Brett Carlson

Senior Associate

Calgary
[email protected]
403.232.9771

Brett’s litigation practice focuses on a wide range of business related disputes. He has experience with complex commercial litigation, construction project disputes, energy and utilities regulation, and high-profile constitutional cases. Brett has represented clients before the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench, Alberta Court of Appeal, and Supreme Court of Canada.

Brett also maintains an Indigenous law practice where he works with First Nation governments on matters related to asserting self-governance, law and policy development, risk management, and Aboriginal rights - particularly the enforcement of historic treaty rights.

Prior to joining BLG, Brett worked as a policy and parliamentary affairs advisor to the Minister of Environment and Minister of Health.

Experience

  • Reference re Impact Assessment Act, 2020 ABCA 94 - application to intervene in constitutional reference related to the constitutionality of the federal Impact Assessment Act.
  • Reference re Environmental Management Act, 2020 SCC 1 and 2019 BCCA 181: - Constitutional reference related to the ability of British Columbia to regulate heavy oil in possession of the operator of a federal pipeline or railway
  • Canadian Pacific Railway Company v Hatch Corporation, 2018 ABQB 558 - application to set aside service ex juris and forum non conveniens.

Beyond Our Walls

Community Involvement

  • Board Member, Rocky Mountain Civil Liberties Association
  • ​Volunteer, Pro Bono Civil Claims Duty Counsel
  • Volunteer, Queen's Bench Amicus Program
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association (Alberta Branch)

Bar Admission & Education

  • Alberta, 2019
  • JD, University of Calgary/Hong Kong University
  • BA (with distinction), Carleton University, 2014