Complex commercial disputes require clear strategy, industry insight, and calm in the storm. Sean Kelly brings all three.
Sean Kelly is a skilled commercial litigator with extensive experience in construction, infrastructure, and complex contractual disputes. He brings over a decade of legal and strategic insight to clients navigating high-stakes litigation across Canada’s public and private sectors.
Sean has appeared before all levels of court in Alberta, as well as in national and international arbitrations. His practice includes billion-dollar trials, multi-party arbitrations, and municipal and regulatory matters involving energy, utilities, infrastracture and industrial clients. He is known for his ability to manage complex files efficiently, with a focus on aligning legal strategy with commercial objectives.
Fluent in English and French, Sean regularly advises clients in bilingual and cross-border matters, including mandates involving European contractors and an Indian manufacturer. He also contributes to the firm’s growing appellate and opinions practice, with experience preparing complex commercial opinions to guide litigation and business strategy, particularly in the utilities and petrochemical sectors.
He began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honourable Justice Louis LeBel at the Supreme Court of Canada, and later served as bilingual legal counsel at the Alberta Court of Appeal. Sean holds dual civil and common law degrees from McGill University, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in History and Medieval Studies. Now based in British Columbia, he is committed to mentorship, collaboration, and effective advocacy.
Work Highlights
Successfully defended a multi-year public procurement contract, preserving a major infrastructure award challenged through judicial review in Alberta.
Acted as counsel to the City of Ottawa and OC Transpo in the public inquiry into the Light Rail Transit Project, advising on procurement, governance, and regulatory issues.
Represented Vale Canada Ltd. in cross-jurisdictional contractual disputes related to the Voisey’s Bay Mining Project, involving complex supply chain and project delivery matters.
Services
| Drafting of written interlocutory, trial, appellate, and arbitral submissions | Preparation of complex commercial opinions |
| Management of high-volume document production and review | Contract review and drafting |
| Representation in mediation processes | Negotiation and drafting of settlement agreements |
| Enforcement of trial judgments |