About Us – West End Legal Centre, Calgary, AB

Our Approach

Law practice is full of opportunities for peace-making, while protecting and advancing our clients’ interests. All files can be improved by friendly and professional communication based on a solid understanding of the law and of all types of dispute resolution. One strength we offer to our clients is to understand how disputes may best be prevented, negotiated or mediated.

We love to help clients:

who have been seriously injured, or negatively affected, by the actions of others;
who need to enforce rights or collect debts;
who wish to clarify their rights in estates;

As we each have different expertise and skills, we often provide a team approach to clients, ensuring that the lawyer providing each service has the best resources to advance each step of the file, and that each legal situation is seen in a wider context.

When clients inquire about areas of law we do not handle in this office, we are always pleased to provide referrals to some of our many respected colleagues.

All of the lawyers at West End Legal Centre are members of the Canadian Bar Association and participate regularly in continuing legal education courses to ensure that the legal advice you receive in our firm is current.

Please read below for more information about each of our lawyers.

M. Jenny McMordie, K.C.

Jenny has practised in the area of civil litigation since her bar call in 2000. After working in a boutique firm and a large national firm, she joined West End Legal Centre in 2009. Although Jenny has appeared successfully at all levels of court in Alberta as well as various tribunals, and is experienced with all aspects of civil procedure, her focus where possible, is on helping clients to resolve their differences through mediation and other less adversarial processes. Jenny’s practice in recent years has concentrated on serious personal injury/fatality cases, as well as estate and commercial litigation matters.

Jenny frequently attends CBA Section meetings, especially in Personal Injury, Wills and Trusts, Insurance Law, and Civil Litigation, as well as numerous other continuing legal education programs.

When she is not at her desk or at home with her family and garden, Jenny is passionate about strengthening the legal community and about access to justice for the public. Jenny volunteers extensively for the Alberta Lawyers Assistance Society and has previously volunteered for the Canadian Bar Association, for which she is a past President of the Alberta Branch, and will always find time to mentor and assist junior colleagues through programs offered by the CBA, Assist and the Law Society.

Memberships: Association of Women Lawyers, Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association, Calgary Bar Association

Contact Information

Phone: 403-245-5516

Email: jmcmordie@westendlegalcentre.com

Derek Hetherington, Associate Lawyer

On July 22, 2024 in the presence of family, close friends and esteemed colleagues, Derek was called to the bar before Justice Malik.

A former accountant with 12 years’ experience in both private and public sector roles, his financial skills provide valuable insight into clients’ economic and business issues.

Born in Alberta, his father’s job in the oil industry took Derek’s family overseas, and he grew up in Texas, Saudi Arabia, Alaska, England, Scotland, and Argentina. This experience provided him with a unique international perspective, appreciation of world cultures, and intermediate knowledge of Spanish.

Derek is a lifelong learner with a desire to help people. He returned to university at the age of 36, earning degrees in History and Law. He has volunteered with organizations including the Canadian Red Cross and the Mustard Seed. When he is not serving clients, his interests include political communication, history documentaries, vintage movies, and Motown music.

Contact Information

Phone: 403-245-5505

Email: derek@westendlegalcentre.com

Qadir Shahidyar, Student-at-Law

Qadir Shahidyar is an experienced lawyer in Afghanistan with a strong background in Canadian and international law. He holds an NCA Certificate of Qualification, an LLM in Common Law from Ohio Northern University, an LLB from Herat University, and a Legal Assistant Certificate from Vancouver Community College. His career spans family law, commercial law, immigration, and arbitration, with experience in both litigation and corporate legal services.

Qadir has also volunteered extensively, providing pro bono legal support and contributing to community initiatives, including Rotary International. His work has been recognized through awards such as the Outstanding Student Award from the University of Herat, a full LLM scholarship from the US Department of State, and recognition as an Elite Youth by the President of Afghanistan.

Recently, Qadir became a proud father, a milestone that inspires him both personally and professionally. Outside of law, he enjoys philosophy, soccer, swimming, volleyball, and public speaking. He is passionate about staying current with legal developments and finding creative solutions for complex legal challenges. Qadir’s combination of international experience, dedication to community, and love for family shapes his holistic approach to both life and law.

Contact Information

Phone: 403-249-5502

Email: Qadir @westendlegalcentre.com