Staff

A portrait of Alyssa Perron, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Alyssa Perron

Operations Coordinator

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been working with West Legal since 2018 as one of the original team members and have had the privilege of learning many roles and growing with this company.

If you weren't an Operations Coordinator, what job would you be doing? I hold a BA in Dance, and a MSc in Dance Science. If I weren’t in this role, I would be a full-time dancer and choreographer.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy tending to my indoor plants, painting, and spending time out in nature with my dog.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Footprints Dance Project Society is a Calgary-based non-profit that provides free performing arts programs, classes, and performance opportunities to children and youth facing economic, physical, or social barriers.

A portrait of Shauna Taylor, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Shauna Taylor

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? Been a legal assistant for 15 years, the first lawyer I worked for was the cousin of David West!

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I was not a paralegal, I would live on an island selling seashells to the tourists.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? My favorite thing to do is read, try and grow plants and hang with my nieces.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? I like to support the Ronald McDonald House and the CNIB in legacy to my sister.

A portrait of Wendy Cunningham, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Wendy Cunningham

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been working in the legal industry, predominantly as a real estate assistant/paralegal for 39 years. Things have become much more complicated over that time!

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? I’d run a cat rescue and/or be a professional gardener.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? In the summer, spending time in my garden. I also like to create funky garden art/sculptures.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? I like to support Parachutes for Pets. They help vulnerable people and their pets cover the costs of medication and veterinary care among other things.

A portrait of Melynda Winters, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Melynda Winters

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been a legal assistant/paralegal for 29 years. In my early twenties, I was a legal assistant and primarily did litigation work. In 2005, I switched my focus to real estate and helped with wills and estates when needed.

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? I would probably be a teacher or a zookeeper, or maybe they are the same thing. I love kids and animals, so I would need to find something that would incorporate one or both.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Watch trash TV. I know my answer should be spending time with my family and friends, and I do love to do that, but I don’t often have spare time and when I do, I will carve out enough time to watch a Housewives of ….

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Calgary Humane Society. I love fostering dogs and cats of all ages and helping these animals. The hardest part is when they have to go back for adoption, but it is a good sad because they are finding their forever homes.

A portrait of Jodi Defraine, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Jodi Defraine

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been in law for 10 years. I worked primarily in Family Law for the first 8 years of my career and transitioned to Real Estate in 2024 at West Legal.

If you weren't a Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I wasn’t a paralegal, I would be a full-time adventurer, travelling and exploring outdoors.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? In my spare time I enjoy camping, river walks, photographing sunsets, and checking out local restaurants and breweries.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? A charity I like to support is Hospice Calgary.

James Derowin

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have worked in the legal industry for the past 11 years, and covered a varied areas, but am now working in the real estate area predominantly in the Private Mortgage sector.

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I were not a Paralegal I would become a Sports Broadcaster.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Listening to music and hanging out with my friends.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Any Adopt a Family Cause, it is the most joyful and at a very stressful time, any help is always appreciated.

A portrait of Tina Flanagan, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Tina Flanagan

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been working for 13 years.

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? Fighter Pilot.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Hang out with my kids or read books.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? I support the Children’s hospital.

Lindsay Hubbard

Real Estate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I began my career in the legal field 26 years ago. I have spent the majority of my career in Lethbridge, however, I have moved a few times and also worked in large firms in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Ottawa. Over the years I have been able to gain experience in family law, Wills & Estates, and corporate law; however, the fast-paced challenge of real estate has been my passion for the last 14 years.

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? Prior to falling into a paralegal career, I always wanted to be a dental hygienist. After dipping my toes into the legal world, I could not pull myself away to return to school.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? From Spring to Fall I can be found camping, hiking in the mountains, fishing, or traveling to beaches with my 2 kids. I love doing yardwork and mowing my lawn is definitely my favorite chore.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year. That said, The Lethbridge Police Service Annual Charity Checkstop is something that me and my kids look forward to supporting every year. My kids enjoy filling a cart with all of their favorite toys, knowing that they will be donated to other families in the community who are less fortunate.

Analuna Piedad

Real Estate and Corporate Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have worked in the legal industry for almost 11 years. I started working in the Court of Appeal in Alberta, then transitioned to Real Estate and Banking Law, Financing Services, and Corporate. I now focus mostly on Real Estate matters.

If you weren't a Real Estate Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I weren’t a Real Estate Paralegal, I would be a singer. I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old and still sing with my Trio group at Church and other events. I have been in several choir groups in the Philippines and in Calgary.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? My favourite thing to do in my spare time is to spend time with my son and nephew. We enjoy reading books, playing, and singing together.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? A charitable cause I like to support is ADRA Canada. I have been contributing to this organization since 2014.

