Biography
Shailaz practices regulatory and administrative law with a focus on energy, environmental, public utility and Indigenous law matters. She has knowledge and experience navigating regulatory processes for various industries and obtaining project approvals for oil sands mining projects and expansions, pipelines, oilfield waste disposal facilities, wells, mines, wind-power, solar and carbon sequestration projects, transmission lines, power plants and other facilities.
Shailaz represents industry clients at hearings before various regulatory tribunals including the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission, the Surface Rights Board and the National Energy Board. She has also represented clients before various government agencies across Canada and has appeared before the Alberta Court of Appeal, the Alberta Provincial Court and the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench. Her clients include the largest independent natural gas and heavy crude oil producer in Canada, an international oilfield waste management company and various companies in the natural resource and utility sectors in Canada.
Shailaz provides general and project specific legal advice on issues pertaining to regulatory licensing requirements and environmental assessments, contaminated sites due diligence and remediation, surface rights acquisition and compensation, carbon tax implications and emissions management, public consultation, and the negotiation and drafting of agreements with Indigenous groups. Shailaz has specific experience defending industry clients against regulatory objections and has enabled clients to obtain regulatory approvals without the need for a hearing. She also represents clients in relation to spills and regulatory compliance matters and works closely with environmental consultants, engineers and industry experts to prepare applications, regulatory submissions and expert reports. Shailaz also has experience in consumer protection legislation and privacy matters, including the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the government and the private sector.
Shailaz is also a member of the firm’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee which is responsible for identifying and guiding the implementation of measures to further advance equity, diversity and inclusion at Lawson Lundell.
Prior to joining Lawson Lundell, Shailaz practiced with a leading national law firm and most recently as legal counsel with the Alberta Utilities Commission.
Professional Activities
- Canadian Bar Association, National Member
- Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch, Member
- Canadian Bar Association, Law Student Section, Past-Chair
- Canadian Bar Association, Articling Student Section, Past-Chair
- Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family/Commercial Mediation, Certified Mediator
- Law Society of Alberta, Member
Community Activities
- Pro Bono Mediation Services, Conciliation and Arbitration Board for the Prairies
- Mentor, Canadian Bar Association
- Board of Directors, Focus Humanitarian Assistance Canada
![Shailaz Dhalla, Lawson Lundell Photo](assets/images-t1739489780/286_profile.jpeg)