Our Criminal Defence Lawyers

Maurice Collard is an experienced and successful criminal defence lawyer who has aggressively defended some of the most high profile cases in Central Alberta and is a founding member of Advocate Law. He began his career as a criminal defence lawyer in Red Deer and then moved to the Crown Prosecutor’s Office as the youngest prosecutor. He became the longest-serving active Crown Prosecutor in Central Alberta.

Andrew Phypers is one of the founding members of Advocate Law and an experienced criminal defence lawyer. He graduated with an honours degree from the University of Calgary in 2008 and achieved a Doctorate of Laws from the University of Alberta in 2012. He completed his article in 2013 with Denise Lightning, working in challenging jurisdictions including Maskwacis, Edmonton, and Red Deer.

Prior to law school, Laura Phypers earned a bachelor’s degree and graduated with Great Distinctions from the University of Lethbridge. She earned her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Calgary in 2019. Throughout law school, Laura worked with Advocate Law and has quickly become a formidable defence lawyer and a fierce advocate for her clients.

Michelle McBeath graduated from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. Before law school, she worked for several years in the areas of homelessness prevention and employment, and training programs for individuals facing a variety of challenging circumstances, including those seeking housing and employment support after being incarcerated. This experience has helped her successfully defend disadvantaged individuals with compassion and without judgment.

David Reeves was raised in rural Northern Alberta, where he had owned a small oil field construction business and was an active member of his community. Later, David graduated from the University of Victoria with a double major in Greek and Roman Studies and Anthropology and received various academic awards. In 2020, he graduated from the University of Calgary's Juris Doctor program.

Prior to law school, Hannah Volk obtained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Crime, Law and Justice Studies with Distinctions from the University of Saskatchewan. She later earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan in 2020.

Darren Tootoosis obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies, with a minor in Sociology from the University of Alberta in 2017. Darren graduated from the University of Alberta law program in 2021 and is completing his articles with Advocate Law.

Jeremy obtained his Juris Doctorate of Law degree in 2011. He first worked as a generalist lawyer, and then he worked for over 10 years as a Federal Prosecutor. During his time with the Federal Government he worked on hundreds of high profile cases all across Alberta, and trained numerous police and correctional officers. He continues to be sought out by officers for advice.

Jamie-Dee Williams graduated with her Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta Faculty of Law in 2022. Before attending law school, she obtained extensive experience as a frontline worker, assisting individuals struggling with low incomes and limited social and economic support. She also holds a legal assistant diploma and a Bachelor's degree with a major in Criminal Justice. 

Larissa joined Advocate Law as a Summer Student in 2021 and is currently working as a Student-At-Law. She will complete her articles in June 2024. Larissa has worked alongside senior lawyers assisting with complex drug trafficking files, sentencing recommendations, and murder files. She has extensive knowledge arguing Charter violations in the areas of search and seizure, trial within a reasonable time, arrest, and detention.

Sarah Kriekle is the heart of Advocate Law’s Child Protection Defence Team. She is actively accepting Legal Aid Alberta clients, and accepts private retainer matters on a limited capacity. Since joining Advocate Law, she has gained experience advocating for clients experiencing intervention or apprehension by Child and Family Services, and assisting clients seeking private guardianship of a child in care. Sarah has successfully assisted numerous families with navigating the court process and the complexities they face.

Randann Sargent is an ex-police officer who, through his life experience, transitioned into becoming an advocate for the criminally accused. He has been on all sides of the law and understands firsthand the process, its impact on people, and the critical importance of fearlessly defending one's rights and the rule of law. Every person matters. Every case matters.