Darren Richards, originally from Saskatchewan (yes - of course he's still a Rider's fan!), has called Alberta and Edmonton home since before we had the NHL (yes - of course he's an Oiler's fan). He started the firm Richards Wood Toogood (which over the years became Richards Hunter, Richards Hunter Toogood, and now: Richards + Company).

​

A graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University in Virginia and an L.L.B. (JD) degree from the University of Alberta, he was admitted to the Law Society of Alberta Bar in 1993. 

 

He has primarily limited his practice to Real Estate (both residential and commercial) and is now viewed as the premier Real Estate Lawyer in Edmonton. Corporate/Commercial Law is another specialty serving both small, medium and large owner-managed business in the Edmonton and surrounding region.

 

Darren has taught the Law Society of Alberta Bar Admission Course in the Real Estate Law Section and currently carries on a busy corporate, commercial and real estate practice. He is an advisor to REIN (the Real Estate Investment Network). 

​

He is a past-president and board member of the South Edmonton Business Association and currently represents hundreds of businesses (corporations, sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited partnerships, and joint ventures) with respect to their wide range of legal needs. Mr. Richards also acts for major banking institutions and other lenders in relation to their commercial loan facilities and for large and small Franchisees.

​

Darren played some college hockey way way back in the day - and has enjoyed coaching his kids in hockey (atom through midget) and coaching some basketball as well. He is a former Elder at previous Baptist churches he attended. Two of his daughters are nurses - one is married to a guy that played college hockey at Liberty University just like he did. How cool is that!? He has three more kids in college  . . .  so his legal fees are going up this year. Oh -and did we mention he's a Roughrider fan?  Contact Darren HERE.

Chad has a long list of credentials - he has a huge long list of degrees to his credit - he's a theology junkie and former senior pastor of an evangelical church in Calgary. He has a wonderful wife and 3 amazing kids. He works out and can bench way more than you. He worked for us for a couple of summers, loved us so much that he articled with us (that's the year after graduating with a JD where we get to really really boss him around). And since then - for many years now - he's been growing his practice in the areas of Wills, Probate, and Real Estate.  He's an amazing guy and you can  CONTACT HIM HERE - here's some more spectacular and interesting stuff about Chad: 

​

Chad graduated from the University of Alberta School of Law with his JD in 2019. As a student he:

• played for the faculty’s western Canadian champions Golden Bearisters rugby team; Litigators hockey team; and the Learned Foot soccer team, managing to (largely) keep up with the 20-somethings;

• was elected VP and then president of the Christian Legal Fellowship University of Alberta Student Chapter;

• cohosted annual panels with Law Dean Paul Paton on “Faith and Practice” (2L), and” Faith and Legal Ethics” (3L) for the Faculty of Law;

• volunteered for Student Legal Services criminal (1L) and civil (2L) programs; and

• completed a year-long clinical placement at Legal Aid Alberta’s Family Law Office, assigned to make weekly family chambers applications and/or Emergency Protection Orders though EPOP.

​​

Chad came to law school after a previous career in Christian ministry, spending ten years as a Minister in a Calgary. During law school he began to assist at Christ the King Anglican Church, where he serves as a non-stipendiary associate on the pastoral team. 

 

Chad’s previous education includes:

• BA (Taylor/U of Alberta);

• Master of Divinity (Briercrest Seminary);

• MA and Master of Sacred Theology (Liberty University, summa cum laude);

• Graduate Certificates in Hebrew and Greek (Asbury Seminary); and

• Doctor of Ministry, where he wrote on ethics-based leadership training (Southern Seminary, with distinction).

 

Chad is currently a member of:

• the Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association; 

• the Christian Legal Fellowship; 

• the Evangelical Theological Society;

• the national board for Christianity Explored Ministries Canada, and 

• the national board for Malachi Dads Ministries Canada (“MDMC”) A nationwide recognized program within Corrections Canada, focused on generational recidivism, MDMC provides spiritual guidance, education, support, career training, and mentorship to incarcerated fathers. 

​

Chad is now developing a solicitors practice at Richards + Company, working with entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit and charitable organizations. He continues to publish and to speak on law and faith and to conducts seminars on ethics-based leadership for various organizations: (eg recently keynote speaker for the RCMP Provincial Traffic Program AGM and upcoming Christian Medical & Dental Association). He coaches multiple youth sports and plays recreational hockey and soccer.

 

Here's a few words from the man himself:

While law can be abstracted, it has a fundamental impact on the lives of every person. My faith, my family, and my firm have helped me to appreciate how true this is. The law--particularly, the rule of law that we enjoy--is a beautiful inheritance.

 

My faith inspires me to love justice, and to seek the good of all people. As a Christian minister, I saw the impact that the law has on individuals of every background, and on churches, charities, and non-profits as they seek to make life better for those they are called to serve. 

 

As a child I learned the nature of justice and people’s need for a legal system from my parents, especially my father, an RCMP officer. As a University student, I saw the passion my uncle always had for helping people fulfill their dreams, what he calls, “happy law.” My wife, Karmyn, and our children Abi, Titus, and Jonathan have walked with me on this journey. Karmyn was recently appointed Administrator of her aunt’s Estate, showing how valuable a good lawyer can be in a difficult time! My passion for the law is motivated by these experiences and by envisioning the future of my children made better by the preservation of the core legacy we all enjoy and by the changes in the world I want to see in the future. 

 

Helping establish and navigating challenges with entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profit societies, and young families [alongside the lawyers and staff] at Richards + Company who contribute so much to me) has been and I trust will continue to be immensely rewarding. 

Caleb Selders is the newest addition to our lawyer ranks - after articling with us he decided to stay on after being admitted to the bar. So we do have some concerns about his discernment and judgement. But we'll see how things go . . .  

 

He recently graduated with a Law Degree (JD) from Dalhousie University in Halifax. That’s kind of cool (who wouldn’t want to live in Nova Scotia?) - but honestly, that’s not why we hired him.

 

We originally hired him because he claimed he could get us discounts on golf stuff at Sportchek (he worked there). But that hasn't quite worked out. We also found out he hails from Okotoks (meaning he grew up a Flames fan). So let's summarize:  no golf equipment discounts and a Flames fan. Not looking good. Plus he is now a Flyers fan. Again, not quite sure about his discernment and judgement.

​

We are (for now) overlooking all that. First, Caleb is brilliant, winsome and handsome.  Second, Caleb has an absolutely wonderful and lovely wife (Lauren) who helps us write these bios. Just kidding. We all think Caleb is handsome. Back to Lauren - she not only golfs far better than Caleb, she’s also an accomplished volleyball player -  and (this is the great part) she’s from Edmonton! In fact, Caleb and Lauren met at U of A and they chose to move back to Edmonton from Halifax so Caleb could start a law career here – and Lauren has promised us that Caleb is very close to being an Oilers fan now.

​

Another reason we overlook Caleb's 'issues' is his work ethic. In addition to the Sport Chek gig, he’s worked an amazing assortment of other jobs; he’s Managed a DQ, framed houses, landscaped, and washed dishes. Yes: that last one caught our eye in particular.

​

It should be noted too that Caleb is an accomplished U of A athlete – he competed as long jumper and sprinter for the University of Alberta Golden Bears. In fact, he loves all things sports, but football holds a special place in his heart. He played of course, but apparently he’s also an NFL fantasy football superstar. In his spare time he loves to read theology books and biographies.

​

So there you have it: former Flames fan, lovely wife, hard worker, U of A Athlete, well read . . .  a pretty good catch overall. We’re super glad to have him on our crew!  CONTACT HIM HERE  

​

​