Contact Us
Office of General Counsel
ß÷ßäÉçÇø
7-037 University Commons
11308 - 89 Avenue NW
Edmonton, AB T6G 2N8
Canada
Telephone: 780-492-8995
Fax: 780-492-8990
Roles and Responsibilities
John Lemieux
General Counsel
780-492-8997
jlemieu1@ualberta.ca
John Lemieux, (BA (Hons), JD, LLM), is the General Counsel at the ß÷ßäÉçÇø. In this role, he is responsible for providing comprehensive legal advice and counsel to the University, its Board of Governors, administration, and various departments on a wide range of legal matters. John oversees all legal affairs at the University, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, mitigating legal risks, and protecting the University's interests.
An experienced legal professional, John leads the University's legal team, guiding them in corporate/commercial matters, regulatory compliance, privacy and cybersecurity, and governance matters. His extensive background includes serving as a Partner at Dentons Canada LLP for nearly a decade, where he focused on these key areas.
John is an experienced lawyer with an established commitment to public service and community building. In addition to his role with the University, John sits on the Board of Directors of the Art Gallery of ß÷ßäÉçÇø. He is a proud alumnus of the ß÷ßäÉçÇø.
- negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts
- manages the relationship with external legal counsel
- drafts and reviews policies and procedures
- provides legal education
- liaises with internal and external stakeholders
Kimberly Marchuk
Legal Assistant to the Office of General Counsel
780-492-8995
kimberly.marchuk@ualberta.ca
- revises various legal documents and contracts
- conducts legal research
- arranges and co-ordinates meetings and events
- manages calendar and schedules meetings/appointments for the entire Office of General Counsel
- establishes and maintains confidential files and record-keeping systems
- budget
- meeting minutes
- general office management
Jaxine Oltean
Associate General Counsel
780-492-1237
jaxine.oltean@ualberta.ca
Jaxine Oltean graduated from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø Faculty of Law in 2000. Prior to joining the ß÷ßäÉçÇø in December of 2014, she was counsel for the Attorney General of Canada in the Department of Justice Canada for 12 years, with a focus on civil litigation and administrative law.
- provides legal advice in the areas of human rights, privacy, administrative and constitutional law
- delivers internal legal education sessions in the above areas
- supervises and works with external counsel on the handling of litigation
- advises and collaborates on the development of policies and procedures
Darin McKinley
Senior Legal Counsel
780-492-4877
darin.mckinley@ualberta.ca
Darin McKinley graduated from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø Faculty of Law in 2007. Prior to joining the ß÷ßäÉçÇø in April of 2013, he articled and practised with the law firm Emery Jamieson LLP.
- negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts
- provides legal advice on administrative law matters
- engages in legal projects, including reviewing legislation and identifying areas of risk to the university
- provides legal advice to faculties and other university business units
- oversees handling of legal matters by external counsel
- assists with registration of university trademarks and official marks
- provides legal education
Ben Esch
Senior Legal Counsel
780-492-4721
besch@ualberta.ca
Ben Esch graduated from the ß÷ßäÉçÇø Faculty of Law in 2012. Prior to joining the ß÷ßäÉçÇø in June of 2016, he articled and practised with a large Edmonton law firm.
- negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts
- provides legal advice on real estate and financial matters
- provides legal advice to faculties and other University business units
- oversees handling of legal matters by external counsel
- provides legal education
Anthony Purgas
Senior Legal Counsel - Labour & Employment
825-963-5809
purgas@ualberta.ca
Anthony Purgas graduated from the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law in 2009 and was called to the bar in British Columbia and ß÷ßäÉçÇø. He has practised in labour and employment law in both British Columbia and ß÷ßäÉçÇø since 2010. Prior to joining the ß÷ßäÉçÇø in April 2024, he practised with a large Edmonton law firm.
- negotiates, drafts and reviews contracts
- provides legal advice on the areas of human rights, health and safety law, collective agreement review, and other labour and employment matters
- provides legal advice to faculties and other University business units
- oversees handling of legal matters by external counsel
- provides legal education