Meet The Team
Led by Ryan Rigler, the team at Rigler Law takes pride in its client service philosophy.
We put clients first and work hard to make complex issues understandable for clients from all backgrounds.
Ryan D. Rigler
Barrister & Solicitor
CHAD B. SAWATZKY
Barrister & Solicitor
CARLY SKORI
Barrister & Solicitor
Trisha Rigler
Office Manager
Roxanne Dutchak
Bookkeeper
HannaH Van Der Woerd
Paralegal
Kristina Beson
Paralegal
Corinne Carver
Receptionist
Courtney Broad
Paralegal
JULIA WOODS
Paralegal
Gracelyn Carter
Paralegal
ANNALEISE MCDONNELL
Paralegal (Maternity Leave)
Hanna harroff
Paralegal
WILL Listhaeghe
Summer Student
Karen SEATON
Fairview Receptionist/Assistant
RYAN D. RIGLER
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Education & Experience
I was born and raised in the City of Grande Prairie, Alberta. After I finished high school, I went to University to become a lawyer. I first obtained a Juris Doctor from Western New England University School of Law located in the City of Springfield, Massachusetts.
Thereafter, I obtained a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Saskatchewan located in the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Following the completion of my law degrees, I returned home to raise a family and begin my law practice.
We opened our law office in 2009 and practiced in family law. I had the opportunity to appear before the Provincial Court of Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and the Court of Appeal of Alberta. I likewise had the opportunity to appear before Courts in several different Jurisdictions.
My practice areas of principal focus are now Real Estate Law, Corporate Law, Estate Planning and Estate Administration. My experience at the various levels of Court over a variety of issues, and years, has allowed me to close complex transactions very efficiently and effectively.
Personal Bio & Interests
When we are not at the office, my Wife and I are busy raising our family. We attend and support a variety of local sporting events in and around Grande Prairie. I enjoy fishing, hunting, and camping.
I believe that the practice of law is a privilege. The importance of what we do for our clients, as lawyers, has never been lost on me. I take the time to meet with every client personally in order to ensure that my clients understand exactly what is happening (in the course of a purchase or a sale of a home for example). Similarly, I appreciate the gravity of strong and comprehensive Estate Planning. I thoroughly enjoy meeting face-to-face with our clients in the rural communities of Spirit River, Fairview and now, Beaverlodge.
I believe that all clients should expect their legal counsel to zealously advocate on their behalf and in their best interests regardless of the nature of the lawyer’s involvement.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
CHAD B. SAWATZKY
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Personal Bio & Interests
Meet Chad B. Sawatzky – a seasoned lawyer whose legal experience spans diverse domains. Hailing from the Peace Country area, Chad has deep family roots within the Beaverlodge, Sexsmith and Grande Prairie areas.
He began his profession as a probation/correctional officer for youths which inevitably laid the framework for a career marked by both passion and dedication. He has a strong foundation in the areas of litigation, family law, mediation and alternative dispute resolution.
Through his extensive experience in and out of the Courtroom, He is now able to work primarily in the areas of Real Estate law and Wills and estate planning. His legal background provides him with the foresight, intuition and adaptability required to navigate through complex transactions, closings and precision drafting.
Education & Experience
Chad was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, and grew up initially between Sexsmith and a family farm near Beaverlodge prior to moving to Grande Prairie. He graduated from Grande Prairie Composite High School and then obtained an undergrad in Correctional Services/Criminal Justice prior to attending Law School at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, SK.
Chad is committed to delivering empathetic legal solutions with results, and he prides himself on having a strong connection to his community. Outside of work, Chad enjoys coaching both hockey and basketball. He enjoys camping, staying active at the gym, painting, and spending time with his kids hiking and climbing mountains in the beautiful landscapes throughout our area. Chad also has a passion for technology and innovation.
Chad is continually involved in the community and has enjoyed being a part of the following:
- Past member of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of Greater Grande Prairie;
- Registered family mediator with the Alberta Family Mediation Society;
- Guest speaker/lecturer for the Council of Lifelong Learning;
- A regular volunteer for the Grande Prairie Legal Guidance Clinic and past volunteer of the year;
- Lecturer at the Parenting After Separation Course;
- Duty Counsel lawyer for the Court of King’s Bench;
- Past Vice President of the Grande Prairie Canadian Bar Association geographical section;
- Past Coach for Grande Prairie Minor Hockey, Grande Prairie Minor Wolves Program, St. Patrick’s School, Alexander Forbes School, St. Joseph High School, and underground Basketball.
