MEET OUR LAWYERS

Russ received his law degree from the University of Alberta and was called to the BC Bar in 2014.  Prior to his law career, Russ enjoyed a successful teaching and administration career in Nunavut, Alberta and Ontario where he was the Dean of Students at the prestigious Hill Academy.  He received numerous accolades for his work in education including the Excellence in Teaching Award, Contributor of the Year, BDC Youth Entrepreneur of the Year and most recently the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal.  Russ is active in the community and enjoys coaching and playing various sports.

Nicole received her law degree from the University of Calgary and was called to the BC Bar in 2020. Nicole grew up in Cranbrook and articled under Russ. When he decided to open Spruce Notary & Legal, it was a natural choice for her to join him. Nicole's practice is focused primarily on solicitor's work, including Wills and Estates, Commercial and Real Estate law. In her spare time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her family.

Michael, a law graduate from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016, was called to the Ontario Bar in 2017 and is a member of the BC Bar since 2023. His previous 25-year service in the Canadian Armed Forces earned him several commendations. His academic excellence was recognized with the Royal Military College medal and the Jurisprudence prize in law school. Currently, he specializes in Wills and Estates and Real Estate law. His unique blend of military and legal experience sets him apart in his practice.

Carla operates as associated counsel and as agent for Spruce Notary & Legal in certain circumstances. Spruce Notary & Legal may involve Carla’s expertise in certain land development, real estate, regulatory and commercial matters. She received her Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Alberta in 1993 and was called to the Alberta Bar in 1994. She is an active member of the British Columbia Bar and maintains non-active membership status with the Alberta Bar and Northwest Territories Bar. She otherwise practices independently in matters of environmental, natural resource, regulatory and Indigenous law. She recently became a member of the ADR Institute of British Columbia and Canada and is pursuing her Qualified Arbitrator status. She is Federally appointed as Vice Chair of the Inuvialuit Arbitration Board, pursuant to one of Canada’s first modern treaties, the Inuvialuit Final Agreement (April 29, 2022). She is also appointed as a part-time Commissioner and Review Panel Member for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, with cross appointments to the Canada Energy Regulator and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (as of March 2021).

Kyla received her law degree from Thompson Rivers University. Before practicing law, she pursued a career in theatre and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. Kyla’s practice consists of Wills and Estate Law with a specialty in Civil Litigation. Kyla is originally from Denver, Colorado, and is very happy to be living in the Rocky Mountains again. In her spare time, she practices yoga, meditation, qi gong, and loves doing anything outdoors with her dog Georgie.