Dedicated Family and Criminal Law Attorneys in Edmonton
At Gunn Law Group, our team of Edmonton criminal law attorneys and family law professionals is dedicated to delivering comprehensive legal services tailored to your needs. We proudly serve individuals from all walks of life, including members of the LGBTQIA community and those with alternative lifestyles. Whether you require a criminal defense attorney, a criminal law attorney, or a trusted advisor in family matters, our diverse legal team offers experienced, respectful, and informed representation.
PETER BRUCE GUNN (1945-2006) | CRIMINAL LAWYER
Peter Bruce Gunn’s legacy in the field of criminal law is profound. Hailing from a long line of esteemed lawyers, all Dalhousie Law School graduates, his commitment to justice left an indelible mark. Beginning his criminal defense practice in Edmonton, Alberta in 1972, Bruce quickly gained a reputation as an assertive and resourceful advocate.
Throughout the 1980s, he demonstrated an exceptional aptitude for impaired driving cases. His deep understanding of the scientific aspects of breath testing and inventive defense strategies set new standards. Shannon Gunn Emery, Bruce’s daughter, continues his legacy.
SHANNON GUNN EMERY | CRIMINAL, AND FAMILY LAWYER
If a flag is up at our Hinton office it means that a lawyer is in the office (and not in Court or at the Edmonton office). As each lawyer has their own flag, you can also know at a glance who is in the office.
Shannon loves the outdoors. She enjoys looking at the night sky and loves bird-watching.
Shannon Gunn Emery, following in her father’s footsteps, embarked on her legal journey by articling under the tutelage of Peter Bruce Gunn. Admitted to the Alberta bar in 2002, Shannon thrived in the realm of criminal law, particularly in impaired driving and DUI cases. Her dedication has taken her to the Supreme Court of Canada on numerous occasions, highlighting her expertise in impaired driving litigation.
Shannon’s training on various Intoxilyzer models, along with her proficiency in drug recognition for drug-impaired driving, makes her a formidable legal advocate. Her recent passion for Collaborative Family Law showcases her commitment to peaceful resolutions in family disputes.
LAW SOCIETY MEMBERSHIPS
- 2002 – Present – Alberta
- 2008 – Present – Northwest Territories
- 2012 – 2023 – Yukon
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
- 2013-2015 – President of the Criminal Trial Lawyers Association
- 2022 – present – Co-Chair of the Association of Collaborative Family Professionals (Edmonton)
LANGUAGES
- Fluently bilingual in English and French – Shannon regularly represents clients in either official language of Canada.
- Still learning Hindi and Spanish
AWARDS
- Al Shumiatcher Prize
- Gordon Wright QC Memorial Award
- Peter Bruce Gunn Junior Barrister Award
AREAS OF PRACTICE
- Criminal Law
- Administrative Law
- Collaborative Family Law
ADAM KLASSEN | CRIMINAL LAWYER
If a flag is up at our Hinton office it means that a lawyer is in the office (and not in Court or at the Edmonton office). As each lawyer has their own flag, you can also know at a glance who is in the office.
Adam combined his love of the mountains with his love for his spunky little dog, Kyle.
A graduate of the University of Alberta Law School in 2013, Adam Klassen brings a wealth of legal experience to Gunn Law Group. His involvement with Student Legal Services and his role as a Coordinator for the Criminal Law Project during law school exemplify his dedication to justice.
Since his admission to the bar in 2014, Adam has excelled in criminal law and administrative hearings, particularly in appealing driving suspensions. His background in Chemical Biology adds a unique perspective to his approach, allowing him to delve into scientific issues affecting the criminal justice system.
EDUCATION
- BSC (2006) Thompson Rivers University
- JD (2013) University of Alberta
JUSTINE FALLU | FAMILY LAWYER
If a flag is up at our Hinton office it means that a lawyer is in the office (and not in Court or at the Edmonton office). As each lawyer has their own flag, you can also know at a glance who is in the office.
Justine is a proud Francophone. She also loves Alberta. This flag shows her allegiance to both!
Justine Fallu’s legal journey began at the University of Alberta Law School, where she co-founded the Francophone Law Students’ Association and participated in the Michel-Bastarache moot. Admitted to the bar in 2020, Justine is a versatile legal professional.
With her Collaborative Family Law designation obtained in 2022, Justine is equipped to serve as both a mediator and a Collaborative Family lawyer. Her commitment to collaborative resolutions aligns with her belief in tailoring methods to meet her clients’ unique needs.
