Joel Franz

He/Him
Partner

Joel Franz

A responsive and efficient advocate, Joel applies a straight-forward approach to securing effective resolutions for his clients. He is equipped with the knowledge and experience to swiftly analyze and successfully address even the most complicated legal problems.

Joel focuses his practice in the areas of insurance, professional liability, and commercial litigation.

As the Insurance Practice Group lead, Joel represents insurers and individuals in all matters involving policies of insurance. Attentive when evaluating and responding to emerging risks, he is particularly experienced in casualty and specialty lines of insurance, both in the determination of coverage and the ultimate defence or prosecution of a matter. His wide breadth of experience extends to representing and advising insurers in coverage issues arising out of auto, CGL, D&O, and E&O policies, first-party claims, and EUOs, as well as representing clients involved in product liability claims including automobiles, consumer products, and commercial machinery. Joel further provides guidance and representation with respect to subrogated and SEF-44 claims.

In the professional liability arena, Joel has a solid record of success defending and prosecuting matters involving a wide variety of professionals including insurance advisors, lawyers, architects, building inspectors, and appraisers. He routinely represents medical and para-medical professionals in claims of negligent treatment and professional misconduct pursuant to the Health Professions Act.

In his commercial litigation practice, clients turn to Joel for skilled representation in a variety of matters including contractual disputes, construction disputes, shareholder disputes, debt recovery, and general negligence claims. Joel’s commercial litigation experience includes regular involvement on a wide variety of class action matters involving professionals, corporations, and non-profit organizations. He also represents executors and claimants regarding various estate litigation issues including entitlement, accounting issues, and executor conduct.

Joel represents clients before the Provincial Court of Alberta, the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, and numerous administrative and regulatory bodies throughout Alberta. Joel’s administrative law experience includes judicial review applications and Constitutional litigation. 

Joel works closely with clients to efficiently resolve complex matters and advance industry goals. He methodically takes clients through their options, discussing risks and benefits, providing recommendations, and supporting and advocating for their preferred course of action.