He practiced as a sole practitioner and was drawn to Rigler Law’s family firm approach and philosophy while providing personalized legal services.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
CARLY SKORI
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR
Education & Experience
Carly moved from her hometown to Edmonton to complete a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, and later earned her Juris Doctor from Griffith University on the Gold Coast in Australia.
Upon Returning to Alberta, Carly ventured north to complete her articles in Grande Prairie, where she was called to the Alberta Bar in 2025. She has chosen to build her career in Grande Prairie, drawn to its balance of city amenities and a small-town feel. Carly joined Rigler Law in December of 2025, and is currently building a practice focused on Real Estate law and Estate Planning.
Personal Bio & Interests
Carly Skori was raised on a grain and cattle farm south of Kinsella, Alberta, where she developed a strong appreciation for hard work, agriculture and community.
Outside of her practice, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, especially her nephews, Turner and Nash. Growing up with brothers, Carly developed a love for hockey, baseball and rodeo, but is still a girly-girl at heart who has a love for fashion and realty tv (notably, the Real Housewives).
Carly is passionate about giving back to her community, having sat on the Board of Directors for Kinsella Rec and Ag Society in previous years and looks forward to contributing to the Grande Prairie area with the same passion and excitement.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
TRISHA RIGLER
Education & Experience
Trisha attended Red Deer College and obtained her Bachelor of Education through the University of Alberta.
At Rigler Law, Trisha is dedicated to supporting the firm’s clients and takes pride in being part of a professional and collaborative team. She values the firm’s commitment to excellence and is proud of the high standard maintained by its staff, noting “We are so proud of our office and our staff.”
Personal Bio and InterestS
Following the completion of her university studies, Trisha relocated to Hines Creek for a teaching position, where she developed a strong appreciation for Northern Alberta. She is proud to call the region home and values the many opportunities it provides for her family.
Outside of the office, Trisha and her husband, Ryan, are actively involved in raising their children, who participate heavily in organized sports. Their family commitments frequently take them throughout the province, where they place a high value on the time spent together.
Professionally, Trisha enjoys working across all four Rigler Law locations, supporting clients and colleagues throughout the region.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
ROXANNE DUTCHAK
Education & Experience
Roxanne went to the Grande Prairie Regional College and obtained her education in bookkeeping.
Prior to working at Rigler Law, Roxanne had five years of experience in bookkeeping through working at a different law firm in the community.
Roxanne joined the team at Rigler Law in the fall of 2014, to continue her passion of bookkeeping. Roxanne is responsible for and maintains all the financials of Rigler Law.
Personal Bio and Interests
Roxanne loves and has lived in Grande Prairie for many years – coming from a small town North East of Edmonton.
She met and married her husband here and gained, in an instant, a large family.
She enjoys socializing and playing games with her family and friends in her spare time.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
HANNAH VAN DER WOERD
Education & Experience
Hannah attended Bow Valley College, where she obtained her Legal Assistant Diploma in 2022.
She joined the team at Rigler Law in 2021 and has been a valued member of the team ever since. While Hannah assists with a variety of matters, her primary focus is real estate conveyancing. From setting up mortgages to coordinating commercial transactions and assisting with multi-land farm deals, she plays an active role in drafting documents and working closely with clients, realtors and mortgage brokers.
Personal Bio and Interests
Originally from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Hannah moved to Grande Prairie at the age of seven with her family. Over time, Grande Prairie has become home, thanks to the people she has built relationships with and the opportunities the community has provided.
Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with friends, loved ones and her two cats. She loves taking on new adventures, which currently include tackling home renovation projects in her spare time. Hannah also plays the piano and several other instruments and enjoys spending time outdoors.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
KRISTINA BESON
Education & Experience
With thirteen years of experience as an Aircraft Structural Repair Engineer, she built a career grounded in precision, problem-solving, and attention to detail. For the past seven years, Kristina has embraced a new professional chapter as a paralegal, bringing the same dedication and analytical mindset to the legal field.
Personal Bio and Interests
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Kristina made Grande Prairie her home over five years ago.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and exploring all that the local community has to offer.
