Menu
Lidstone & Company is a law firm dedicated to acting on behalf of local governments in Alberta and British Columbia. We are your “in-house” counsel to provide you with the full range of legal services you need to effectively carry out your local government responsibilities. Each of our lawyers possesses specialized knowledge and expertise in municipal law and we collaborate closely with you to provide you with legal solutions you desire on schedule.
Lidstone & Company exclusively represents local governments and public agencies. We do not act for developers, realtors, banks, resource companies, or interest groups. We look after local government. Period.
Our lawyers maintain outstanding academic and professional credentials. We have developed comprehensive precedents for all subject matters and maintain extraordinary library and research facilities to serve your needs.
We encourage each lawyer to provide 75 hours annually of pro bono service to charitable non-profit entities whose interests align with our clients. Additionally, our firm is implementing a social, environmental, and economic sustainability plan based on The Natural Step framework.
Lidstone & Company has established a reputation for successful litigation—defending claims, defending bylaws, and enforcing bylaws. This success stems from our dedicated litigation lawyers who specialize in municipal law disputes, not just general practitioners who occasionally litigate.
Our team of lawyers operates in areas of deep local government expertise. Our five senior lawyers contribute over 150 years of combined experience, with our entire legal team exceeding 200 years of collective expertise. We implement a proactive, preventative approach that effectively reduces risk, and we’re recognized for our exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
Maintaining compliance with Alberta’s legal standards is essential for municipalities and public agencies. We provide guidance on legislative interpretation, policy development, and risk management, helping clients draft bylaws, negotiate agreements, and ensure regulatory adherence.
Navigating Alberta’s complex regulatory landscape requires specialized expertise. Our services include strategic problem-solving with innovative legal strategies to mitigate risk and ensure regulatory compliance across all aspects of local government operations.
We guide municipalities through annexations, amalgamations, and regional agreements.
Support for municipal mergers and partnerships that meet provincial standards.
We create bylaws and agreements that safeguard local governance.
Lidstone & Company provides specialized expertise in complex legal disputes unique to Alberta municipalities. We represent local governments before administrative boards and tribunals including the Land and Property Rights Tribunal and Municipal Government Board, develop comprehensive bylaw prosecution and enforcement strategies with specialized knowledge of provincial offenses procedures, and navigate complex judicial review applications and statutory appeals to protect municipal decisions from legal challenges. Our approach combines litigation expertise with deep understanding of municipal governance frameworks, helping Alberta’s local governments effectively resolve disputes while maintaining public confidence in municipal decision-making processes.
Local governments face unique challenges in balancing community needs with environmental responsibilities. Our services include:
Sustainable Development Planning: Guiding municipalities through the creation of environmentally responsible development plans that meet provincial requirements while addressing community concerns and long-term sustainability goals.
Indigenous Consultation & Reconciliation: Providing expert guidance on meaningful consultation processes with Indigenous communities, helping local governments build respectful relationships and develop collaborative agreements that honor rights and traditions.
Climate Action Legal Framework: Assisting municipalities in developing legally sound climate action plans, implementing green infrastructure initiatives, and navigating the complex regulatory landscape of environmental compliance.
We support local governments in their commitment to community well-being and environmental stewardship, helping create resilient communities that thrive while protecting natural resources for future generations.
Lidstone & Company is committed to providing municipalities, businesses, and organizations in Alberta with effective legal solutions. Our deep knowledge of the province’s regulatory landscape allows us to offer precise, informed counsel tailored to Alberta’s legal environment.
Get Expert Legal Guidance Today. Our firm provides strategic legal support for Alberta’s municipalities and public agencies. Contact us to discuss your legal needs and explore how we can assist you.