About Adept Family Lawyers
From the initial consultation, through the appellate process, Adept Family Lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible result for each client. Each case calls for an individualized strategy and we can creatively map that strategy out.
Let’s skillfully give you the edge with expert advice every step of the way. Wise is the person who fortifies himself/herself with the right counsel.
Since graduating from Dalhousie University in 2007, Banke’s practice has focused exclusively on Family Law, with emphasis on Matrimonial Property, Domestic Violence, Custody, Child, and Spousal Support cases. Her international background working with families underscores her understanding of the practice of Family Law.
Banke has consistently advocated for her clients, guiding both men and women through difficult divorces and complex family issues. Her swift approach to litigation coupled with her dedication to her clients has enabled her to best achieve her clients’ goals and safeguard their interests. Since her certification to represent children in 2018, Banke has represented many children in high conflict family law matters. She has displayed and maintained a high level of objectivity and neutrality in her role as children’s counsel and as an officer of the court. In addition to her litigation prowess, Banke is a Practicing Mediator.
Banke counsels expertly, fights tooth and nail when needed, negotiates and mediates when appropriate and ensures that you are comfortable every step of the way.
Banke is also a proud soccer mom.
Education
1
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Practicing Mediator, 2020
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Call to Bar, Alberta, 2010
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Dalhousie University, Master of Laws (LL.M), 2007
Awards/Memberships/Recognition
2
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Killam Fellowships: Dalhousie University. Faculty of Graduate Studies
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Award for Recognition: LAA Access to Justice Award
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Member, Law Society of Alberta
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Member, Canadian Bar Association
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Member, Calgary Bar Association
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Associate Member, ADR Institute of Alberta
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Member and Practicing Mediator, Alberta Family Mediation Society
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Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
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Member, Association of Women Lawyers
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Advising Lawyer, Student Legal Assistance, University of Calgary
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Member, Canadian Free Wills Network
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Member, Calgary Black Chambers
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Volunteer, Calgary Legal Guidance (CLG)
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Volunteer, Women’s Centre of Calgary
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Volunteer, Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA)
Emma is an Associate Lawyer with Adept Family Lawyers, practising predominantly in Family Law. Emma represents clients on Family Law issues including but not limited to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property. She is a skilled litigator. She has successfully represented clients at the Provincial Court of Alberta, Court of Queen’s Bench, and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. Emma is also a skilled negotiator, advocating for resolution through Alternative Dispute Resolution processes in appropriate circumstances.
Additionally, Emma offers clients legal services in the areas of Wills and Estates, recognizing that upon separation, parties often have legal needs beyond the scope of Family Law.
She was the recipient of the David Beatty History Award during her studies at Mount Allison University, where she graduated with the highest GPA among history honours students. She earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of New Brunswick. During Law School, Emma worked extensively with the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick, and she continues to advocate for access to justice today.
Outside of the office, Emma enjoys travelling, skiing, hiking, and running with her dog.
Education
3
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Call to Bar, Alberta, 2019
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Call to Bar, Nova Scotia, 2019
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University of New Brunswick, J.D., 2018
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Mount Allison University, B.A. (Hons.), 2015
Memberships/Recognition
4
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Member, Law Society of Alberta
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Non-practising Member, Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society
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Member, Calgary Bar Association
Jalal is an Associate Lawyer with Adept Family Lawyers. He is an alumnus of the University of Saskatchewan, having obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2014 and his Juris Doctorate in 2017. During Law School, Jalal volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada and Legal Community Supported Fisheries in Vancouver, conducting research on issues pertaining to Urban Agriculture as well as Corporate Law for Fisheries.
Before joining Adept Family Lawyers, Jalal had experience in both Southern Alberta and in Edmonton, practicing mostly in the area of Family Law. His primary interest is in child custody proceedings, believing the best interests of children to be of paramount concern in Family Law matters.
As an idealist, Jalal strives to ensure that the best possible solution is met for his clients, both in and out of the courtroom. Using empathy and tenacity, Jalal believes in fighting fiercely for his clients when in need, particularly when faced with a potentially unfair verdict. Always contemplating issues in his cases, Jalal strives to ensure his arguments are well-thought, using both precedent and novel material to ensure success.
In his free time, Jalal can be found at the library, reading on the latest Family Law issues, or volunteering at the local Legal Clinic, providing legal services to families who do not qualify for Legal Aid, but cannot afford a private retainer.
Education
5
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University of Saskatchewan, J.D. 2017
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University of Saskatchewan, B.Sc., 2014
Awards/Memberships/Recognition
6
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Member, Law Society of Alberta
Sumera is a Student-at-Law with Adept Family Lawyers. She earned her Bachelor of Laws Degree from the University of Karachi, Pakistan in 2014 and was called to the Sindh Bar Council afterwards. Sumera gained a wealth of experience working in Intellectual Properties and Family law in a leading full-service law firm before joining Adept Family Lawyers.
Sumera has brought her strong litigation background into family law, while advocating and protecting her clients’ financial interests, to achieve the outcomes that they seek and finding long-lasting resolutions for clients and their families.
When she is not working, Sumera loves practising Hot Yoga, trying out innovative ventures, and spending quality time with her family.
Education
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Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies of Canada, 2021
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Sindh Bar Council (B.L), 2017
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The University of Karachi, Pakistan (LL.B), 2014
Memberships/Recognition
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Member, Law Society of Alberta
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Member, Canadian Bar Association
Legal Assistant
Susan Argent
Susan is a Legal Assistant at Adept Family Lawyers. She brings her compassionate, friendly, and positivite personality to the team. Susan goes far and beyond to help her clients deal with all their family legal needs and inquires. She is indeed a breath of fresh air and your go-to person at Adept Family Lawyers.
In her spare time, Susan enjoys camping and spending time with her family and two Australian Shepards.
Contact
403-879-1750 - Ext 0
Real Estate Paralegal
Fang Zhou
Fang joined Adept Family Lawyers as a Paralegal in February of 2015 and has since been an integral member of our team.
Fang specializes in residential & commercial real estate transactions. Her dedication to her job and our clients is second to none. Fang provides a high level of service and attention to details in all of her Real Estate deals. She remains professional while projecting the ability to empathize with clients’ needs on a daily basis. Her easy-going demeanor brings a sense of calm to all situations.
During her free time, Fang enjoys hiking, reading, travelling and spending time with her family.
Contact
403-879-1750 - Ext 0
Team work makes the Dream work!
We at Adept Family Lawyers offer a wide array of legal services for families and individuals. Resolving family law issues around separation and divorce, buying and selling property, estate matters and setting up wills, and bringing over family members from other countries - we are your family's one stop legal shop.