She is passionate about learning, adapting and applying her skills in meaningful ways – whether in engineering, law or everyday life.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
Annaleise McDonnell
Education & Experience
Annaleise started at Rigler Law in November 2024, where she quickly learned the role of real estate conveyancing and developed a strong interest in the work. She enjoys being part of a close-knit team and values the collaborative environment at Rigler Law.
Personal Bio and Interests
Annaleise is originally from Mission, BC and moved to Grande Prairie in October 2024. Her family is now proud to call Grande Prairie home. Outside of work, Annaleise enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, and being outdoors.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
COURTNEY BROAD
Education & Experience
Courtney started as a receptionist at Rigler Law in September of 2022. Courtney quickly found an interest in pursuing her career further in law and started training to be a Paralegal in Real Estate Law.
Courtney is now a Real Estate Conveyancer at Rigler Law, primarily assisting clients with their home purchases.
Personal Bio and Interests
Courtney has lived in Grande Prairie since she was nine years old. She enjoys spending time with her two children, her family and her friends. Her favourite hobbies include camping and playing golf.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
CORINNE CARVER
Education & Experience
Corinne has worked at Rigler Law since November 22, 2022. She has had over six years of experience as a receptionist prior to this, and over seven years as a runner – which she loves to do.
Personal Bio and Interests
Corinne was born and raised in Prince George, British Columbia. She moved to Mackenzie, British Columbia for fifteen years, and then relocated to Grande Prairie. She has called Grande Prairie “Home” for the last fifteen years.
Corinne loves spending time with her grandson and granddaughter, as well as her family and friends. She also enjoys camping and crafts, and a good game of golf.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
Will Listhaeghe
Education & Experience
Will is currently enrolled in University, and joined the Rigler Law team in a Summer Student position in 2025.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
hanna harroff
Education & Experience
With a diploma in Legal Assistance and a degree in Criminology, She has spent the past five years working in the legal field, specializing in conveyancing. Hanna enjoys supporting clients have making sure every real estate transaction runs smoothy.
Personal Bio and Interests
At work, Hanna is proud to support her colleagues an contribute to a positive, collaborative team environment- plus, she thinks a good laugh goes a long way! Hanna loves spending time outdoors with her dogs—especially hiking whenever the weather allows. Being active outside and exploring nature is one of her favorite ways to unwind.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
JULIA WOODS
Education & Experience
Julia recently graduated from high school. Not long after, she started working at Rigler Law to gain experience and start a career for herself in law.
Julia is now in training to be a Real Estate Conveyancer.
Personal Bio and Interests
Julia is originally from British Columbia, but has lived in Grande Prairie for the majority of her life, and considers Grande Prairie her “Home”.
She has been in competitive rodeo from a young age and plans to continue that in her life. She enjoys competition and pushing herself to new goals and desires, while bettering herself and her knowledge.
In her free time, Julia loves anything outdoors or anything that involves being with her family and friends.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
KAREN SEATON
Education & Experience
Karen has called Alberta’s Peace Country home for most of her life. She began her professional career in finance during the 1980’s and 1990’s, developing a strong foundation in administration, organization and client service. In more recent years, she successfully owned and operated an interior design business serving Grande Prairie and the surrounding communities, further sharpening her attention to detail and client-focused approach.
Today, Karen is pleased to be the welcoming face of the Fairview office for Rigler Law. Having raised her family in the community, she values the close-knit, small-town atmosphere and takes pride in providing a warm, professional experience for every client who visits the office.
Personal Bio and Interests
Outside of the office, Karen is a singer and songwriter who has been a part of the local music scene for many years. She has performed with various country bands, at open mic nights, and around campfires throughout the region. Some of her original music is available on platforms such as Apple Music and Spotify.
Above all, Karen enjoys spending time with her husband, who shares her passion for performing, songwriting, dancing, camping and travel, and together they especially cherish their role as grandparents to six grandchildren (and counting).
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
GRACELYN CARTER
Education & Experience
Gracelyn began working at Rigler Law as a summer student in 2023 and returned each summer until she graduated in 2025. She graduated with her Paralegal Diploma and a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a major in Legal Studies from MacEwan University.
Personal Bio and Interests
Gracelyn was born and raised in Grande Prairie. After learning a lot during her time in Edmonton, she is happy to be home with familiar faces. Gracelyn enjoys being busy at work, learning something new each day and working with a supportive team.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and when the weather permits, relaxing at the lake.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca