Steven has built a reputation for offering sound advice to clients, ensuring they fully understand each step of the litigation process and the broader legal implications of their decisions.

In his labour and employment practice, Steven primarily advises employers on the types of disputes that arise within the workplace. As an active participant in the political arena, he understands the importance of establishing clear goals, developing a concise narrative, and executing on a strategy to achieve results. This approach allows Steven to identify your company’s objectives and vigorously pursue them. His experience representing management also gives him the know-how to obtain the best possible outcome when hired by individual employees.

In Steven’s commercial litigation practice he has acted for private corporations, public entities and individuals in a wide range of disputes. He has developed specialized expertise in the areas of defamation, First Nations litigation, shareholder disputes, restrictive covenants and fiduciary duties. His litigation experience makes an effective advocate in all settings – including settlement negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, chambers, arbitration, and trial.

Steven is active member of the Edmonton community and believes strongly in community service. He supports a wide range of causes that help make the city a better place to live, work, and play.

Education:

• J.D., University of Alberta
• B.Sc., University of Alberta

Awards and Recognition:

• Schoctor Award in Law
• Tom Lancaster Award for Leadership
• Lou Hyndman Edmonton Glenora Award For Leadership
• Merv Leitch, Q.C. Scholarship in Law

Professional Associations, Affiliations and Community Activities:

• National Councillor, Conservative Party of Canada
• Executive Member, University of Alberta Alumni Council
• Member, Rotary Club of Edmonton
• Former Member, University of Alberta Board of Governors
• Former Member, University of Alberta Senate
• Member, various political boards and committees

Steven’s labour and employment practice covers a wide range of issues faced by employers and employees. He counsels a number of large organizations with respect to labour relations, HR policies, privacy issues, terminations, grievances, human rights complaints and employment standards claims. He also regularly acts for employers and senior level employees with respect to contractual reviews, severance analysis, and wrongful or constructive dismissal claims.

Representative Experience:

• Provided labour relations advice to organizations with respect to revocation applications, certification applications, common employer designations, employee associations, and other related issues.
• Represented an equipment supplier with respect to a termination dispute involving a senior level employee shareholder.
• Represented an industrial contractor with respect to a wrongful termination grievance involving multiple grievors.
• Represented a shipping company with regards to human rights complaints made before the Alberta Human Rights Council and the Canadian Human Rights Council.
• Provided employment advice to an Alberta First Nation and its various Band-owned corporate entities.
• Assisted numerous Alberta employers with respect to Employment Standards Code complaints.
• Reviewed and drafted a wide range of executive employment agreements including restrictive covenants and non-disclosure agreements.
• Acted as a nominee in various grievance arbitrations.
• Provided employment and governance advice to several Alberta First Nations and their band-owned business entities.

Steven has been involved in a number of shareholder disputes, high-profile defamation claims, contractual disputes, and large commercial arbitrations.

Representative Experience:

• Counsel for several First Nations-owned corporations in a large and complex dispute with former executives and directors with issues relating to fraud, misappropriation of assets and conspiracy.
• Represented various individuals in high-profile defamation actions.
• Acted for a small business owner in a dispute with fellow shareholders involving issues with respect to breach of contract and misrepresentation.
• Represented a First Nation in a judicial review of a Band election.
• Represented an Alberta corporation with respect to a dispute with a former shareholder relating to breach of restrictive covenants and breach of fiduciary duties.
• Represented commercial and residential property owners at all levels of the property tax appeal process.

Publications:

• "The Hiring Process is Not Finished Until the Paperwork is Done", Glenn Tait and Steven Dollansky, McLennan Ross Legal Counsel Newsletter, 2016
• "What Does the Alberta Election Mean for Employers?", Tom Ross and Steven Dollansky, McLennan Ross E-Mail Alert, 2015
• "Go Directly To Jail. Do Not Pass Go. Pay $250,000.", McLennan Ross E-Mail Alert, 2015

Presentations:

• "2017 Labour & Employment Year in Review", McLennan Ross Seminar, 2018
• "New Employment Standards Regulations", McLennan Ross Webinar, 2017
• “Managing Termination Risks”, McLennan Ross Webinar, 2017
• "The Essentials for Navigating the New Essential Services Regime", McLennan Ross, 2016
• "2015 Labour & Employment Year in Review Seminar", McLennan Ross, 2016
• "Bill 6: Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act", Presentation to Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, 2016
• "Mock Arbitration", McLennan Ross Duty to Accommodate Seminar & Mock Arbitration, 2015
• "2014 Labour & Employment Year-in-Review", McLennan Ross, 2015
• "2013 Labour & Employment Year in Review Seminar", McLennan Ross, 2014
• "Attendance Management Programs", McLennan Ross Labour & Employment Full-Day Seminar, 2013