EDUCATION
- B.A. (2016) McGill University
- J.D. (2019) University of Alberta
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- Law Society of Alberta
- Canadian Bar Association
- Association des juristes d’expression française en Alberta (AJEFA)
- Legal Aid Alberta Roster Lawyer
- Association of Collaborative Family Professionals (Edmonton)
- Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association
- International Academy of Collaborative Professionals
- Criminal Trial Lawyers Association
- Alberta Family Lawyers Association
LANGUAGES
- English
- French (français)
BARBARA DOWKER | CRIMINAL AND FAMILY LAWYER
If a flag is up at our Hinton office it means that a lawyer is in the office (and not in Court or at the Edmonton office). As each lawyer has their own flag, you can also know at a glance who is in the office.Barbara has three dogs, Winnie, Ellie and Franklin, who ensure her life is always active and interesting!
Barbara Dowker’s diverse background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with Honours and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Alberta. Her involvement with Student Legal Services and her role as a Research Assistant with publications in the Journal of Offender Rehabilitation underscore her dedication to the legal field.
Before her legal career, Barbara worked in social work, assisting clients in transitioning to better situations within the community. Barbara joined Gunn Law Group in 2023, eager to represent clients in both criminal law and family law matters.
BRENDAN THOMPSON | CRIMINAL, FAMILY AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAWYER
If a flag is up at our Hinton office it means that a lawyer is in the office (and not in Court or at the Edmonton office). As each lawyer has their own flag, you can also know at a glance who is in the office.
Brendan loves the Oilers (so included their colours), loves Canada (hence the half-hidden maple leaf), and Ursa Major.
Brendan Thompson, a recent graduate from the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law with a Certification in French Common Law, brings fresh perspectives to Gunn Law Group. His dedication to serving marginalized groups in the justice system shines through his volunteer work with organizations like the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and CREATE Justice.
Brendan’s commitment to helping clients navigate the legal system extends to both family and criminal law cases. As a valuable addition to our team, Brendan is poised to make a positive impact on his clients’ legal journeys.
EDUCATION
- BA (2011) University of Alberta
- JD (2022) University of Saskatchewan
LANGUAGES
- English
- French (français)
- Russian (русский)
JESSICA SCHWARZ
Jessica obtained her law degree from Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia, where she was president of the Animal Justice Student Chapter. Prior to law school, Jessica had a career in the non-profit sector, most notably with Greenpeace.
Jessica has worked on cases involving charges of Murder, Aggravated Assault, Drug Trafficking, Sexual Assault and Property Crimes. She also has experience with Dangerous Offender Proceedings and Defences such as Necessity and Self-Induced Extreme Intoxication.
Jessica particularly enjoys working on cases that deal with novel areas of law and defending individuals’ civil liberties. She has volunteered on pro bono cases in B.C., including a criminal case involving coaccused animal activists, and has facilitated several ‘Know Your Rights’ workshops in the community. Jessica represents both Legal Aid and private clients.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
- 2023 – Present – Law Society of Alberta
- 2023 – 2025 – Law Society of British Columbia
- 2024 – Present – Criminal Trial Lawyers Association
- 2024 – Present – Legal Aid Alberta Roster Lawyer
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctor, Law (2021), Dean’s List, Thompson Rivers University
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Bachelor of Arts, Sociology (2017), University of British Columbia
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Co-Panelist with Steven Wise, Founder and President of the Nonhuman Rights Project: “Persons or Things? Habeas Corpus Litigation on Behalf of Nonhuman Animals” (Canadian Animal Law Conference, University of Toronto Faculty of Law, 2020).
LANGUAGES
- English
- Intermediate French
STUDENTS
Gunn Law Group is not hiring any students at the moment.
STAFF
PAM | OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Pam was originally from southwestern Ontario and joined our firm in 1994. While unofficially occupying the role for many years, she officially became the Office Administrator of Gunn Law Group in 2008. Pam is the person with whom you will probably speak when you call the office the first time. You can ask Pam or your case manager about disclosure requests, and the status of your file. If you are calling to make a payment, Pam can assist you with this as well, and direct your call to whomever you need to speak with. In her spare time, Pam enjoys baking, bicycling, and swimming.
DARYL | CASE MANAGER
Daryl grew up in Langley, British Columbia, back when it was still a small town but close enough to commute to Vancouver. She moved to Edmonton in 2004 to pursue further career opportunities, and never left. Daryl, who is bilingual in French and English, joined the team at Gunn Law Group in July, 2021. When she’s not working, she volunteers her time with animal rescue, enjoys creative pursuits such as music and beading, and is training for her next marathon (actual running, not Netflix). Daryl is Shannon’s case manager.
STEFANIE | CASE MANAGER
Stefanie grew up just north of Montréal, Quebec, and moved to Alberta in May, 2015. She joined our firm in 2017 as a legal assistant, but has also been working as the firm’s bookkeeper since 2023. Stefanie is completely bilingual in French and English, and is the case manager for Justine and Brendan. If you have questions about your account you can ask Stefanie for clarification.
