Get the expertise of a whole firm on your side
Cody P. Stokowski
Family, Crypto and Tax Lawyer
Cody embarked on his legal career after completing his undergraduate studies in business management and economics at the University of Alberta. He furthered his expertise by pursuing a law degree in Australia, becoming accredited to practice law in both Canada and Australia. Currently, Cody is enhancing his legal acumen with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation Law at Osgoode Hall of Law.
Cody has been practicing family law since 2019 and is one of few lawyers in Alberta with a certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law. His approach prioritizes fostering open communication, minimizing conflicts, and resolving matters pragmatically to resolve matters related to parenting, support, and property division. With extensive litigation experience, Cody adeptly advocates for his clients when necessary.
Cody's courtroom and arbitration experience encompasses various dispute resolution forums, including appearances in the Alberta Court of Justice and the Alberta Court of King’s Bench. He has successfully handled a diverse range of cases, from mobility hearings, to international child abduction matters, and specializes in areas such as child and spousal support claims, corporate matrimonial/family property division, and tax issues.
Cody is a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual, and has published articles on Digital Assets in the divorce context.
Beyond his legal practice, Cody is dedicated to serving his community. He has volunteered with Calgary Legal Guidance and provided pro-bono legal services during law school. Committed to making a positive impact, Cody remains actively involved in community initiatives like volunteering his time at the Mustard Seed, while balancing his role as a father.
Areas: Divorce/Family Law, Tax Law, Web3, Blockchain, and Metaverse Law
-
Master of Law (Tax), Osgoode Hall of Law (currently enrolled)
-
Certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law, Osgood Hall of Law
-
Certified Blockchain and Law Professional, Blockchain Council
-
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, The College of Law Australia
-
Get ready for Blockchain: Short Course, University of Technology Sydney
-
NCA Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies
-
Bond University, Juris Doctor, 2018 (First Class Distinction)
-
University of Alberta, Bachelor of Management in Business and Economics, 2015 (First Class Distinction)
-
-
Law Society of Alberta 2020
-
Victoria Supreme Court (Australia) 2021
-
-
Law Society of Alberta
-
Law Institute of Victoria (Australia)
-
Canadian Bar Association
-
Calgary Bar Association
-
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
-
Saranjit Dhindsa
Family.
Meet Saranjit Dhindsa, a dedicated family lawyer with additional experience in intellectual property law / policy and employment law. Saranjit’s goal is to serve her clients with empathy and understanding, while solving problems with long-term solutions.
Saranjit holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Law and Society and English from York University. Her dedication to legal excellence is reflected in her participation in various moot competitions and her contributions as a research assistant. Notably, her work as a research assistant has been integrated into chapters of esteemed publications, including the Palgrave Handbook of Gendered Violence and Technology.
Saranjit gained immense experience working at a reputable family law firm in Calgary before joining Stokes Law. She gained experience in parenting, child support and guardianship matters, and has represented clients at docket court, morning chambers, urgent chambers, Early Intervention Case Conferences and private mediation. This hands-on experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for individuals navigating complex legal processes. While Saranjit does not hesitate to attend Court if necessary, she has a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution. It’s her belief that the most cost-effective solution and fulsome solution can often be found outside of court, so long as parties put their children and futures first.
Prior to entering the realm of family law, Saranjit articled with the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, where she assisted in the development of copyright and trademark law and policy on a domestic and international landscape. After completing articles, she spent time at a small, full-service firm, where she gained experience in the area of employment law.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients, Saranjit Dhindsa continues to advocate tirelessly for individuals facing family law challenges, providing them with compassionate and effective legal representation.
When not at the office, Saranjit can be found catching up on shows from the past, working on her own blog in fashion and intellectual property law or diving headfirst into learning a new skill.
-
Outside her legal practice, Saranjit is committed to giving back to her community. Her involvement in volunteer projects such as the PBSC’s Emergency Protection Order Project, Civil Claims Duty Counsel Project, and Trans ID Clinic Project underscores her commitment to access to justice and serving marginalized communities.
-
-
Bar Call, Law Society of Alberta (2023)
-
Bar Call, Law Society of Ontario (2023)
-
-
English
-
Punjabi
-
-
Master of Law (Tax), Osgoode Hall of Law (currently enrolled)
-
Certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law, Osgood Hall of Law
-
Certified Blockchain and Law Professional, Blockchain Council
-
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, The College of Law Australia
-
Get ready for Blockchain: Short Course, University of Technology Sydney
-
NCA Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies
-
Bond University, Juris Doctor, 2018 (First Class Distinction)
-
University of Alberta, Bachelor of Management in Business and Economics, 2015 (First Class Distinction)
-
-
Law Society of Alberta 2020
-
Victoria Supreme Court (Australia) 2021
-
-
Law Society of Alberta
-
Law Institute of Victoria (Australia)
-
Canadian Bar Association
-
Calgary Bar Association
-
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
-
Cody P. Stokowski
Family, Crypto and Tax Lawyer
Cody embarked on his legal career after completing his undergraduate studies in business management and economics at the University of Alberta. He furthered his expertise by pursuing a law degree in Australia, becoming accredited to practice law in both Canada and Australia. Currently, Cody is enhancing his legal acumen with a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation Law at Osgoode Hall of Law.
