Legal Insights & Resources | Osuji & Smith Lawyers

Osuji & Smith Lawyers — Legal Insights

Legal Blog& Resource Centre

Practical legal guidance, case law updates and community stories — written by Calgary's award-winning legal team across every area of practice.

100+Articles Published

9Practice Areas

45+Years Experience

32+Languages Spoken

Employment Law

23 Articles

Workplace rights, terminations
and everything in between.

Employment Law · 2026

Workplace Privacy in Alberta: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights

Workplace privacy is no longer a "nice to have." A deep dive into balancing employer monitoring rights against employee privacy protections under Alberta law.

Employment Law · 2025

Resignations and Retirement in Alberta – Employer Risks and Best Practices

When an employee says "I quit" — did they really? A practical guide for employers on managing resignations and retirement conversations.

Employment Law · 2025

Ambiguity: The Achilles' Heel of Termination Clauses in Alberta

Termination clauses are among the most litigated provisions in employment contracts. Why ambiguity costs employers dearly.

Employment Law · 2025

Alberta Court Awards 26 Months' Notice: Breaking the Cap in Wrongful Dismissal

A significant development — an Alberta court breaks the traditional 24-month cap on reasonable notice periods for the first time.

Employment Law · 2025

Establishing Just Cause Terminations: The Legal Test and Employer Best Practices

Terminating an employee for just cause in Alberta requires meeting a high legal threshold. Here's the full breakdown.

Employment Law · 2025

Managing Terminations, Layoffs and Severance – Statutory and Common Law Obligations

When ending an employment relationship in Alberta, many employers underestimate their legal obligations. A comprehensive guide.

Employment Law · 2025

How Does Severance Pay Affect Unemployment Benefits in Alberta?

In Alberta, severance pay can impact your eligibility for Employment Insurance. Here's everything you need to know before signing.

Employment Law · 2025

5 Common Mistakes Employers Make When Terminating Employees in Alberta

Letting someone go is one of the most legally fraught decisions a business can make. Avoid these five costly errors.

Employment Law · 2025

How Severance Pay is Taxed in Canada: What You Need to Know

Severance pay can be a significant financial cushion after job loss — but how it's taxed in Canada matters enormously.

Employment Law · 2025

Think Twice Before Issuing That Termination Letter: A Practical Guide for Alberta Employers

Terminating an employee is one of the most consequential decisions a business makes. Here's how to do it right and avoid litigation.

Employment Law · 2025

Navigating Forced Resignations in Alberta: A Legal Perspective on Employer Risk

Creating conditions that pressure employees to resign carries serious legal risk — here's what employers need to understand.

Employment Law · 2024

Am I Being Constructively Dismissed? Constructive Dismissal in Alberta

The term "constructive dismissal" can be confusing for many employees. Here's a clear breakdown of what it means and your rights.

Employment Law · 2024

Severance Package Reviews | Calgary Employment Lawyers

The importance of having your severance package reviewed by an employment lawyer before you sign anything in Alberta.

Employment Law · 2024

Will Sexual Harassment Always Lead to Dismissal for Cause in Alberta?

For employers, allegations of sexual harassment by one employee against another raise serious legal and procedural questions.

Employment Law · 2024

Maternity Leave in Alberta: Policies, Paternity and Parental Leave Explained

Alberta has established specific policies regarding maternity, paternity, and parental leave. A complete guide for employees and employers.

Family Law

8 Articles

Divorce, support, custody
and property division in Alberta.

Family Law · 2025

The Rise of Gray Divorce: Key Takeaways for Later-Life Separations

Separation among couples aged 50 and over has increased significantly. Here's what it means legally in Alberta and how to protect yourself at this stage of life.

Family Law · 2025

Alberta Child Support Guidelines: What Separating Parents Should Understand

When parents separate or divorce, ensuring children receive adequate financial support is paramount. A complete guide to Alberta's guidelines.

Family Law

What Items Form Part of Family Property in Alberta?

In Calgary, family property is governed by the Family Property Act. Here's a clear breakdown of what's included — and what's exempt.

