Providing Quality Legal Advice Since 1986
A supporter of many local charities, events and sports teams, as well as sponsoring a scholarship at Leduc Composite High School, Jackie, Handerek & Forester has been historically composed of very community-minded people. The founding partners have strong community roots in Leduc. John Jackie, B.A., LL.B., Q.C. (now retired) is a former councilman and mayor of the City of Leduc. David Handerek, B.Sc., LL.B. (now retired) practiced in Leduc since 1981 and was a very active member of a local service group for many years. Jeff Forester, B. Comm., LL.B., was born and raised in Leduc, and continues to reside in Leduc with his family for over 50 years.
A Respected Law Firm Since 1986
Jackie, Handerek & Forester first opened its doors. in January 1986 with two lawyers and two support staff.
A Growing Practice, Support Staff & New Partner
In three years, Jackie & Handerek outgrew its first office and in 1989 moved to a newly renovated building on the corner of 50 Street and 48 Avenue in Leduc. The firm continued to expand, once again outgrowing its offices. In November 2007, Jackie, Handerek & Forester built and moved into the new JH&F Professional Centre, where they currently occupy the whole second floor.
At our current locations, Jackie, Handerek & Forester continues to serve our clients with six lawyers and 16 support staff. We also offer opportunities to students-at-law and work-experience students in support roles. Our team includes:
Meet Our Partners
John William Jackie (retired)
Jackie & Handerek was formed on January 1, 1986, when John William Jackie and David Keith Handerek set up their law practice in Leduc. Mr. Jackie was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1977 and is also a member of the N.W.T. bar – currently on the inactive list – and was appointed Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) in 1998. John has retired effective June, 2023.
David Keith Handerek (retired)
Mr. Handerek was admitted to the Alberta Bar in 1981. After forty years of practicing law as a solicitor, David retired on August 16, 2021.
Jeffrey Michael Forester
Jeff joined the practice just after his admission to the Alberta Bar in 1993, became a partner on January 1, 1997, and the partnership became Jackie, Handerek & Forester. On October 1, 2020, Jeff became the sole owner of the firm.
Practice Areas:
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Real Estate, Wills & Estates
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Corporate/Commercial Law
Meet Our Associates
Ashley M. Rickard
Assisting the Jackie, Handerek & Forester staff is Ashley Rickard. From Beaumont, Alberta, Ashley received her B.Sc. with distinction in 2008 and Bachelor of Laws in 2012, both from the University of Alberta. Ashley was admitted to the Alberta Bar Association in 2013.
Practice Areas: Family law, Criminal prosecutions and General litigation.
Shaun Maddex
Shaun has a general legal practice focusing on the areas of real estate, wills & estates, and corporate law.
Shaun graduated from Grant MacEwan University with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and attended Law School at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops where he obtained his J.D. from the Faculty of Law in 2019. Shaun was called to the Alberta Bar in 2020.
Practice Areas:
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Real Estate
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Wills & Estates
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Corporate/Commercial Law
Giovanna L. Hinman | Fluent in Spanish & English | Alberta Bar Member since 2020
Born and raised in Chile, Giovanna brings a wealth of international experience and an unwavering commitment to her clients. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she effectively serves a diverse clientele with empathy and professionalism.
Giovanna earned her L.D. J.S.S. degree from Finis Terrae University in 2006 and was admitted to the Bar in Chile after taking her Oath before the Supreme Court of Chile in November 2008. While in Chile, she worked for a private company specializing in mediation and legal services and dedicated her time to volunteering in various religious service projects, particularly with children and youth.
In 2010, Giovanna moved to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, where she met her husband and chose to build a life. Determined to continue her legal career in Canada, she pursued the National Committee on Accreditation (NCA) program and graduated from the University of Alberta in 2017.
Giovanna’s professional journey in Alberta began with roles in government administration before returning to legal practice. She articled with Jackie Handerek & Forester in 2019, where she honed her legal skills within a collaborative and supportive environment. In 2020, she was called to the Alberta Bar and has since remained with the firm.
Outside of work, Giovanna enjoys quality time with her family, walking her dog Diego, visiting friends, and exploring Alberta through road trips. Giovanna identifies as a Christian and attends church frequently where she volunteers in various capacities to serve her community.
Giovanna’s approachable nature, cultural fluency, and commitment to her clients make her a trusted advocate in every case she handles.
Practice Areas:
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Family Law
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Criminal Law
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Wills/Estates
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Guardianship/Trusteeship Matters
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Immigration Matters
Irena Slocuh
Irena has a general practice which includes real estate, wills & estates, and corporate law. Irena received her BSc. with distinction in 2013 and JD in 2019, both from the University of Alberta. Irena was called to the Alberta Bar in 2020.
Practice Areas:
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Real Estate, Wills & Estates
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Corporate/Commercial Law
Work With Us
Join our dynamic and reputable law firm today. We are always looking for professional, reputable lawyers and assistants to join our team.
If interested, please forward a letter and resume to the attention of Jeff Forester.
Email: jforester@leduclawyers.ab.ca