Our Team · Calgary

Get the support of a whole firm on your side. Meet the Stokes Law LLP Team.

When you hire Stokes Law LLP, you don't get a single lawyer — you get the strength of a team. Our Calgary family, mediation and civil lawyers collaborate across files, languages and disciplines so every client benefits from the right expertise at the right moment.

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Lawyers

Cody P. Stokowski

Managing Partner

Cody embarked on his legal career after completing his undergraduate studies in business management and economics at the University of Alberta. He pursued his law degree in Australia and is accredited to practice in both Canada and Australia. He holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation Law from Osgoode Hall and is currently completing an MBA through the University of Sydney. Practicing law since 2019, Cody is one of few Alberta lawyers certified in Web3, Blockchain and Metaverse Law. Cody's been self-employed most of his life. His family law practice revolves around self-employed individuals, and resolving collateral issues such as Cunningham and Sweezey income assistance. With a background in Tax Law, Cody is trusted to work with lateral industry partners to help divide corporate assets between separating spouses.

Education & Credentials: Master of Business Administration, University of Sydney — in progress
Master of Law (Tax), Osgoode Hall Law School
Certification in Web3, Blockchain & Metaverse Law, Osgoode Hall Law School
Juris Doctor (First Class Distinction), Bond University, 2018
BMgmt Business & Economics (First Class Distinction), University of Alberta, 2015
Trauma Informed Practice in Family Law Certification, College of Law
Certified Blockchain and Law Professional, Blockchain Council
Blockchain 101 for Lawyers, College of Law
The Metaverse, Understanding The Impact on the Practice of Law, Osgoode Hall Law School
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Law Institute of Victoria (Australia)
Canadian Bar Association
Calgary Bar Association
Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
Practice Areas: Divorce / Family Law · Tax Law · Web3, Blockchain & Metaverse Law
Languages: English
Rate: $475.00 + GST / hour

Jana de Waal

Partner — Family Lawyer & Mediator

Born in Cape Town and raised in Canada, Jana earned first-class combined honours in Political Science with a Bachelor of Journalism at the University of King's College, then completed her Juris Doctor at the University of Calgary. She served at Alberta Justice with Child & Family Services, Maintenance Enforcement and Child Support, and later as a Crown Prosecutor. Today she practices all areas of family law — divorce, support, parenting, guardianship and property — with a strong focus on mediation, four-way settlement meetings and arbitration. She holds an LLM in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall and is currently pursuing an MBA at UBC.

Education & Credentials: Master of Law in Dispute Resolution, Osgoode Hall
MBA, University of British Columbia — in progress
Juris Doctor, University of Calgary, 2019
Bachelor of Journalism (Hons. Political Science), University of King's College, 2014
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta — called 2020
Association of Women Lawyers
Alberta Family Lawyers Association
Calgary Bar Association
Languages: English, Afrikaans
Rate: $425.00 + GST / hour

Rikesh Wadhwa

Senior Family and Wills & Estates Lawyer

Rikesh earned his Bachelor of Law at the University of Leicester (UK) and was called to the bar in 2015. He focuses on Family Law and Wills & Estates — from uncontested desk divorces to high-conflict disputes involving custody, parenting time, child and spousal support, section 7 expenses, and guideline income determinations. He has appeared at multiple levels of court and is known for clear, personalized advocacy.

Education & Credentials: LLB, University of Leicester (UK)
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Languages: English
Rate: $390.00 + GST / hour

Jennifer M. Miller

Civil & Family Lawyer

Born and raised in Calgary, Jennifer holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of Calgary (2012) and an LLB from the University of Sussex (2018). Called to the bar in 2021, she has appeared before the Court of King's Bench of Alberta, the Alberta Court of Justice, the Ontario Court of Appeal, and the Ontario Divisional Court. Her practice covers family disputes, estate litigation, and civil matters including contract, landlord-tenant, real estate and defamation. She is Vice-Commodore of the Glenmore Sailing Club.

Education & Credentials: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Sussex, 2018
BA Philosophy, University of Calgary, 2012
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Languages: English
Rate: $365.00 + GST / hour

Misturah (Misty) Oshodi

Family Lawyer

Called to the Alberta Bar in 2025, Misty helps clients navigate life's transitions with clarity, compassion and effective advocacy. She brings experience in family law, real estate transactions, estate planning, corporate compliance and cross-border legal training. She volunteers with the Women's Centre of Calgary and is a member of the Association of Women Lawyers.

Education & Credentials: LLB, Lagos State University
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Association of Women Lawyers, Calgary
International Law Association
Languages: English, Yoruba
Rate: $325.00 + GST / hour

Ozan S. Guzel

Family Lawyer

Law is Ozan's second career. Before law, he worked in corporate banking and Big Four auditing. A Jean Monnet Scholar of the European Commission, he earned an LLM in financial law in Germany prior to his JD, and holds CAMS (anti-money laundering) and CGSS (global sanctions) certifications. He brings rare financial fluency to the financial side of family matters — property division, support and financial planning.