A portrait of Rossana Morigeau, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Rossana Morigeau

Wills & Estates Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? In the last 20 years I have worked as a Legal Assistant in Oil & Gas, Corporate and now am focused on Wills & Estates.

If you weren't a Wills and Estates Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I wasn’t a paralegal, I would own a cat café helping them find their furever homes.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? My favorite thing to do in my spare time is gardening and tending to my flowers in my backyard and hiking with my 4 children and husband.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? I like to support the local food bank.

A portrait of Karla Sawyer, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Karla Sawyer

Wills & Estates Assistant

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been working in the legal industry since 2001 here in Calgary, gaining experience in Family Law, Personal Injury, Litigation, Real Estate and Wills and Estates. I have been working in Wills and Estates since 2009 with Angela Yee-Hamshaw and I must say that this area of law is what I enjoy the most.

If you weren't a Legal Assistant, what job would you be doing? As time goes on, if I was not a legal assistant, I would want to be a horticulturalist and work in a greenhouse.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, backroad adventures and trips to the mountains. When forced to stay indoors, I attempt to learn new craft projects and fermentation.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? The Mustard Seed.

A portrait of Melissa Thibeau, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Melissa Thibeau

Wills & Estates Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have worked in the legal industry since January 1998, primarily in Family and Wills and Estates, with some experience in adjacent areas, with an ongoing zest to learn.

If you weren't a Wills and Estates Paralegal, what job would you be doing? My legal passion sparked in Grade 6, having won my first debate. A love of the law and accounting, I am happy to apply both passions in my role as Paralegal.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Family and friends are the center of my world, interspersed with days to re-charge through my love of reading, movies, water and getting out and exploring life, travel and culture.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Meals on Wheels has a special place in my heart since High School. An organization promoting health and independence to Calgarians in need of affordable, nutritious meals regardless of age, ability, or circumstance.

Camille Valentine

Family Law Paralegal

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I have been working in the legal industry for almost 25 years.

If you weren't a Family Law Paralegal, what job would you be doing? If I was not a paralegal, I would be a travel writer and travel to the beautiful parts of the world.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Spend time with my loved ones.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? The Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation, they do great work through their learning centers.

A portrait of Kelsey Tohill, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kelsey Tohill

Real Estate Client Coordinator

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? After juggling phones, appointments, and paperwork since 2014 as a legal receptionist, I made the natural transition into a client coordinator role in 2023.

If you weren't a Client Coordinator, what job would you be doing? Beach lounging study participant.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? When I’m not at work, I’m usually running after my young son and rescue dog. In my limited free time, I can be found in my craft room surrounded by paper.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Wag-A-Muffins, a Calgary-based animal rescue organization.

A portrait of Candice Doyle, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Candice Doyle

Receptionist

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? I joined the team in 2023 after spending several years mainly working from home raising my children. I had previously worked in the oil and gas sector as an office manager for 13 years.

If you weren't a Receptionist, what job would you be doing? I would be a Disney Cast Member at Epcot in Florida, enjoying all the festivals!

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Spending time with my two daughters, husband, and four dogs. And working at one craft or another, usually in preparation for my next Disney vacation.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? A very personal cause that is near and dear to me and my family’s hearts is the Epilepsy Association of Calgary, teamed with The Alberta Children’s Hospital.

A portrait of Rebecca Niefer, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Rebecca Niefer

Real Estate Reporting Assistant

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? 3 years, joining the team in late 2022 after 5+ years in the medical field.

If you weren't an Assistant, what job would you be doing? I would be an Anthropologist focusing on 5th – 16th century medieval history.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Traveling, reading, painting, trying new recipes, and spending time with my energetic nephews.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? WWF (the World Wildlife Fund) — working around the world protecting animals against the destruction of their species and habitats.

A portrait of Mishelle Lakatos, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Mishelle Lakatos

Admin. Assistant

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? After completing a degree in Sociology at Mount Royal University, Mishelle joined the firm in October 2025, marking the beginning of her professional journey in the legal field.

If you weren't an Assistant, what job would you be doing? If I weren’t an assistant, I would be a professional ballroom dancer on Dancing with the Stars.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? Favourite thing to do in my spare time is try new restaurants and cafés around the city.

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Charitable cause I like to support is AARCS.

A portrait of Carley Moore, at West Legal Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Carley Moore

Assistant

How many years have you been working in the legal industry? Having studied Law and Society in University I had some exposure to law prior to joining the team in 2023. I have so enjoyed learning about different areas of law.

If you weren't an Assistant, what job would you be doing? I would be a travelling sommelier.

What's your favourite thing to do in your spare time? I love getting outside and spending time with my people. If I get to sneak in a night with Book Club or a round of golf, I’m very content!

What’s a charitable cause you like to support? Made by Momma is a great organization. They help support families throughout Calgary through a variety of services.