Meet The Team

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. I opened my law office in 2009 and specialized 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 have likewise had the opportunity to appear before Courts in several different Jurisdictions.

My practice has now expanded. My areas of principal focus are now Real Estate Law and Estate Planning. My experience at the various levels of Court over a variety of issues allows me to close complex transactions very effectively.

Personal Bio & Interests

When I am not at the office, my wife and I are busy raising our family. I enjoy fishing, hunting, camping, and a good game of chess.

​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 and Fairview.

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

DENIS J. SAWYER

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR

Education & Experience

I was born in New Brunswick, grew up in Ottawa and later returned to the Maritimes in my late teens. Once I finished high school, I immediately began my academic journey at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. Once I completed my Bachelor of Arts I enrolled at the Universite de Moncton to complete my legal education.

I had the opportunity to practice primarily criminal prosecutions until I relocated to Grande Prairie, Alberta in the fall of 2012 where I continued to be heavily involved in Criminal Litigation, including the prosecution of Federal Offences. I had the opportunity to appear before the Provincial Court of Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta and all levels of Court in my native province.

Over the past 5 years, I have transitioned my practice to primarily focus on Solicitor matters such as Real Estate, Wills and Estates, as well as Business Law.

Personal Bio & Interests

When I am not at the office, I can usually be found on my motorcycle touring and traveling. I am fluently bilingual and have served on several community boards.

While the practice of law is certainly taxing, I have always enjoyed the opportunities surrounding my practice, especially volunteer work in the community. I look forward to this new chapter in my professional career and expanding on the positive atmosphere here at Rigler Law in aiding our clients to achieve their goals.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916

TRISHA RIGLER

Education & Experience

Trisha attended Red Deer College and obtained her Bachelor of Education through the University of Alberta.

At Rigler Law, she enjoys assisting our hard-working clients and feels privileged to be a part of this team. “We are so proud of our office and our staff” – Trisha

​Personal Bio and Interests

After University, Trisha moved to Hines Creek for a teaching position and fell in love with Northern Alberta. She is proud to call it home and loves the many opportunities it offers her family.

Trisha loves working at all three of our Rigler Law locations and outside of the office she enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors.

​Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: trisha.rigler@riglerlaw.ca

YVETTE DOUCETTE

Education & Experience

Yvette attended Grande Prairie Regional College and obtained a certificate in Office Administration. Yvette has over 18 years of experience in various areas of law.

At Rigler Law she is able to utilize her vast experience and assist with Estate Planning, Estates, Corporate files and Commercial Transactions.

Personal Bio and Interests

Yvette has lived in Northern Alberta her entire life and has called Grande Prairie home for 21 years. She is always up for a challenge and loves helping people achieve their personal goals. Yvette enjoys volunteering, camping, socializing with friends and family and keeping her dogs entertained.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: yvette.doucette@riglerlaw.ca

ROXANNE DUTCHAK

Education & Experience

At Rigler Law, Roxanne is responsible for our financial information. She maintains our records and is an amazing addition to our team.

Personal Bio and Interests

Roxanne loves Grande Prairie. She is an avid crib player in the community and loves to socialize with her friends and family. When she is not at work, Roxanne is planning her next cruise and loves to sing.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916

HANNAH VAN DER WOERD

Education & Experience

Hannah is currently working on obtaining her Paralegal Diploma. She has recently joined the team after spending the last few years working as an administrative assistant at a local funeral home.

Personal Bio and Interests

Hannah is originally from Abbotsford, BC, she has been in Grande Prairie for 15 years and calls it “home”. Hannah plays various instruments, loves the outdoors; including hiking and exploring the peace country.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: hannahv@riglerlaw.ca

KRISTINA BESON

Education & Experience

Kristina worked as an Aircraft Structural Engineer for thirteen years, before deciding to change careers and obtain her Legal Assistant Diploma.

Personal Bio and Interests

Kristina was born and raised in Newfoundland. She moved to the Northwest Territories for her work at the age of 20 to study as an apprentice, which brought her to Alberta in 2010, where she became an ASR Engineer.

She recently made the move to Grande Prairie, Alberta, in order to be closer to her family. She now calls the City of Grande Prairie, home.

Kristina enjoys spending her time outdoors and with her family.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: kristinab@riglerlaw.ca

STACY STRANG

Education & Experience

Stacy has worked at Rigler Law since January 2022, and began her time here as a practicum student. Stacy previously worked in media.

Personal Bio and Interests

Stacy is from Blue Ridge, Alberta and has called Grande Prairie home for 7 years. Stacy enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and dogs, camping, cooking and is a huge fanatic of the show “Friends”.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: stacys@riglerlaw.ca

PAYTON GILBY

Education & Experience

I attended Saint Mary’s University in Halifax for two years before leaving in hopes to obtain my Paralegal diploma, which I am currently working towards completing.

Personal Bio and Interests

I am Originally from Truro, Nova Scotia and only recently made the move to Alberta, calling Grande Prairie my home.
I enjoy caring to my houseplants as well as exploring Alberta and all it has to offer.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: paytong@riglerlaw.ca

KARAH DOUCETTE

Education & Experience

Karah is in her 3rd year of Eduction at GPRC. She is enjoying being Rigler Law’s summer student. ​

Personal Bio and Interests

Karah was born in Grande Prairie, she spent her childhood moving around before moving back to Grande Prairie. Most of her time is spent outdoors with family and friends. Karah also loves to read, paint and garden. She is loving her time being a part of the Rigler Law Team.

Contact Information

Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: karah.doucette@riglerlaw.ca