Community

Sproule brings experience to counsel role

Sharon Sproule (BA '97) has been appointed as the University of Lethbridge's in-house legal counsel.

Sproule is a long-time Lethbridge resident and U of L graduate who joins the University from Torry Lewis Abells, where she practised as a litigator and solicitor, joining the firm in 2003.

From 1997 to 2003 she worked with Lethbridge-based law firm Stringam Denecky, where she also articled following her graduation from the University of Calgary law school in 1996.

Balancing a busy law practice, community service and professional development within the legal community, Sproule has also continued her relationship with the University as a sessional or guest lecturer in the faculties of Health Sciences, Management and other programs.

She is a member of the Law Society of Alberta, the Lethbridge Bar Association and the Alberta Mediation Society. Sproule is also active in the community as a volunteer with a number of local organizations, including Lethbridge Family Services, Rotary Urban Spirits, the Young Professionals Association and the Lethbridge Association of Collaborative Professionals.

"Having Sharon join us as in-house legal counsel will provide the University with expertise that currently does not exist within our institution," says Nancy Walker, the U of L's vice-president (finance and administration). "The environment in which the University operates is becoming very complex and we find the need to ensure that we are managing our risks appropriately."

Walker says that Sproule will be responsible for providing legal advice and guidance to the Senior Administrative Team and the University as a whole, pertaining to a wide variety of issues and circumstances, including administrative, research, human rights,aemployment law matters, intellectual property matters, licensing matters and policies and procedures.

Sproule will also serve as the key contact for general operational business and commercial contracts.
She will report to the Vice-President (Finance & Administration) and can be reached at 403-332-4477.

This story first appeared in the November issue of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.