QUINN | CASE MANAGER
Quinn is Barbara’s case manager. She was born and raised in Edmonton and received her Office Assistant Certificate with a Legal Major from Macewan University in 2021. Quinn is passionate about societal issues such as addiction, mental health and housing and is most knowledgeable on Criminal files.
When she’s not in the office you can find Quinn competitive cycling, indoor rock climbing, running or working in her garden.
CHRISTINE | CASE MANAGER
Christine, a lifelong Edmontonian, joined Gunn Law Group in 2024. After graduating from Grant MacEwan (as it was called back then) with a Correctional Services diploma in 2013, she was hired as a receptionist at a law firm. Not long afterward, that same law firm trained her as a legal assistant, and she has been filling that role ever since. Christine is Adam’s Case Manager. When she isn’t working, she is busy running after her toddler.
SUSAN | OUR SECRET WEAPON
Si vous voulez communiquer avec notre bureau en français, nous vous prions de vous adresser à Stefanie ou Daryl. Elles peuvent vous donner de l’information préliminaire à propos de notre bureau et vous diriger vers un avocat qui vous assistera en français.
Current Canine Squad
ELLIE
Ellie, a mostly sweet-tempered Boston Terrier, loves coming in to the Gunn Law Group office – partly to see all of her human and canine friends, but mostly because of all the treats she gets! She loves to play – especially with Kyle, when they have some time to let loose and burn off some steam – being a good girl is exhausting, you know! Ellie is best known for her sweet-tempered nature, and how she shows her affection to the Gunn Law staff by giving a ton of kisses.
WINNIE
Winnie, a growing bundle of puppy energy, also loves to play. She shows her affection by giving hugs to the staff and leaning against them to soak up all the love she can get. You’ll often find her enjoying her other favourite activity – taking long naps in Quinn’s office.
YASHA
After Jenny officially retired, Yasha, the yellow Labrador retriever, took over. Hailing from New York, she is a savvy dog who is dignified and shows grace while under pressure. When she is working, there is not a more serious, focused dog. When she decides to let loose, however, she and Jenny (who still comes to visit on occasion) give a new meaning to the word “mayhem”. You may or may not see her in the office, as she treats napping like her second job, and seriously judges other members of the Canine Crew for anything less than dignified behaviour – or anything resembling doggie behaviours, really.
KYLE
Kyle, a little chihuahua mix, spent a hard four years on the streets before coming to us and is proving to be a very friendly and affectionate addition. While he is a little resistant to comply to simple commands like “sit” and “stay”, we know he will catch on to civilized life as time goes by.
Ex-Officio Canine Unit
MAZIKEEN
Mazikeen was an enthusiastic, sweet-tempered and not a little nutty addition to our Canine Crew. She was a Pomsky who was more Husky than Pomeranian. Affectionately known as “the floof”, her exuberant joy and love for life and adventure were evident to all who met her. Mazikeen suddenly passed away in 2023 and is dearly missed.
JENNY
Jenny, the black Lab, retired from the Canine Crew in 2023, but still comes to visit on occasion. During her time with the Canine Crew, she worked as hard as she played. She was usually all business, but she was not above sneaking little morsels that other members of the Canine Crew left behind… or gave her the opportunity to eat in front of them (ahem, Kyle). Now that Jenny is enjoying the retirement life, you’ll find her taking long naps and short walks, and tormenting her canine and feline siblings at Home.
KENZO
Kenzo, the Shiba Inu who always likes to run away, is only an occasional visitor to the office these days. Even though he ate one of the lawyer’s passports and another one’s favourite fishing hat, we still allow him to come back – just not too often!
HERCULES
The mighty Hercules was surprisingly quiet and gentle for a Chihuahua. His superpower was the ability to charm anyone. Of all the members of the canine unit, Hercules was the only one who somehow made it into Kenzo’s good graces. The sweet little guy passed away in 2021 and is still missed.
SHADOW
A spunky little Yorkie-Poodle cross who barks too much, bites and finally got evicted from the Canine Unit.
AZARAK
The first great dog to grace Gunn Law Group with his presence. The Belgian Shepherd was a quiet, gentle soul who is still thought of often and missed.
Consult a Gunn Lawyer to Explore Your Legal Options
Contact Gunn Law Group today to discuss your legal needs and explore your options. Our team of experienced lawyers is here to provide you with the guidance and representation you require.
Call Us at (780) 488-4460
Your future deserves the dedication of Gunn Law Group. Let us help you navigate through whatever legal challenges you are facing.