Nicolas Besner
For Nicolas, the practice of law is about more than navigating legal complexities; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their lives and well-being by helping them build a plan that is insightful of their needs and adaptable to their situation. Whether in the courtroom, at the negotiation table, or within his community, Nicolas remains steadfast in providing compassionate, honest, and effective guidance.
Nicolas was raised as a proud French-Canadian in a small rural village in Eastern Ontario, where he learned the values of hard work, pragmatism, and integrity on his family's dairy and maple farm. His diverse work background, beginning at age eleven, includes roles ranging from farmhand to guitar teacher to fine dining server, experiences that have all honed his ability to connect with people from all walks of life and engrained in him a well-rounded approach to problem-solving.
After graduating with honours from his undergrad in philosophy and psychology, Nicolas pursued his legal education at the University of Ottawa's Programme de common law en français, graduating in 2022. During his time there, he distinguished himself in advocacy and litigation, earning accolades such as Best Opening Statement and Best Overall Team in the Coupe Guy Guérin regional moot competition, and participating as one of sixteen students selected nationwide for the Sopinka Cup trial advocacy competition. He also volunteered as a judge for the Capital Cup Undergraduate Moot Competition as an opportunity to mentor future legal practitioners.
Nicolas carved an impressive path in his first two years as a lawyer. He completed over one hundred hours of extensive training in family mediation, mediating settlements that empower families to navigate difficult transitions with dignity and clarity. In addition, he has helped draft thoughtful and comprehensive marriage contracts, separation agreements, wills, and powers of attorney for clients of all backgrounds. Nicolas has also amassed valuable courtroom and litigation experience, representing clients in complex family and civil actions and applications, and arguing before the Court of Appeal for Ontario on critical family law issues.
Beyond his legal practice, Nicolas proudly serves as a combat engineer in the Primary Reserve of the Canadian Armed Forces. In his leisure time, Nicolas finds joy and balance in mixed martial arts, climbing, cycling, hunting, backcountry camping, and exploring his culinary skills through scratch cooking. As for his intellectual and artistic curiosity, they lead him to delve into historical and ethical works, tabletop and virtual gaming, and playing music with his friends. He is also passionate about continuing his family’s century-long tradition of maple syrup production and returns to the family farm each Spring to make the most of his favourite time of year.
Nicolas proudly offers his services across Alberta and Ontario in both French and English.
Alexandra Van
Alexandra is an accomplished legal professional with several years of specialized experience as a judicial assistant at the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