Cody has been practicing family law since 2019 and is one of few lawyers in Alberta with a certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law. His approach prioritizes fostering open communication, minimizing conflicts, and resolving matters pragmatically to resolve matters related to parenting, support, and property division. With extensive litigation experience, Cody adeptly advocates for his clients when necessary.
Cody's courtroom and arbitration experience encompasses various dispute resolution forums, including appearances in the Alberta Court of Justice and the Alberta Court of King’s Bench. He has successfully handled a diverse range of cases, from mobility hearings, to international child abduction matters, and specializes in areas such as child and spousal support claims, corporate matrimonial/family property division, and tax issues.
Cody is a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual, and has published articles on Digital Assets in the divorce context.
Beyond his legal practice, Cody is dedicated to serving his community. He has volunteered with Calgary Legal Guidance and provided pro-bono legal services during law school. Committed to making a positive impact, Cody remains actively involved in community initiatives like volunteering his time at the Mustard Seed, while balancing his role as a father.
Areas: Divorce/Family Law, Tax Law, Web3, Blockchain, and Metaverse Law
-
Master of Law (Tax), Osgoode Hall of Law (currently enrolled)
-
Certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law, Osgood Hall of Law
-
Certified Blockchain and Law Professional, Blockchain Council
-
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, The College of Law Australia
-
Get ready for Blockchain: Short Course, University of Technology Sydney
-
NCA Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies
-
Bond University, Juris Doctor, 2018 (First Class Distinction)
-
University of Alberta, Bachelor of Management in Business and Economics, 2015 (First Class Distinction)
-
-
Master of Law in Dispute Resolution – Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario (Class of 2025)
-
Juris Doctor - University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Class of 2019
-
Bachelor of Journalism, First Class Combined Honours in Political Science
-
University of King’s College, Halifax, Nova Scotia Class of 2014
-
-
Law Society of Alberta – Called to the Bar in 2020
-
Association of Women Lawyers – Member
-
Alberta Family Lawyers Association – Member
-
Calgary Bar Association – Member
-
-
English
-
Afrikaans
-
Jana de Waal
Family Lawyer and Mediator
Jana de Waal was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and she immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age. She pursued her undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honors in Political Science at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Post-graduation, Jana ventured back to South Africa, finding her footing as a Junior Policy Officer for the Canadian High Commission in Johannesburg. Transitioning into the realm of Public Relations, she honed her skills as an Account Executive before founding her own non-profit organization, driven by a passion for social impact.
In 2016, Jana relocated to Calgary to pursue her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Calgary. Following her legal education, she worked at Alberta Justice, immersing herself in the intricacies of family law by navigating the complexities of the legal system on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services. Jana started working in the private family law sphere.
Jana's journey led her to serve as a Crown Prosecutor, where she confronted legal challenges head-on, navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of criminal legal matters, enabling her to offer unique support to her clients.
Motivated by a desire to guide individuals through life's most challenging moments, Jana channels her passion for advocacy into her current role at Stokes Law. Specializing in all facets of family law, including divorce, child support, spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship applications and property division, she approaches each case with compassion and resolve. Dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions and minimizing conflict, Jana remains steadfast in her commitment to achieving positive outcomes for her clients, particularly through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. Jana is a recent editor of the Legal Education Society of Alberta Family Law Practice Manual, and she is currently obtaining her Masters of Law degree in Dispute Resolution.
Jana de Waal
Family.
Jana de Waal was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and she immigrated to Canada with her family at a young age.
She pursued her undergraduate degree in Journalism and achieved first-class combined honors in Political Science at the University of King’s College in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Post-graduation, Jana ventured back to South Africa, finding her footing as a Junior Policy Officer for the Canadian High Commission in Johannesburg. Transitioning into the realm of Public Relations, she honed her skills as an Account Executive before founding her own non-profit organization, driven by a passion for social impact.
In 2016, Jana relocated to Calgary to pursue her Juris Doctor degree at the University of Calgary. Following her legal education, she worked at Alberta Justice, immersing herself in the intricacies of family law by navigating the complexities of the legal system on behalf of Child and Family Services, Maintenance and Enforcement, and Child Support Services. Jana started working in the private family law sphere.
