Co‑chairing the firm’s class actions group, Gavin has extensive class action experience. His current class action work includes cases involving securities misrepresentations, historical sexual abuse, and product liability.
He also regularly represents clients on corporate and commercial litigation matters, including oppression claims and other shareholder disputes. He has appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, the Alberta Court of Appeal, and the Alberta Securities Commission.
Gavin joined JSS Barristers in 2003, commencing a full‑time litigation practice shortly thereafter. He became a partner in 2010, served as managing partner in 2018 and 2019, and was the firm’s chairperson in 2020 and 2021. In total, Gavin served on the firm’s executive committee for more than seven years.
Gavin received his B.Sc. in Biology (Zoology) from the University of Calgary in 1997 and earned his LL.B. from the University of Calgary in 2001.
Upon graduation, Gavin clerked at the Court of Appeal and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta. Following his clerkship, he completed his articles at the Calgary offices of a large national law firm, practising in securities and regulatory matters. He was called to the Alberta Bar in 2002.
Krishnan v. Jamieson (British Columbia). Gavin is lead counsel for a natural products manufacturer in an ongoing class action concerning the labelling of glucosamine sulfate products. The case proceeded through a 27‑day common issues trial.
N.B. v. Heerema (Alberta). Gavin is part of the litigation team advancing historical sexual assault and abuse claims on behalf of dozens of former participants in the Young Canadians performing arts school within the Calgary Stampede organization. The matter was successfully settled and is nearing completion of the claims administration phase.
Engen v. Hyundai (Alberta). Gavin is co‑lead counsel in an automotive class action involving allegations that panoramic sunroofs in certain Hyundai vehicles shatter without warning.
- Stevens v. Ithaca (Alberta). Gavin is lead Alberta counsel, working with Ontario counsel, in a securities misrepresentation case concerning disclosure relating to refurbishment of a large offshore production facility. The matter has settled and is in the claims administration phase.
- Class action
- Commercial disputes
- Dispute resolution
- Product liability and recall
- Automotive
- Consumer goods and services
- Oil and gas
- Pharmaceutical and life sciences
- LL.B., University of Calgary, 2001
- B.Sc. (Zoology), University of Calgary, 1997
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Alberta, 2002