Stokes Law Mediation is accepting new evening and weekend mediations
Our Team

Experience matters.

Meet the mediators, lawyers and staff who guide Alberta families through resolution with compassion, clarity and care.

Jana de Waal — Mediator · ADR Counsel

Jana de Waal

Mediator · ADR Counsel

Jana de Waal was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honours in Political Science at the University of King's College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Post-graduation, Jana ventured back to South Africa, finding her footing as a Junior Policy Officer for the Canadian High Commission in Johannesburg. Transitioning into Public Relations, she honed her skills as an Account Executive before founding her own non-profit organization, driven by a passion for social impact.

In 2016, Jana relocated to Calgary to pursue her Juris Doctor at the University of Calgary. Following her legal education, she worked at Alberta Justice, immersing herself in family law on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services.

Jana later served as a Crown Prosecutor, confronting legal challenges head-on and navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of legal matters and enables her to offer unique support to her clients.

Motivated by a desire to guide individuals through life's most challenging moments, Jana channels her passion for advocacy into her current role at Stokes Law. Specializing in all facets of family law — divorce, child and spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship and property division — she approaches each case with compassion and resolve. She is a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual.

jana@stokeslawmediation.ca
Education
  • Master of Law in Dispute Resolution — Osgoode Hall Law School (Class of 2025)
  • Juris Doctor — University of Calgary (2019)
  • Bachelor of Journalism, First Class Combined Honours in Political Science — University of King's College (2014)
  • Masters of Business Administration — University of British Columbia (Class of 2028)
Certifications
  • NCA Certificate of Qualification — Federation of Law Societies of Canada
  • Certified Blockchain & Law Professional — Blockchain Council
  • Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law — Osgoode Hall Law School
  • Blockchain 101 for Lawyers — The College of Law, Australia
Memberships
  • Law Society of Alberta — Called to the Bar in 2020
  • Association of Women Lawyers — Member
  • Alberta Family Lawyers Association — Member
  • Calgary Bar Association — Member
Languages
  • English
  • Afrikaans
Kerri Drake — Office Administrator & Paralegal

Kerri Drake

Office Administrator & Paralegal

With over 16 years of experience exclusively in family law, Kerri is a highly skilled paralegal in navigating complex legal matters. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment to providing value that ensures each client receives the personalized attention they deserve. She is an invaluable support to the legal team at Stokes Law LLP.

Her background as an office administrator further enhances her ability to manage caseloads efficiently while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism. Kerri's passion for law was sparked by the film "A Few Good Men" and was the beginning of her legal career as a paralegal.

kerri@stokeslaw.ca
Languages
  • English
Neri Bruze — Office Coordinator

Neri Bruze

Office Coordinator

Neri holds a Master of Science in International Human Resource Management and a Bachelor's degree in Business Management (Honours) from Kingston University in London, United Kingdom. With over 11 years of experience in London, Neri chose to further her career in Canada, the country she has always dreamt of calling home.

With excellent customer service experience in supporting office operations, Neri brings strong organizational and problem-solving skills to her role. She is skilled at maintaining efficiency, coordinating tasks, and supporting the team to ensure smooth daily operations within the office.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Neri is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces reserves, where she provides medical support. Neri's diverse background and commitment to helping people makes her a valued member of our team.

neri@stokeslaw.ca
Languages
  • English
  • Lithuanian
  • Russian — can fully read, entry-level speaking skills
Brittany Burton — Legal Assistant — Currently on Maternity Leave

Brittany Burton

Legal Assistant — Currently on Maternity Leave

Brittany Burton is a legal assistant with experience in both family and estate law, and a true passion for helping people through life's most difficult seasons. With an extensive background in healthcare, she understands the importance of patience, compassion, and clear communication. She brings these same values into her legal work, guiding clients with empathy and care.

Known for her compassionate approach and meticulous eye for detail, Brittany is dedicated to making the legal process feel less overwhelming and more supportive. Outside of her work, she is also an artist, a role that reflects her creativity and heart for people.

brittany@stokeslaw.ca
Languages
  • English
Karen Stokowski — Receptionist & Client Intake Coordinator

Karen Stokowski

Receptionist & Client Intake Coordinator

At Stokes Law LLP, Karen serves as Receptionist and Client Intake Coordinator, ensuring every client's first interaction with the firm is welcoming and supportive. She guides clients to the legal team best suited to address their needs, helping to establish a smooth and efficient path toward resolution.

With a strong background in client engagement, Karen approaches every interaction with care and attention, understanding that each call and email represents an individual situation requiring respect and confidentiality. She views the intake process as more than collecting information — it is the foundation for building trust and ensuring clients feel supported from the very beginning.

Whether your needs involve Family Law, Wills & Estates, Civil Law, or Mediation, Karen is ready to assist and connect you with the right legal resources.

info@stokeslaw.ca
Languages
  • English

Ready to begin?

Book a virtual mediation with Jana — evenings and weekends available.

Book Today