Scott R. Spencer

Scott’s court room experience ranges from criminal, prosecution and defence, to class actions, having represented both plaintiffs and defendants. He is always looking for practical ways to resolve legal disputes by settlement through mediation or alternate dispute resolution, but when necessary he does not hesitate to go to Court or arbitration. Scott has appeared before the superior courts of the all the western provinces, the Federal Court of Canada, the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, and a wide range of tribunals including the National Energy Board, the Saskatchewan Labour Relations Board and the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

Commercial Litigation: corporate disputes, insurance claims, debt recovery.
General Litigation: personal injury (plaintiff and insurer), wrongful dismissal (employee and employer), estate litigation, insurance claims, class actions
Administration Law: judicial review, professional discipline, administrative boards and tribunals
Construction Litigation and dispute resolution: builder’s liens, mediation and arbitration, contract interpretation, deficiency claims, contract enforcement and collection
Aboriginal Law: duty to consult, specific claims, and constitutional challenges
Agricultural Law: crop damage, lease and contract disputes, intergenerational transfers

Scott was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 1989. He studied history and political science at the University of Saskatchewan, earning his Bachelor of Arts and Science with Distinction in 1985. Scott also attended law school at the University of Saskatchewan, winning the Silas Halyk Award for excellence in Criminal Law (1986) and a Proficiency Scholarship from the College of Law (1987). Scott places high value on continuing legal education and regularly participates in continuing legal educational conferences, often as a presenter.

Scott began his legal career in private practice with an emphasis on criminal law (defence and prosecution), labour law (union and employer), and education law. In 1999 he joined the Federal Department of Justice in their civil litigation group. Scott’s public practice developed quickly and expanded well beyond Saskatchewan, with appearances in courts and Tribunals throughout western Canada.

Promoted to a Senior counsel position with the Attorney General Canada, Scott developed expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Class Actions, high value Civil Litigation, and Aboriginal Law with an emphasis on Crown Consultation appearing before many Federal Tribunals, including the National Energy Board and the Transportation Appeal Tribunal of Canada.

Scott represented Canada on several class actions and was lead counsel for Canada on the Northern Gateway Pipeline Joint Review.

Growing up on a family farm near a small town in the heart of the province, Scott has always been active in the community. A keen athlete, Scott has given back to the community by coaching competitive volleyball, lacrosse, hockey, and soccer teams in the city. Scott has also served as a minor hockey executive member, President of the Saskatoon Lions Speed Skating Club, Vice President of High Performance for the Saskatchewan Speed Skating Association, and Board Member of the Granite Curling Club.

Scott continues to play recreational hockey, curl, and golf, all poorly.