Lawyer Profile:
David McGillivray is the founder and principal lawyer at McGillivray Legal. Over the past several years, David has served as in-house counsel for a large multinational oil and gas company and as counsel for a major Canadian municipality. His in-house experience has allowed him to hone his skills across a broad spectrum of legal issues, including employment, human rights, litigation management, procurement, governance, privacy, anti-bribery and corruption, investigations, and municipal law.
In addition to his in-house roles, David has worked in private practice at some of Canada’s most prominent law firms, focusing on litigation and dispute resolution, regulatory and compliance, energy, construction, Indigenous, and environmental law.
David is regarded for his deep analytical skills and his ability to synthesize complex legal issues into clear, concise, and pragmatic advice. He consistently aligns his legal strategies with his clients’ overall business objectives, balancing them with an appropriate level of risk tolerance dictated by each clients’ circumstances.
David’s diplomatic and tactful approach to legal challenges enables him to work collaboratively with clients and large multidisciplinary teams. He is adept at navigating complex organizations efficiently and with a business-minded perspective. David understands the value added when counsel take the time to develop an in-depth knowledge of how a client’s business operates.
David is a strong proponent of alternative fee arrangements in the right circumstances. He believes they better align the interests of lawyers and their clients while providing mutual benefit to both parties.
Born and raised in Calgary and a graduate of the University of Alberta Law School, David has deep roots in Alberta. He currently resides in Calgary, where he enjoys golf, skiing, painting, walks with his dog Maggie, and various water sports.
Education:
2022, Certificate in Construction Law, Osgoode Hall Law School
2009, Bachelor of Law, University of Alberta
2005, Bachelor of Arts (Hons), Acadia University
Bar Admission:
Alberta, 2010
Lead inhouse counsel to Shell Canada concerning multiple regulatory appeals brought by a First Nation to the Alberta Energy Regulator.
Lead inhouse counsel to Shell Canada concerning a multimillion-dollar international arbitration in connection with the sale of certain assets.
Counsel to a Wheatland County in connection appeal of certain stop orders issued against a major compost facility operation.
Counsel to a major Japanese whiskey producer in connection with the acquisition of a Canadian liquor distillery and product regulatory obligations.
Co-Counsel to the plaintiff in connection with a dispute concerning the distribution of multimillion-dollar lottery winnings.
Co-Counsel to ATCO Electric in connection with multiple proceedings before the Alberta Surface Rights Board.
Co-Counsel to intervener MEG Energy, a shipper with an optional ownership interest, in the Joint Review Panel for the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project.
Co-Counsel to a contractor regarding a condominium construction dispute concerning the failure of an EFIS system and associated property damage.
Counsel to a major crane operator in connection with various interlocutory motions connected to a construction law dispute.
Counsel to a municipality concerning development of a master services agreement in connection with the establishment of an urban reserve.
Counsel to a municipality concerning environmental schedules for a project agreement in connection with a major transportation infrastructure project.
Representative Work:
