Profile: Joelle Plumer, Barrister and Solicitor

Joelle began working for Maverick Law in August of 2021. She graduated from the University of Calgary Faculty of Law in 2020, attaining Dean’s List standing for high academic achievement in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 academic years. While a law student, Joelle was also the recipient of numerous scholarships and awards, including Scott Venturo LLP Recognition of Excellence Entrance Scholarship; John M.S. Lecky Family Award in Law; Margaret and Robert Montgomery Law Scholarship;J. Patrick Stopa Access to Justice Scholarship; Class of 1983 Law Award; and Soby Boyden Lenz Scholarship in Family Law.

Joelle articled at a law firm in downtown Calgary, where she gained broad legal experience, including experience in insurance litigation, commercial litigation, wills and estates, and corporate law. Joelle was called to the bar in June of 2021.

Prior to law school, Joelle graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology and a Minor in Music Performance from Dordt University, again attaining top grades. Joelle utilized her musical training, performing solo, with bands, and with orchestras in Canada, the USA and Europe. After moving to Calgary, she worked in the social services and mental health sector for three years before pursuing a career in law.

In her spare time, Joelle enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing her violin, road biking, and hiking in the Rockies.

Profile: Carolyn Collins , Student-at-Law

Carolyn is delighted to complete her Articling with the team at Maverick Law beginning in August 2024. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at the University of Calgary, and went on to study International Policial Strategy at the University of Copenhagen before going on to law school at the University of Edinburgh, obtaining her LLB in 2013.

Carolyn brings a unique combination of legal understanding, strategic leadership, client focus, and program management experience to her role at Maverick Law. She comes to legal practice from a career in a private non-profit, where she led innovative programs across North America that applied evidence-based neuroscience to drive systems change in policy and practice in healthcare, education, government, and legal sectors.

Born and raised in the Cochrane area, Carolyn has a background in competitive equine sport, and is aiming to integrate the breadth of practice that Maverick Law offers the community into an Equine Sport Law practice with a cross-border scope. Carolyn holds an EU citizenship, and loves travel and comedy.

Profile: Jen Rasmussen - Office Manager

Jen joined the team in May 2023 and brings over 20 years of administrative experience, including areas like budget creation and oversight, bookkeeping, and payroll. Jen was born in Cochrane and was happy to return here almost 10 years ago with her husband, two kids, and various family pets. She is excited to learn more about legal processes and to be part of a local business here in Cochrane (including a shorter commute), after 16 years in a non-profit setting in Calgary.

In her spare time, Jen enjoys reading, a good cup of coffee, and paddle boarding when it’s warm enough

Profile: Stephanie Kilbride, Legal Assistant

Stephanie Kilbride joined Maverick Law in 2014 as a courier and quickly became an integral part of our team. She is now our assistant in our Redwood Meadows office. She supports our team in the areas of Real Estate, Wills, and Family Law and is often the first point of contact for our Redwood / Bragg Creek clients.

Prior to joining Maverick Law, Stephanie worked for over a decade in the oil and gas industry supporting the Safety and Environment and Operations Teams.

In her free time Stephanie enjoys being surrounded by family and friends, feeding others, gardening, reading and tracking down who stole the last piece of the puzzle. She loves long walks with her doggie, is a night owl, and lives for camping.

Profile: Alannah Kowalewski, Legal Assistant

Alannah joined the Maverick Law team in the Fall of 2024, bringing with her 9 years of experience as a real estate paralegal. After obtaining her Paralegal licence in Ontario and spending a short time in a different area of law, Alannah made the move out to Alberta where she started working in real estate law. Having previously worked for law firms in both Banff and Canmore, Alannah has extensive experience in both residential and commercial transactions, including those within the nearby National Parks.

Outside of the office, Alannah can be found chasing after her two young children and spending time with her husband.

Profile: Carmen Ryan, Business Manager

Carmen has worked with Maverick Law for over 10 years in Business Operations and Accounting. Prior to operating Maverick Law with her husband, Dave Ryan, Carmen worked in the Market Research industry for over 10 years. She worked for companies such as Ipsos-Reid, SAIT, and Praxis as a Research Manager and Consultant. Carmen earned her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. She then continued her education at the University, publishing her Thesis on Destination Branding in the Journal of Travel Research and earning her Masters of Business Administration.

When not busy with her three children, Carmen enjoys being in nature and skiing and hiking with her family. A day in the mountains is a day that is never wasted!