Joe D. Spelliscy

No matter the size of the company or claim, Joe’s clients share a common need for practical and approachable advice to help them navigate and resolve complex litigation matters. With over 30 years experience, his clientele ranges from individuals to major institutions. Joe’s practice involves him representing insurers, financial institutions, and corporations. His range of matters include professional negligence, fiduciary duties, contract and commercial disputes, fraud, construction, fatalities, and catastrophic injuries. In addition to his institutional work, Joe represents many individuals with their personal claims.

Joe’s clients take comfort in his calm, frank, and trustworthy counsel. An accomplished litigator, Joe has appeared as counsel at all levels of court in Alberta and excels at resolving high-stakes disputes through the effective and objective assessment of evidence, the applicable law, and the arguments likely to be faced by his clients. Through compelling and unequivocal written and oral advocacy, Joe ensures his clients’ positions are clearly articulated to opposing parties and the Court. Whenever possible, however, he works with clients to avoid lengthy and costly litigation by pursuing efficient and practical dispute resolution strategies. Joe is a strong proponent of Alternative Dispute Resolution, regularly participating in arbitrations, mediations, and Judicial Dispute Resolutions, and has acted as counsel in complex arbitration proceedings, including lengthy multi-day hearings, as well as Judicial Reviews before the Alberta Court of King’s Bench.

Joe has spent his entire legal career with Duncan Craig LLP, joining the firm as a Student-at-Law and advancing to Partner. He has built strong, long-standing relationships with clients by maintaining open, candid, and practical communication throughout the litigation process, ensuring they remain informed and prepared at every stage. His approach emphasizes reducing stress while focusing on reputation and results.

Joe’s work in insurance law has been widely recognized. He has been included in Best Lawyers in Canada for Insurance Law every year from 2015 through 2026 and was named the 2026 Best Lawyers in Canada “Lawyer of the Year” for Insurance Law.

He remains actively involved in the firm’s leadership, currently serving as Co-Chair of the firm’s Strategic Initiatives regarding Client Relationships and mentoring associate lawyers.

Joe is also deeply involved in his community. Since 2019, he has served on the Board of Directors of Catholic Social Services, Alberta’s largest social services agency and one of the largest in Canada. He served as Vice-Chair from 2022 to 2025 and has served as Chair since June 2025. Joe also served as Campaign Chair of the Catholic Social Services Sign of Hope Campaign in 2015 and again in 2024.

Outside the office, Joe enjoys the Alberta outdoors and spending time with his wife, twin children, extended family, and friends.