Jana's journey led her to serve as a Crown Prosecutor, where she confronted legal challenges head-on, navigating the nuances of criminal trials. This diverse experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of criminal legal matters, enabling her to offer unique support to her clients.
Motivated by a desire to guide individuals through life's most challenging moments, Jana channels her passion for advocacy into her current role at Stokes Law. Specializing in all facets of family law, including divorce, child support, spousal support, parenting disputes, guardianship applications and property division, she approaches each case with compassion and resolve. Dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions and minimizing conflict, Jana remains steadfast in her commitment to achieving positive outcomes for her clients, particularly through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. Jana is currently obtaining her Master of Law degree in Dispute Resolution.
-
Master of Law (Tax), Osgoode Hall of Law (currently enrolled)
-
Certification in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law, Osgood Hall of Law
-
Certified Blockchain and Law Professional, Blockchain Council
-
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, The College of Law Australia
-
Get ready for Blockchain: Short Course, University of Technology Sydney
-
NCA Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies
-
Bond University, Juris Doctor, 2018 (First Class Distinction)
-
University of Alberta, Bachelor of Management in Business and Economics, 2015 (First Class Distinction)
-
-
Master of Law in Dispute Resolution – Osgoode Hall Law School, Toronto, Ontario (Class of 2025)
-
Juris Doctor - University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Class of 2019
-
Bachelor of Journalism, First Class Combined Honours in Political Science
-
University of King’s College, Halifax, Nova Scotia Class of 2014
-
-
Law Society of Alberta – Called to the Bar in 2020
-
Association of Women Lawyers – Member
-
Alberta Family Lawyers Association – Member
-
Calgary Bar Association – Member
-
-
English
-
Afrikaans
-
Rikesh Wadhwa
Wills & Estates, Family Lawyer
Rikesh pursued his legal education overseas, studying law at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, where he obtained his Bachelor of Law degree. Upon completion, he was called to the bar in 2015, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
With a focus on Family Law and Wills and Estates, Rikesh has developed a comprehensive understanding of these practice areas. His practice encompasses a wide range of matters, from uncontested desk divorces to complex high conflict disputes involving custody, parenting time, child support, section 7 expenses, spousal support, and guideline income determinations. He has successfully guided clients through court applications at multiple levels of Court for these issues.
Rikesh is dedicated to providing personalized support tailored to each client's unique circumstances. He recognizes the complexities inherent in legal matters and strives to establish meaningful connections with his clients, taking the time to understand their individual needs and concerns. With compassion and diligence, he navigates them through the legal process, ensuring they receive the assistance they need.
Saranjit Dhindsa
Family Lawyer
Meet Saranjit Dhindsa, a dedicated family lawyer with additional experience in intellectual property law / policy and employment law. Saranjit’s goal is to serve her clients with empathy and understanding, while solving problems with long-term solutions.
Saranjit holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Law and Society and English from York University. Her dedication to legal excellence is reflected in her participation in various moot competitions and her contributions as a research assistant. Notably, her work as a research assistant has been integrated into chapters of esteemed publications, including the Palgrave Handbook of Gendered Violence and Technology.
Saranjit gained immense experience working at a reputable family law firm in Calgary before joining Stokes Law. She gained experience in parenting, child support and guardianship matters, and has represented clients at docket court, morning chambers, urgent chambers, Early Intervention Case Conferences and private mediation. This hands-on experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for individuals navigating complex legal processes. While Saranjit does not hesitate to attend Court if necessary, she has a strong interest in Alternative Dispute Resolution. It’s her belief that the most cost-effective solution and fulsome solution can often be found outside of court, so long as parties put their children and futures first.
Prior to entering the realm of family law, Saranjit articled with the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, where she assisted in the development of copyright and trademark law and policy on a domestic and international landscape. After completing articles, she spent time at a small, full-service firm, where she gained experience in the area of employment law.
Driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of her clients, Saranjit Dhindsa continues to advocate tirelessly for individuals facing family law challenges, providing them with compassionate and effective legal representation.
When not at the office, Saranjit can be found catching up on shows from the past, working on her own blog in fashion and intellectual property law or diving headfirst into learning a new skill.
Gerardo Quintero
Student-At-Law
Gerardo Quintero is a dedicated articling student at Stokes Law. Originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, Gerardo has demonstrated a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep passion for the legal profession throughout his journey.
Graduating in 2017 with a law degree from Rafael Urdaneta University in Venezuela, Gerardo moved to Calgary to further his education. He earned a diploma in Business with a major in Management from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in 2020. His commitment to law led him to the Foreign Trained Lawyers Program (FTLP) at the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law, where he excelled and graduated at the top of his class. Concurrently, he met the National Committee on Accreditation requirements, completing all prerequisites to begin his articling in early 2024.
