Karen Fellowes

Karen Fellowes, KC, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of legal advocacy, focusing her talents on a breadth of insolvency and restructuring matters. Operating from both Calgary and Vancouver, her influence spans across Western Canada, where she diligently serves a diverse clientele. Among those benefiting from her expertise are banks, secured and unsecured creditors, landlords, tenants, debtors, and suppliers, each navigating the complex terrains of commercial reorganizations, workouts, and various insolvency proceedings. Her adeptness not only lies in these areas but extends to asset tracing and recovery, a niche in which she has both contributed to international discussions and gained recognition.

Her involvement in asset recovery saw her engaging with the UNCITRAL Group V, sharing her insights in prestigious cities like New York and Vienna. Additionally, Karen's legal prowess encompasses commercial disputes, where she employs litigation, mediation, and arbitration to resolve conflicts. Her qualifications span Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, showcasing her versatile command over Canadian law.

Karen's excellence has not gone unnoticed; her contributions to the field of bankruptcy and restructuring earned her a spot in the Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers list in 2020. Her international endeavors are equally lauded, with recognitions such as the Fetner Award from the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation and a Women of Inspiration (Integrity) Award, highlighting her integrity and influence.

The year 2020 also saw her receiving the esteemed King's Counsel (KC) designation, affirming her exceptional service and expertise. Further cementing her status in the international legal community, she was invited to the International Insolvency Institute, a testament to her experience and respect in the insolvency domain.

Karen's commitment to the legal community is evident through her active participation in various professional roles. She leads the International Women’s Insolvency and Restructuring Confederation, contributes to legal education as a chair and co-founder of its Western Canada Network, and offers her insights on Practical Law Canada’s Insolvency module. Her dedication extends beyond professional circles into volunteerism, notably with Pro Bono Law Alberta and in her efforts to educate Nepalese female lawyers in commercial arbitration and law.

Her involvement in the legal community is multifaceted, from mentoring young lawyers to advising on climate risk. Before her current role at Stikeman Elliott, Karen honed her skills at another global law firm, bringing a wealth of experience to her current position.

Karen's academic credentials, with degrees from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Manitoba, lay the foundation for her illustrious career. Her legal practice is not just about navigating the complexities of insolvency but also about shaping the landscape of Canadian law through her dedication, expertise, and leadership.