Alison Burns

Alison brings a wealth of experience to her practice in civil litigation and dispute resolution, covering a wide range of areas. She skillfully represents clients in both domestic and international arbitrations, delves into complex commercial disputes, navigates the intricacies of restructuring and insolvency, advocates in class actions, and handles matters pertaining to international trade. Her expertise has been recognized in various legal arenas, including appearances before the Supreme Court of British Columbia and contributions to cases that reach the Supreme Court of Canada, the Federal Court, and numerous arbitration panels.

Her journey in law began at Blakes, where she embarked on her legal career as an articled student in 2020, completing her training the following year. Before this practical experience, Alison enriched her legal education with an international perspective, studying World Trade Organization and international trade law in Bern, Switzerland.

Alison's recent legal engagements showcase her diverse capabilities. She successfully challenged a decision by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in the Federal Court, securing a victory for a salmon farm operator and allowing aquaculture to continue in a coastal area of British Columbia. Her legal acumen also shone through in an arbitration claim under the aegis of the International Chamber of Commerce concerning pipeline construction, on behalf of an owner. Further illustrating her commitment to Indigenous rights and self-determination, Alison supported an intervener in the landmark Cindy Dickson v Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation case before the Supreme Court of Canada, a case that intersected with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Alison's experience extends to the corporate sector, where she has represented several defendants in a shareholder dispute marked by accusations of misrepresentation and conspiracy. Her expertise in restructuring and insolvency was pivotal in advising a public base-metals mining company during a CCAA proceeding, which involved a comprehensive sales and investment solicitation process. Similarly, she provided legal counsel to a public company and its subsidiaries in the cannabis industry, navigating a CCAA proceeding aimed at restructuring and planning an arrangement and compromise for a cross-border enterprise.

Beyond her legal practice, Alison contributes to the legal community through publications. She has co-authored insightful articles on Canadian Sanctions Legislation, the application of arbitration clauses in insolvency for the Blakes Bulletin, and enforceable consumer arbitration agreements for The Advocate.

Alison's academic credentials are equally impressive, with her admission to the Bar in both Alberta (2023) and British Columbia (2021). She earned her Juris Doctor from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia in 2020, following her graduation with distinction from Capilano University with a Bachelor of Legal Studies (Paralegal) in 2018.

Her practice areas, reflecting her broad legal expertise, include arbitration, class actions, international trade, and litigation & dispute resolution, showcasing her versatility and depth as a legal professional.