Ken was born in Red Deer Alberta as the oldest of three children and lived on the family farm in his early years.
When he was 15, he sold his first motorcycle and worked every summer on construction jobs to help pay for tuition and room and board while attending Father Athol Murray’s Notre Dame College for his last years of high school in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. He spent three years as a civilian instructor with the Air Cadets. He then moved on to Mount Royal College for one year before transferring to the University of Calgary for the next two years. He obtained his law degree in 1977 from the University of Alberta. Working as an Articling Student with the firms Bassie Shymko Hladen Sitko & Kantor, he was admitted to the Bar in 1978 and has practiced with the firms Bassie Shymko Hladen Sitko & Kantor and has been a partner in the firms of Sitko Braithwaite, Braithwaite Kolthammer & Vigen, and, finally, Braithwaite Boyle. Throughout his career, he has been involved for over 47 years with Personal Injury Litigation as a Plaintiffs Counsel beginning in 1977.
A sustaining member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, a Founding member of the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association (ACTLA), and former Vice President of ACTLA, Ken has spent years advancing jurisprudence in Alberta. He has been responsible for organizing and chairing various seminars including seminars put on in conjunction with the Legal Education Society of Alberta and was a member of the British Columbia Trial Lawyers Association.
The pain and suffering found in serious accidents is something Ken understands from first hand experience in addition to his legal career. In 2017, he was involved in a vehicle accident that left him with a fractured C1, C7, and T1 vertebrae on his spinal column, among other serious injuries. He spent over five months in the hospital recovering in two different countries before finally being discharged. He required extensive rehabilitation and treatment to relearn how to walk and resume regular daily activities. This accident provided him with a greater appreciation of what it feels like to be seriously injured and disabled in an accident and a fervor to help his clients.
Throughout the years, Ken has been a director and officer of numerous companies, advisory boards and charities, including many years on the Edmonton Alano Club Board, of which he had the privilege of being the chairman for four years.
Outside of work, Ken is an avid motorcyclist, science fiction reader, fisherman, ATV enthusiast and outdoors person.
Katherine was born and raised in Nova Scotia. She obtained her BA from the University of Western Ontario in 1992, and her Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta in 1996.
Katherine has appeared in Provincial Court, the Court of Queen’s Bench and the Alberta Court of Appeal. She also has extensive experience with alternate dispute resolution and has conducted numerous judicial dispute resolutions and mediations all in an effort to achieve an efficient and fair resolution of claims.
Having worked for both Insurance companies and the injured parties, Katherine has considerable knowledge of personal injury files from both sides of the table. This knowledge assists in ensuring our clients obtain fair and reasonable compensation. It is important that all of her clients feel informed and respected throughout the process.
In her spare time, Katherine enjoys golf and travelling.
James is a seasoned personal injury lawyer at Braithwaite Boyle Injury Law Firm. Throughout his tenure he has shown dedication to guiding clients through complex legal challenges with empathy and expertise. His decision to pursue a career in law was shaped by a mentor whose guidance demonstrated the power of law as a tool for justice and meaningful change. This foundation instilled in James a passion for problem-solving and building strong, trusting relationships with clients.
Before entering law, James worked with the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) and as a Child Care Counsellor at Yellowhead Youth Centre. These experiences honed his ability to connect with people and address their needs, skills he continues to apply in his legal practice. Since being admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1998, James has exclusively practiced personal injury law, focusing on helping clients secure fair compensation and peace of mind.
James draws on his psychology degree to better understand and communicate with his clients, ensuring they feel heard and supported throughout the legal process. He stays current on legal developments by reviewing recent court decisions and articles, enabling him to provide informed, strategic advice.
Outside the office, James enjoys traveling, yoga, and cycling, activities that enrich his perspective and foster mindfulness and balance. A devoted husband and father, he values family above all else, a priority that informs his compassionate approach to both his personal and professional life. James also finds fulfillment in mentoring young lawyers, shaping their growth, and contributing to the legal profession’s future.
