Shatz, Medina

Medina joined Vogel LLP as a summer student in 2002. She completed her articles in 2005 and has continued on as an Associate and became a Partner effective January 1, 2012. Medina’s practice is focused primarily in family law. While recognizing the need for litigation and the court system to resolve some disputes, Medina is very interested in alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.  Medina is currently the Managing Partner South Office for Vogel LLP.

Medina brings a unique set of skills to Vogel LLP. She has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Toronto. Prior to attending law school, Medina practiced social work for 20 years primarily in community based mental health services. Medina is a trained mediator and a Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer. Medina works with her clients to determine how best to help them achieve the outcomes they are seeking while protecting her clients’ interests and those of the children.

Medina’s practice now includes Parent Coordination. A Parent Coordinator works with high conflict families assisting them to understand and implement their parenting plans. As a Parent Coordinator, Medina educates, mediates and with the prior approval of the parents, makes decisions if they cannot come to agreement. Parent Coordination is a dispute resolution process that can be very effective for parents as an alternative to litigation and keeps the focus on the children’s needs.

Medina recently attended the Court of Appeal, and with Abby Griener’s assistance, argued successfully that when a person is claiming Adult Interdependent partner support, there is an obligation that some basic evidence as to the relationship be put forward to support the relationship and then the claimant is entitled to financial disclosure from the other party. The Court of Appeal agreed that the establishment of the relationship is not a condition precedent to an order for disclosure and if it was, then that would create a significant barrier impeding claimants’ access to justice. Link: 2011 CarswellAlta 28 (Alta. C.A.).

Other Professional Activities

Member of The Law Society of Alberta
Member of the Canadian Bar Association
Alberta College of Social Workers, registered member (1985 – 2004)
Past-Chair, Board of Directors, Camp B.B. – Riback
Board Member, Association of Collaborative Professionals
Co-Chair, Standards & Education Sub-Committee