Bow River Law LLP, a Calgary employment law firm representing employees and employers across Alberta, has been recognized in the 2027 editions of Best Lawyers. The firm received a Best Lawyers firm recognition for 2027. Four of Bow River Law's employment lawyers were also honoured. Partners Joel Fairbrother and Sarah Coderre were named to The Best Lawyers in Canada for Labour and Employment Law. Partner Michael Hernandez and associate Amanda Jacinto were named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada in the same practice area.
Best Lawyers released its 2027 Canadian editions in September. Recognition is based on peer review, with lawyers in the same region and practice area evaluating one another's work. The Best Lawyers in Canada represents the top 6% of the country's legal market. Ones to Watch recognizes lawyers earlier in their careers and represents the top 1.7%.
2027 Best Lawyers Recognition at a Glance
- Bow River Law LLP: Best Lawyers firm recognition for 2027, Calgary, Alberta
- Joel Fairbrother, partner and co-founder: The Best Lawyers in Canada, Labour and Employment Law (recognized since 2023)
- Sarah Coderre, partner and co-founder: The Best Lawyers in Canada, Labour and Employment Law (recognized since 2025)
- Michael Hernandez, partner: Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, Labour and Employment Law
- Amanda Jacinto, associate: Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in Canada, Labour and Employment Law
Leadership Perspective
Joel Fairbrother, partner and co-founder of Bow River Law LLP, said the recognition reflects the strength of the whole team.
“Seeing our firm recognized, and seeing Sarah and me included again in The Best Lawyers in Canada, is meaningful. It is equally meaningful to see Michael and Amanda recognized as Ones to Watch,” said Fairbrother. “Albertans facing a termination, a human rights complaint or a workplace dispute need lawyers who know this area of law well. These three recognitions show experience and newer talent growing together at Bow River Law, and that is what allows us to give clients clear, practical advice.”
An Established Calgary Firm Deepening Its Team
Fairbrother and Coderre founded Bow River Law and continue to lead the firm with two other partners. Fairbrother chaired the Canadian Bar Association's Labour and Employment Section for Alberta South and is now acting as past chair. Coderre is President of the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch.
Michael Hernandez joined the firm in late 2022 and became a partner earlier this year. He appears before the Court of King's Bench, the Alberta Court of Justice, the Alberta Human Rights Tribunal and the Alberta Labour Relations Board. Amanda Jacinto represents employees in termination for cause, wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal and severance review matters. Their Ones to Watch recognition shows an established firm continuing to expand and deepen its expertise within its team.
Past Awards and Recognition
The 2027 honours build on a record of independent recognition. Bow River Law has been named in The Globe and Mail's Best Law Firms ranking, recognized by BestLawFirms.com, and selected in 2025 as one of three winners of the Clawbies for Best Canadian Law Blogs. Fairbrother and Coderre are both ranked in the Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory. Fairbrother also received a Mondaq Thought Leadership Award in autumn 2025.
Employment Law Services in Calgary and Across Alberta
Bow River Law LLP focuses on employment, labour and human rights law, representing employees, unionized workers and employers. Its employment law services include:
- Termination and dismissal: wrongful dismissal, constructive dismissal, just cause, lay-offs, mitigation, and severance review and negotiation
- Workplace rights: discrimination, harassment, human rights complaints and workplace investigations
- Contracts and agreements: employment contracts, workplace policies, independent contractor classification, and non-competition and non-solicitation disputes
- Employer and employee issues: fiduciary duties, claims against employees, professional regulation, and union and labour law, including duty of fair representation complaints
Every lawyer at the firm litigates before Alberta courts and tribunals, and many matters are resolved through negotiation. The firm's Alberta employment law glossary and employment law blog help workers and employers find clear guidance when a workplace issue arises.
About Bow River Law LLP
Bow River Law LLP is a Calgary employment law firm that focuses on employment, labour and human rights law for both employees and employers throughout Alberta. The firm's lawyers handle wrongful dismissal claims, constructive dismissal consultations, severance review and negotiation, employment contract drafting, workplace investigations, human rights complaints, labour law matters and employer advisory work.
To arrange a consultation, call (587) 391-7601, visit the firm at 540 5 Ave SW #1240, Calgary, AB T2P 0M2, or go to bowriveremploymentlaw.com.
###
Media Contact
Bow River Law LLP
540 5 Ave SW #1240, Calgary, AB T2P 0M2
https://bowriveremploymentlaw.com/
Disclaimer: This release is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Employment and labour law matters depend on the specific facts and applicable law. Individuals and organizations should consult a qualified lawyer regarding their particular circumstances.
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 2682285
