Experience Matters.
Jana de Waal
Mediator - ADR Counsel
Jana de Waal was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and she immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honors 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 the realm of 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 degree at the University of Calgary. Following her legal education, she worked at Alberta Justice, immersing herself in the intricacies of family law by navigating the complexities of the legal system on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services.
Jana's journey led her to serve as a Crown Prosecutor, where she confronted legal challenges head-on, navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of criminal legal matters, enabling 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, including divorce, child support, spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship applications and property division, she approaches each case with compassion and resolve. Dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions and minimizing conflict, Jana remains steadfast in her commitment to achieving positive outcomes for her clients, particularly through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. Jana is a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual, and she is currently obtaining her Masters of Law degree in Dispute Resolution and an MBA through the University of British Columbia.
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Master of Law in Dispute Resolution – Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario (Class of 2025)
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Juris Doctor - University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Class of 2019
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Bachelor of Journalism, First Class Combined Honours in Political Science, University of King’s College, Halifax, Nova Scotia Class of 2014
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Bachelor of Business Administration, University of British Columbia, (Class of 2028)
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Law Society of Alberta – Called to the Bar in 2020
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Association of Women Lawyers – Member
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Alberta Family Lawyers Association – Member
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Calgary Bar Association – Member
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English
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Afrikaans
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Juris Doctor from University of Saskatchewan
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary
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Red Seal Professional Cook
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English
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Law Society of Alberta
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Graduated with Distinction
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Rylan Alston
Articling Student
Rylan is an articling student driven by a genuine passion for family law. He earned his JD from the University of Saskatchewan, where he also volunteered for the Family Law Clinic through Pro Bono Students Canada, offering crucial legal information to clients.
Prior to law school, Rylan cultivated a fascinating and diverse background. He enjoyed a successful career as a Red Seal professional chef, working in well-known kitchens across Calgary after graduating from SAIT. His thirst for knowledge then led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Calgary, graduating in 2020.
This unique combination of experiences underpins Rylan's trauma-informed and empathetic approach to legal practice. He is an exceptional listener, adept at understanding the nuanced needs of his clients. Rylan resolves problems by thoughtfully considering all perspectives and leveraging his thorough understanding of the law, always discerning when to seek compromise and when to vigorously fight for his clients' best interests. He is dedicated to learning more about complex areas of family law, including high-conflict disputes, child intervention, and ensuring robust representation for those navigating mental health challenges or substance abuse issues.
Away from his legal practice, Rylan is a passionate global traveler, having explored diverse cultures across Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He thrives on new experiences and is often found hiking in the mountains, baking, running along the Bow River, or with his nose in a book.
Kerri Drake
Office Administrator and 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.
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BA (Bachelor of Arts) in International Business Management
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MSc (Master of Science) in International Human Resource Management
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Lithuanian – native
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Russian – can fully read, entry-level speaking skills
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15-Field Ambulance Detachment Medic
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Royal Canadian Armed Forces
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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. In this high-pressure role, Neri serves in the military, demonstrating her dedication to helping others. She embraces challenges and is continually expanding her skill set through training and personal development.
Neri’s diverse background and commitment to helping people makes her a valued member of our team.
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BA (Bachelor of Arts) in International Business Management
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MSc (Master of Science) in International Human Resource Management
-
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Lithuanian – native
-
Russian – can fully read, entry-level speaking skills
-
-
15-Field Ambulance Detachment Medic
-
Royal Canadian Armed Forces
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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. In this high-pressure role, Neri serves in the military, demonstrating her dedication to helping others. She embraces challenges and is continually expanding her skill set through training and personal development.
Neri’s diverse background and commitment to helping people makes her a valued member of our team.
Brittany Burton
Legal Assistant
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. Whether in the office or the community, Brittany’s goal is always to be a steady, understanding presence who helps others feel seen, supported, and cared for.
Karen Stokowski
Receptionist
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 to address your matter effectively.
Jana de Waal
Mediator - ADR Counsel
Jana de Waal was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and she immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honors 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 the realm of 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 degree at the University of Calgary. Following her legal education, she worked at Alberta Justice, immersing herself in the intricacies of family law by navigating the complexities of the legal system on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services. Jana started working in the private family law sphere.
Jana's journey led her to serve as a Crown Prosecutor, where she confronted legal challenges head-on, navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of criminal legal matters, enabling 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, including divorce, child support, spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship applications and property division, she approaches each case with compassion and resolve. Dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions and minimizing conflict, Jana remains steadfast in her commitment to achieving positive outcomes for her clients, particularly through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. Jana is currently obtaining her Master of Law degree in Dispute Resolution.
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Master of Law in Dispute Resolution – Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario (Class of 2025)
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Juris Doctor - University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Class of 2019
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Bachelor of Journalism, First Class Combined Honours in Political Science
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University of King’s College, Halifax, Nova Scotia Class of 2014
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Law Society of Alberta – Called to the Bar in 2020
-
Association of Women Lawyers – Member
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Alberta Family Lawyers Association – Member
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Calgary Bar Association – Member
-
-
English
-
Afrikaans
-
-
Juris Doctor from University of Saskatchewan
-
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Calgary
-
Red Seal Professional Cook
-
-
English
-
-
Law Society of Alberta
-
-
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Graduated with Distinction
-
Rylan Alston
Articling Student
Rylan is an articling student driven by a genuine passion for family law. He earned his JD from the University of Saskatchewan, where he also volunteered for the Family Law Clinic through Pro Bono Students Canada, offering crucial legal information to clients.
Prior to law school, Rylan cultivated a fascinating and diverse background. He enjoyed a successful career as a Red Seal professional chef, working in well-known kitchens across Calgary after graduating from SAIT. His thirst for knowledge then led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Calgary, graduating in 2020.
This unique combination of experiences underpins Rylan's trauma-informed and empathetic approach to legal practice. He is an exceptional listener, adept at understanding the nuanced needs of his clients. Rylan resolves problems by thoughtfully considering all perspectives and leveraging his thorough understanding of the law, always discerning when to seek compromise and when to vigorously fight for his clients' best interests. He is dedicated to learning more about complex areas of family law, including high-conflict disputes, child intervention, and ensuring robust representation for those navigating mental health challenges or substance abuse issues.
Away from his legal practice, Rylan is a passionate global traveler, having explored diverse cultures across Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He thrives on new experiences and is often found hiking in the mountains, baking, running along the Bow River, or with his nose in a book.