Family Law

Is Spousal or Partner Support an Automatic Right in Alberta?

Spousal or partner support is not automatically granted in every divorce or separation in Alberta. Here's what determines eligibility.

Family Law

Can a Parent Deny the Other Parent Access to Their Child in Alberta?

In Alberta, denying a parent access to their child without valid legal reason can have serious and immediate legal consequences.

Family Law · 2023

Can One Parent Decide to Move Without the Agreement of the Other Parent in Alberta?

In Alberta, a parent's decision to relocate with a child is governed by specific legal provisions designed to protect the child's best interests.

Business & Corporate Law

10 Articles

Corporate compliance, governance
and business strategy in Alberta.

Business Law · 2025

Navigating Conflict of Interest and Transparency in Today's Business Climate

In today's fast-paced and scrutinized business environment, decisions are often made without adequate conflict of interest frameworks. Here's what Alberta businesses need to know.

Business Law · 2024

Why Alberta is Canada's Delaware North: The Best Place to Incorporate

When it comes to incorporating a business in Canada, Alberta offers a uniquely compelling advantage over other provinces. Here's why.

Business Law · 2024

Personal Liability of Shareholders in Alberta

When will shareholders and directors be personally liable to creditors of a corporation? A practical legal analysis every business owner needs to read.

Business Law · 2024

Corporate Complacency: Staying on the Right Side of the Law in Alberta

Corporate compliance is a set of processes that must be consistently maintained — non-compliance can result in serious legal and financial consequences.

Real Estate Law

4 Articles

Buying, selling and financing
property in Calgary and Alberta.

Real Estate Law · 2024

Legal Aspects of Buying a Home in Calgary: What You Should Know Before Your Move

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. Here's what the legal process looks like in Calgary, Alberta from start to finish.

Real Estate Law · 2024

The Biggest Hike of 2024: Alberta's Land Titles Registration Fees Increase

On September 27, 2024, the Government of Alberta confirmed significant increases to land title registration fees — what this means for buyers and sellers.

Real Estate Law · 2024

How the Bank of Canada Rate Cut Impacts the Real Estate Market and Borrowers

A Bank of Canada rate cut has ripple effects across the Calgary real estate market. Here's what borrowers and prospective buyers should know.

Real Estate Law · 2024

The Complexities of Fixtures in Home Properties and Their Impact on Property Transactions

In property transactions, the question of what constitutes a "fixture" is deceptively complex — and frequently disputed between buyers and sellers.

Immigration Law

8 Articles

Work permits, study permits
and pathways to Canada.

Immigration Law · 2025

Introducing Canada's 2025 Work Permit Policy

On May 27, 2025, IRCC unveiled a transformative update to work permit policy that affects thousands of applicants. Everything you need to know.

Immigration Law · 2025

New Canada Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

On February 26, 2025, IRCC announced new Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots — a significant new pathway to permanent residency for caregivers.

Immigration Law · 2025

Canada Implementing Greater Restrictions on Work Permits for Family Members

Greater restrictions on open work permits for family members of international students and foreign workers are now in effect in Canada.

Immigration Law · 2024

New Hope for Rejected Study Permits Commencing October 1, 2024

Canada introduced an accelerated review program for previously rejected study permit applications — what this means for applicants.

Personal Injury Law

5 Articles

Accidents, insurance and
your right to compensation.

Personal Injury · 2025

Who Will Compensate Me For My Damages Under the New Alberta Auto Insurance Scheme?

Under Alberta's new auto insurance system, understanding who pays for what has become more complex than before. Here's a clear breakdown of your rights.

Personal Injury · 2024

Recent Alberta Automobile Insurance System Reforms

The recent reforms to Alberta's automobile insurance system represent a significant shift in how personal injury claims are handled in the province.

Personal Injury · 2025

"Slip 'n Fall" and Occupier Liability: Hypothetical Case Review in Alberta

A realistic slip and fall scenario and the legal analysis that determines liability under Alberta's Occupiers' Liability Act.

