Sophie Purnell is a dedicated advocate for workers’ rights. With a background in Human Resources and having worked for the Alberta Human Rights Commission and law firms in Calgary specializing in representing both employers and employees, She has experience and comprehensive knowledge of the complex issues affecting workers today. Sophie primarily represents non-unionized employees, but she has a keen understanding of the unique challenges faced by unionized employees who don’t feel adequately supported by their unions with respect to their workplace matters. She actively explores effective remedies for unionized employees which includes engagement with the government for legislative reforms.
Sophie has experience representing clients in every stage of litigation. She has appeared and represented clients in matters before the Alberta Court of Justice, Alberta’s Court of King’s Bench, the Federal Court of Appeal, the Alberta Labour Relations Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta, Canadian Human Rights Commission, and Canadian Industrial Relations Board.
Prior to founding her own firm, Sophie worked for law firms in Calgary specializing in employment law. Sophie also worked in the legal department of the Alberta Human Rights Commission and assisted judges with legal research as a Student-at-Law for the Alberta Court of Justice. In law school, Sophie volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada, where she represented clients dealing with workplace human rights issues. Before obtaining her law degree from the University of Calgary, she worked in human resources in the oil and gas industry after obtaining her Bachelor of Commerce degree (specializing in Human Resources and Organizational Dynamics) at the Haskayne School of Business.
Sophie volunteers on the Trauma Advisory Committee for the Addiction & Mental Health division within Alberta Health Services. Sophie also provides pro bono immigration advice at the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association.
