to nurturing future legal minds as an instructor at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law. His leadership skills shone through his roles as Past Chair for National Law Day, reflecting his commitment to both the legal profession and community engagement.
Barry's professional affiliations are as varied as his practice areas, including memberships in the Law Society of Alberta, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Calgary Bar Association, among others. His contributions to the legal community have not gone unnoticed, earning him the title of Litigation Star in Benchmark Litigation Canada for consecutive years.
Recognition for Barry and his firm, BD&P, has been consistent, with Benchmark Litigation Canada ranking the firm and its litigation lawyers highly over the years. This acclaim is a testament to Barry's influence and the high regard in which he and his team are held within the legal community.
Barry's career is a beacon for aspiring lawyers, demonstrating the impact of combining legal prowess with a commitment to professional development and community service. His achievements serve as a benchmark for excellence in the legal profession, making him a respected figure in and out of the courtroom.