Interviews & Features

12 Articles

The lawyers behind the firm
in their own words.

Feature · 2025

Dr. Charles Osuji – A Legacy in the Making

Growing up in a household of ten, Dr. Charles Osuji quickly learned that resources were finite — but ambition was not. A deeply personal feature on the man behind Osuji & Smith.

Interview · 2024

Christie Eze, Senior Associate – Calgary Employment Lawyer Interview

Christie Eze is a Senior Associate at Osuji & Smith and one of Calgary's most accomplished employment law practitioners. Here's her story and perspective.

Interview · 2024

Rowan Fisher Interview – Managing Lawyer, Immigration Division

Rowan Fisher is the Managing Lawyer of the Immigration Division at Osuji & Smith. He discusses his passion for refugee law and the firm's immigration practice.

Commentary · 2025

The Pitfalls of Relying on ChatGPT for Legal Advice

10 reasons why AI can't — and shouldn't — replace your lawyer. A frank discussion from Osuji & Smith on the real limits of artificial intelligence in law.

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Workplace Privacy in Alberta: Balancing Business Needs and Employee Rights

Resignations and Retirement in Alberta – Employer Risks and Best Practices

Ambiguity: The Achilles' Heel of Termination Clauses in Alberta

Alberta Court Awards 26 Months' Notice: Breaking the Cap in Wrongful Dismissal

Establishing Just Cause Terminations: The Legal Test and Employer Best Practices

Managing Terminations, Layoffs and Severance – Statutory and Common Law Obligations

How Does Severance Pay Affect Unemployment Benefits in Alberta?

5 Common Mistakes Employers Make When Terminating Employees in Alberta

How Severance Pay is Taxed in Canada: What You Need to Know

Think Twice Before Issuing That Termination Letter: A Practical Guide for Alberta Employers

Navigating Forced Resignations in Alberta: A Legal Perspective on Employer Risk

Am I Being Constructively Dismissed? Constructive Dismissal in Alberta

Severance Package Reviews | Calgary Employment Lawyers

Will Sexual Harassment Always Lead to Dismissal for Cause in Alberta?

Maternity Leave in Alberta: Policies, Paternity and Parental Leave Explained

The Rise of Gray Divorce: Key Takeaways for Later-Life Separations

Alberta Child Support Guidelines: What Separating Parents Should Understand

What Items Form Part of Family Property in Alberta?

Is Spousal or Partner Support an Automatic Right in Alberta?

Can a Parent Deny the Other Parent Access to Their Child in Alberta?

Can One Parent Decide to Move Without the Agreement of the Other Parent in Alberta?

Navigating Conflict of Interest and Transparency in Today's Business Climate

Why Alberta is Canada's Delaware North: The Best Place to Incorporate

Personal Liability of Shareholders in Alberta

Corporate Complacency: Staying on the Right Side of the Law in Alberta

Legal Aspects of Buying a Home in Calgary: What You Should Know Before Your Move

The Biggest Hike of 2024: Alberta's Land Titles Registration Fees Increase

How the Bank of Canada Rate Cut Impacts the Real Estate Market and Borrowers

The Complexities of Fixtures in Home Properties and Their Impact on Property Transactions

Introducing Canada's 2025 Work Permit Policy

New Canada Home Care Worker Immigration Pilots

Canada Implementing Greater Restrictions on Work Permits for Family Members

New Hope for Rejected Study Permits Commencing October 1, 2024

Who Will Compensate Me For My Damages Under the New Alberta Auto Insurance Scheme?

Recent Alberta Automobile Insurance System Reforms

"Slip 'n Fall" and Occupier Liability: Hypothetical Case Review in Alberta

Dr. Charles Osuji – A Legacy in the Making

Christie Eze, Senior Associate – Calgary Employment Lawyer Interview

Rowan Fisher Interview – Managing Lawyer, Immigration Division

The Pitfalls of Relying on ChatGPT for Legal Advice

Need legal advice?Talk to our team today.

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Need legal advice?
Talk to our team today.