Tristen Pomerance

Tristen Pomerance is a Calgary-based construction lawyer and the founder of Legally Built, a boutique firm dedicated to proactive, practical legal solutions for the construction industry. Her practice spans contract drafting and negotiation, risk management, and complex dispute resolution.

Before launching Legally Built, Tristen served as in-house counsel for an international general contractor, leading multimillion-dollar disputes and advising on major infrastructure and building projects across Canada. Earlier in her career, she practiced litigation at a national and local boutique firm, appearing before every level of Court in Alberta and the Federal Court of Canada.

Tristen’s combined experience as client, in-house counsel, and external counsel gives her a 360-degree perspective on construction law and a rare ability to see each issue from every side of the table.

Core Practice Areas

Construction dispute resolution

Project structuring & compliance

Contract drafting & negotiation

Risk management & governance

Career highlights

Aux Sable Liquid Products LP v. JL Energy Transportation Inc., 2019 FC 581

Key member of the trial team in a multi-week Federal Court of Canada case on patent infringement and pipeline technology.

The Elephant Case  | Zoocheck Canada Inc. v. Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, 2019 ABCA 208

Tristen served as second chair in this widely covered appellate matter involving the proposed relocation of Lucy the elephant from the Edmonton Valley Zoo. The case drew global attention and reinforced Tristen’s belief that creativity and compassion are essential to great legal work.

$100MM Multiparty Arbitration

Acted as in-house counsel liaison and strategist on a multi-party dispute involving private, public and insolvent entities, resolved successfully prior to hearing.

  • Acted as Privacy Officer and key lead for project oversight while serving as a member of corporate ESG and Cybersecurity committees.

    Privacy, ESG & Cybersecurity Leadership

  • Corus Radio Inc. v. Harvard Broadcasting Inc., 2019 ABQB 880 defended trademark and copyright infringement injunction regarding the use of “Power” radio branding.

    Trademark & Copyright Defence

  • Acted for the first Canadian case addressing whether the pandemic and economic downturn invalidated an acquisition agreement with a public company.

    First Canadian COVID-19 Case

  • Lead in-house counsel on a complex $40M dispute involving design issues at a correctional hospital.

    Public–Private Partnership Dispute

  • Lead counsel on a $150MM five-year term contract review for maintenance and turnaround services across Alberta and Ontario, and counsel on a $90M private geriatric care facility.

    Major Infrastructure & Energy Projects

  • Successfully represented clients in high-profile safety and compliance proceedings, including a fatality inquiry and the withdrawal of more than 30 bylaw charges, combining practical industry insight with effective advocacy.

    Occupational Health & Safety Defence

Awards & recognition

Nominee, Canadian In-House Counsel “Up & Comer” Award (2023)

Recipient, King’s Bench Amicus Volunteer of the Year (2019)

Professional Writing Award, Saylor Academy (2022)

International Achievement Scholarships, Cardiff University (2013 – 2015)

Blackstone Statutes Prize for Criminal Law, Oxford University (2013)

Speaking &
thought leadership

Society of Construction Law North America
Conference Committee (Nashville, 2026)

National Construction Defect Conference
Perrin Conferences (New Orleans, 2025)

Dispute Clauses & Complex Construction Litigation
CBA Alberta South (2023)

Managing Risk in Construction Contracts & Projects
Canadian Institute (Edmonton, 2023)

Regular presenter and trainer on contract strategy and risk management for construction professionals nationwide

Education & accreditation

BA, Mount Royal University | Dean’s Honour Roll (2012)

LLB, Cardiff University | First Class Honours (2015)

National Committee on Accreditation Certification, Federation of Law Societies of Canada (2015)

Law Society of Alberta | Member (2017–Present)

Professional & community involvement

Canadian Bar Association
Construction Law Section

Canadian Association of Women in Construction

Calgary Women in Energy

Habitat for Humanity
Southern Alberta

Young Leaders in Infrastructure

Pro Bono Law Alberta | King’s Bench Court Assistance Program

“I’ve sat in nearly every seat on a project as the client, in-house counsel, and external counsel. That perspective shapes how I build practical legal strategies that keep projects moving.”

— Tristen Pomerance, Founder, Legally Built