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
Roxanne Dutchak
Bookkeeper
Courtney Broad
Paralegal
Gracelyn Carter
Legal Assistant
WILL Listhaeghe
Legal Assistant
CHAD B. SAWATZKY
Barrister & Solicitor
HannaH Van Der Woerd
Paralegal
JULIA WOODS
Paralegal
ANNAleise Mcdonnell
Paralegal (Maternity Leave)
Trisha Rigler
Office Manager
Kristina Beson
Paralegal
Corinne Carver
Receptionist
Hanna harroff
Legal 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. I opened my 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 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
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 looking for unique rocks, minerals and fossils in the various creeks and rivers found within our area.
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
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: info@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 has obtained her Paralegal Diploma from Bow Valley College. She joined the team at RIgler Law after spending the last few years working as an administrative assistant at a local funeral home.
She has worked at Rigler Law since April of 2021.
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, and loves the outdoors; including hiking and exploring the peace country.
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@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: info@riglerlaw.ca
Annaleise MacDonnell
Education & Experience
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Personal Bio and Interests
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, 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
Personal Bio and Interests
Contact Information
Phone: 780-814-1916
Email: info@riglerlaw.ca
hanna harroff
Education & Experience
Personal Bio and Interests
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