In addition to his legal qualifications, Gerardo holds diplomas in Maritime Business, showcasing his versatile skill set. He is fluent in both English and Spanish and has achieved Delf A2 proficiency in French.
Gerardo's extensive academic background, international experience, and multilingual capabilities make him a valuable asset to Stokes Law. His dedication and hard work embody the firm's commitment to exceptional service and position him as a promising future lawyer ready to contribute significantly to both the firm and the broader legal community.
Shayla Domin
Student-At-Law
Shayla was born and raised in the interior of British Columbia. In 2013, Shayla obtained her Bachelor of Health Science in Addictions Counselling from the University of Lethbridge. In 2019, Shayla obtained LL.B (Honours) from the University of York in the United Kingdom. After moving to Calgary, Shayla completed her NCA accreditation from the University of Calgary in 2023, allowing her to practice law in both Canada and the United Kingdom.
During law school, Shayla volunteered at a pro bono legal clinic, was a student mentor and VP of the Negotiation Society, earning Shayla several awards and recognition for her commitment to her education and community involvement.
Before pursuing law, Shayla worked as a counsellor for the Government of Alberta for four years, with youth and their families. This experience fueled Shayla’s passion for advocating for individuals, ultimately leading her to family law. Shayla is driven by the opportunity to provide comprehensive legal guidance and representation, empowering her clients to navigate complex family matters and protect their legal rights.
Drawing from her diverse background, Shayla understands the emotional complexities inherent in family law. Committed to supporting her clients through challenging times, Shayla approaches each case with empathy and sensitivity. Shayla acknowledges the unique nature of every family law matter and is dedicated to delivering tailored solutions and strategic advocacy. Shayla’s objective is to equip her clients with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions to achieve resolutions that prioritize their well-being and protect their best interest.
Rylan Alston
Articling Student
Rylan is an articling student driven by a genuine passion for family law. He earned his JD from the University of Saskatchewan, where he also volunteered for the Family Law Clinic through Pro Bono Students Canada, offering crucial legal information to clients.
Prior to law school, Rylan cultivated a fascinating and diverse background. He enjoyed a successful career as a Red Seal professional chef, working in well-known kitchens across Calgary after graduating from SAIT. His thirst for knowledge then led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Calgary, graduating in 2020.
This unique combination of experiences underpins Rylan's trauma-informed and empathetic approach to legal practice. He is an exceptional listener, adept at understanding the nuanced needs of his clients. Rylan resolves problems by thoughtfully considering all perspectives and leveraging his thorough understanding of the law, always discerning when to seek compromise and when to vigorously fight for his clients' best interests. He is dedicated to learning more about complex areas of family law, including high-conflict disputes, child intervention, and ensuring robust representation for those navigating mental health challenges or substance abuse issues.
Away from his legal practice, Rylan is a passionate global traveler, having explored diverse cultures across Northern Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia. He thrives on new experiences and is often found hiking in the mountains, baking, running along the Bow River, or with his nose in a book.
Kerri Drake
Office Administrator and Paralegal
With over 16 years of experience exclusively in family law, Kerri is a highly skilled paralegal in navigating complex legal matters. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and commitment to providing value that ensures each client receives the personalized attention they deserve. She is an invaluable support to the legal team at Stokes Law LLP.
Her background as an office administrator further enhances her ability to manage caseloads efficiently while maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism. Kerri’s passion for law was sparked by the film “A Few Good Men” and was the beginning of her legal career as a paralegal.
Brooke Ashbaugh
Paralegal
Brooke was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, she found her passion for the legal world in February 2020 and was hired as a receptionist at a Family Law Firm. After some months of hard work and dedication to the reception role, Brooke was offered a promotion to a Legal Assistant role, and hasn’t looked back since.
With four years of dedicated experience in family law, Brooke combines a deep understanding of the field with a compassionate approach to each case. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills enhance her ability to help families navigate legal challenges with both empathy and professionalism.
In her spare time Brooke enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, working out or relaxing with some popcorn and a movie
Neri Bruze
HR and Office Coordinator
Neri holds a Master of Science in International Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management (Honours) from Kingston University in London, United Kingdom. With over 11 years of experience in London, Neri chose to further her career in Canada, the country she has always dreamt of calling home.
With excellent customer service experience in supporting office operations, Neri brings strong organizational and problem-solving skills to her role. She is skilled at maintaining efficiency, coordinating tasks, and supporting the team to ensure smooth daily operations within the office.
In addition to her professional qualifications, Neri is a proud member of the Royal Canadian Armed Forces reserves, where she provides medical support. In this high-pressure role, Neri serves in the military, demonstrating her dedication to helping others. She embraces challenges and is continually expanding her skill set through training and personal development.
Neri’s diverse background and commitment to helping people makes her a valued member of our team.