Brittany Shales

Brittany Shales embarked on her legal career at Babin Bessner Spry LLP in 2023, bringing with her a diverse set of skills in criminal and commercial litigation. Her journey in law began in a distinguished criminal defense boutique, specializing in a spectrum of Criminal Code offenses, particularly emphasizing white-collar crime. Her background also includes a tenure at an acclaimed international law firm, tackling a variety of cases from commercial and shareholder disputes to white-collar crimes and arbitration proceedings.

Her legal acumen has been displayed across several prestigious platforms, including the Ontario Court of Justice and the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRAO). Brittany's experience spans the entire judicial spectrum in Ontario, advocating for clients in regulatory enforcement proceedings before entities such as the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO), the Capital Markets Tribunal (CMT), and FSRAO.

Brittany's academic credentials are equally impressive, having earned her J.D. from the University of Calgary. There, she not only contributed as an Editor to the Alberta Law Review but also initiated the International Law Society, leading the Pro Bono Students Canada Human Rights Project, and participating as a Caseworker in the Student Legal Assistance Trial Division. Her global perspective was further enhanced by internships and studies in Thailand, England, Israel, and Italy with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Before venturing into law, she completed her undergraduate and master's degrees at Queen's University, balancing her academic pursuits with her passion for soccer as a member of the Varsity Women’s Soccer team.

Brittany's commitment extends beyond the courtroom to the community, where she champions public health initiatives as a Board Member of the Heart & Stroke Ontario Young Leaders Committee, advocating for widespread access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Her early career also saw her contributing to the Criminal Lawyers’ Association Recent Call Committee.

Away from her professional life, Brittany is an avid traveler, seeking out new cultural experiences and connections worldwide. She also enjoys playing soccer and squash, cooking with friends and family, and relaxing by the water.

Her contributions to legal discourse are notable, with presentations at prestigious events like the Investor Protection Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School and The Advocates’ Society's 13th Annual Securities Symposium. Her insights have also enriched the Babin Bessner Spry Securities Blog through articles on a range of topics, from advisor success tips to advocating for binding OBSI decisions and evaluating CIRO’s enforcement report. Her writings extend to broader legal discussions, including analyses on arbitration clauses and insolvency proceedings, demonstrating her broad expertise and commitment to legal excellence.