Alberta Family Law Practice, 2026 Edition

Justice Sherry L. Kachur holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) degree and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta. She first articled, and was called to the Bar, in British Columbia, and subsequently continued her practice in Alberta.

For most of her career, Justice Kachur has practised primarily in the area of family law, and until her appointment to the Court of King’s Bench in June 2020, as a partner and co-founder of WK Family Lawyers LLP (originally Widdowson Kachur Ostwald Menzies LLP). She sat as the decision maker in numerous arbitral proceedings. She is a past president of the Calgary Bar Association and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2012.

As a frequent speaker and contributor to the family law bar, Justice Kachur has been an instructor at the Alberta Bar Admission course and numerous Legal Education Society of Alberta events. She has presented at the Federation of Law Societies’ National Family Law Program, Canadian Bar Association events, and the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Investigative and Forensic Accounting Conference. Access to justice, particularly as it relates to family matters, has been an important part of her career. She has been a volunteer at the Calgary Women’s Centre and has served as dispute resolution officer.

Scot D.E. Menzies is a partner and co-founder of WK Family Lawyers LLP. Scot guides his clients through difficult circumstances and towards an individually-suited resolution Utilizing a collaborative and cooperative approach, Scot emphasizes an amicable and resolution-based approach to family legal matters. Scot maintains a litigation practice as well, and has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta. Scot also acts as a mediator and arbitrator of family law matters.

A native Calgarian, Scot was called to the Alberta Bar in 2000. He began his career as a general civil and commercial litigator, but devoted his practice exclusively to family law in 2003. Scot earned his B. Sc. in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology from the University of Calgary in 1996 and his LL.B. from the University of Alberta in 1999.

Scot has presented frequently, including at the Legal Education Society of Alberta, the Federation of Law Societies’ National Family Law Program, and the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association. Scot has also served for a number of years as a dispute resolution officer as well as a Sessional Instructor at the University of Calgary, Faculty of Law.

Jessica A. MacDonald is a partner at WK Family Lawyers LLP, where she is dedicated to guiding clients through complex and emotional matters with a balance of strong advocacy and practical, resolution-focused advice.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Jessica earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia focusing on environmental science and marine pollution before moving to Alberta for law school. She was called to the Alberta Bar in 2014 and has appeared at all levels of court in the province. In addition to her litigation practice, Jessica enjoys acting as Mediator and Arbitrator, helping families resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. 

Beyond her practice, Jessica is passionate about giving back to the legal profession and the community. She has authored materials for LexisNexis Canada's Practical Guidance, co-authored and presented at programs, including the Federation of Law Societies’ National Family Law Program and the Legal Education Society of Alberta. She also stays involved with the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law, and volunteers with both law-based and community-based organizations. Outside of work, Jessica stays busy spending time with her partner, two children, stepchild and dog.