Mel grew up on a farm near Enchant, Alberta. After graduating from Vauxhall High School in 1985, Mel attended one year at the University of Lethbridge before transferring to the University of Alberta, where he graduated with his B.A. in 1989 and LL.B. in 1993.
Mel articled at Bryan & Company in Edmonton, Alberta, where he passed the Alberta Bar in 1994. Originally thinking of pursuing environmental law, Mel decided to solely practice personal injury law due to his commitment to helping people and ensuring that those facing injuries are given a fair payout from insurance companies. He was inspired by the real-life, positive impact he could make through personal injury law. Mel moved to Calgary in 1996 and has practiced personal injury law with James H. Brown & Associates, Mangat & Company and Braithwaite Boyle (where he has been practicing since 2001).
While personal injury law has changed significantly since Mel began his tenure at Braithwaite Boyle, the focus of his practice has never changed: helping individuals obtain fair compensation for the injuries that they’ve suffered because of the negligence of others. That’s the bottom line.
Away from the office, Mel continues to enjoy sports and travel. He has been involved as a Director for the Female program with Okotoks Minor Hockey Association and continues to support minor hockey in the Okotoks area. When not at the rink, Mel will most often be found at a baseball diamond watching his son play with the Okotoks Dawgs Baseball Academy – who are currently three-time WMBL champions! Most vacations are now spent watching his kids play either hockey or baseball.
John developed an early interest in law through high school courses and a mock trial competition, which led to him pursuing a law degree after completing a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1991. After obtaining a Bachelor of Laws in 1994, John began a legal career in New Brunswick, practicing personal injury law from 1995 to 1998. Shifting to criminal law in Alberta from 1998 to 2000, he gained experience in different areas before joining Braithwaite Boyle in 2001, where he has been committed to client advocacy ever since.
John is consistent and thorough in case preparation, working to see each case through to a solid conclusion. By staying up-to-date with case law, he ensures clients receive fair compensation, informed by current legal standards. Outside of work, John enjoys hiking and staying active, finding balance in both professional and personal life.
Melina’s path to law was shaped by her experience arriving in Canada a young refugee. This life-changing journey opened her eyes to the profound impact of injustice and the essential role of law in protecting rights. These early experiences fuel her dedication to advocacy and justice, inspiring her to represent clients who might otherwise lack a voice.
Melina holds a BA in Humanities from the University of Calgary and a law degree from the University of Manitoba. She started her law career articling at Braithwaite Boyle, and she has been there ever since, providing compassionate and diligent representation to her clients for over ten years.
Melina approaches every case with purpose and determination, ensuring that her clients receive not only strong representation but also empathetic support through what can often be a difficult journey. Beyond her legal work, she gives back to the community as a Big Sister with Big Brothers and Sisters of Canada, and in her spare time she is an avid cyclist and enjoys exploring the world, both near and far.
Shahum’s decision to enter law was rooted in a desire to create greater trust in the justice system through representing Canada’s diverse communities. During law school, his skill in competitive moot courts sparked a strong interest in litigation, shaping his path toward personal injury law. Before joining Braithwaite Boyle, Shahum articled at a boutique personal injury firm in Calgary and gained experience in employment and administrative law, appearing before courts on various matters. His background in science, gained through his undergraduate studies, gives him an advantage when analyzing medical records, deepening his insight into injury cases.
At Braithwaite Boyle, Shahum approaches personal injury law with genuine empathy. He recognizes the profound challenges his clients face after motor vehicle accidents and works tirelessly to secure fair compensation that helps them regain stability. His thoughtful approach emphasizes listening closely to clients’ stories, ensuring they feel respected and understood.
A career-defining moment for Shahum occurred during a mediation involving an elderly client whose life had been significantly affected by her injuries. Instead of focusing solely on legal arguments, he encouraged his client to speak openly about how her life had changed. Her honest, heartfelt narrative transformed the mediation environment, leading to a settlement far beyond initial expectations. This experience reinforced for Shahum the power of storytelling in achieving justice for his clients.
Outside work, Shahum enjoys golfing, clay and skeet shooting in the mountains, and spending quality time with his family. These activities help him recharge and bring renewed focus and balance to his role as an advocate.