Education & Credentials: Master of Laws (LLM)
Juris Doctor (JD)
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Languages: English, Turkish
Rate: $300.00 + GST / hour

Thais Menezes

Family Lawyer

Thais Menezes brings a calm, highly client-focused approach to Stokes Law. Her dynamic legal journey spans two countries — she began her career as a lawyer and Judicial Clerk at the Superior Court of Justice in Brazil, then earned her Master of Laws in Canadian Common Law from Osgoode Hall Law School. After successfully practicing family and estate law in Toronto, she relocated her expertise to Calgary. Clients deeply value her meticulous attention to detail, thoughtful problem-solving, and the steady reassurance she provides during periods of significant life transition. Fluent in English and Portuguese, Thais is a passionate advocate for newcomers to Canada, ensuring families can access vital advice and advocacy in the language they are most comfortable with. Outside the office, she enjoys engaging with the Calgary community, exploring Alberta's natural beauty, and maintaining strong ties to her Brazilian roots.

Education & Credentials: Master of Laws (LLM), Osgoode Hall, York University
Bachelor of Laws (LLB), University of Cuiaba (Brazil)
National Committee on Accreditation Certificate of Qualification, Federation of Law Societies of Canada
Order of Attorneys in Brazil (OAB)
Barrister & Solicitor, Law Society of Alberta
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Canadian Bar Association
Practice Areas: Family Law
Languages: English, Portuguese
Rate: $300.00 + GST / hour

Bawan Kaur

Family Lawyer

Bawan practices family law — divorce, parenting, child and spousal support, division of family property and separation agreements — through both negotiated resolutions and court. She has appeared before the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta. With a business background and multilingual fluency, she connects meaningfully with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Education & Credentials: Bachelor of Law (LLB — JD Pathway), University of Leicester
BBA, Mount Royal University
Barrister & Solicitor — Alberta (Feb 2026)
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
South Asian Bar Association Calgary
Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu
Rate: $300.00 + GST / hour

Austin Ferguson

Family Lawyer

Born in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Austin studied Political Science at the University of British Columbia and earned his Juris Doctor from Thompson Rivers University, articling with Gillespie & Company before being called to the Bar in British Columbia and Alberta in 2026. In law school he received Dean's recognition for top marks in Dispute Resolution and Administrative Law — a foundation that shapes his strategic, client-centred approach. His practice focuses on family law and employment law, helping clients through difficult transitions with clear communication, strong negotiation, and creative problem-solving. Outside the firm, Austin is a commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian Navy who has served on two South Pacific deployments, and he enjoys tennis, skiing, and exploring Calgary's restaurant scene.

Education & Credentials: Juris Doctor, Thompson Rivers University, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, University of British Columbia, 2020
Memberships: Law Society of Alberta
Law Society of British Columbia
Trial Lawyers Association of BC
Lawyers Assistance Program
Practice Areas: Family Law · Employment Law
Languages: English
Rate: $300.00 + GST / hour

Paralegals & Staff

Kerri Drake

Office Manager, Senior Paralegal

With 16+ years exclusively in family law, Kerri is a highly skilled paralegal supporting complex family files with discretion and care. Her background as an office administrator helps her manage caseloads efficiently for the Stokes Law team.

Languages: English
Rate: $200.00 + GST / hour · Responsible Lawyer: Cody Stokowski

Tiffany Ness

Paralegal

Tiffany has nearly 15 years of legal experience, with a focus on supporting family law clients through file management, legal research, document drafting and client coordination.

Languages: English
Rate: $200.00 + GST / hour · Responsible Lawyers: Jana de Waal, Bawan Kaur

Sharaya Johnson

Paralegal

With 13 years of legal experience across Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates, Corporate, Personal Injury, and Real Estate, Sharaya brings versatility, accuracy and empathy to every file she supports.

Languages: English
Rate: $200.00 + GST / hour · Responsible Lawyers: Jennifer Miller, Rikesh Wadhwa, Misty Oshodi

Neri Bruze

Office Coordinator

Neri coordinates day-to-day operations of the firm, ensuring clients have a smooth and welcoming experience from intake through file closure.

Languages: English, Lithuanian, Russian (reading)
Rate: $185.00 + GST / hour

Brittany Burton

Legal Assistant (Currently on Maternity Leave)

Brittany is a legal assistant with experience in both family and estate law and a true passion for helping people through life's most difficult seasons. With an extensive healthcare background, she brings patience, compassion and clear communication to her legal work, helping clients feel supported and cared for through every step.

Languages: English

Karen Stokowski

Client Intake Coordinator

Karen is the first point of contact at Stokes Law LLP, ensuring every client's initial interaction is welcoming and supportive. She guides clients to the legal team best suited to their needs, building trust from the first call across Family Law, Wills & Estates, Civil Law and Mediation matters.

Languages: English

Adam Bukacel

Summer Student

Adam is a Summer Student at Stokes Law LLP, learning the systems and substantive law behind family law practice while supporting the team. With a background spanning media marketing, construction and the stock market, he brings fresh perspectives and a holistic, transparent approach to client roadmaps. Outside the office, Adam is active in the Lacrosse community as a coach, referee and player.

Languages: English