Krysta
Ostwald, K.C.

As partner and co-founder of WK Family Lawyers LLP, Krysta’s goal is to resolve disputes without unnecessary conflict. Utilizing collaborative family law, negotiation, mediation, arbitration and litigation, Krysta strives to resolve family issues in a timely and cost-effective manner, while not compromising her client’s interests.

Through advice and support, Krysta empowers her clients to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Having practised family law exclusively for 25 years, Krysta’s practice is now primarily acting as a mediator and arbitrator.

Krysta has extensive mediation training, has completed the ADRIA Arbitration course and is an instructor at the National Family Law Arbitration course.

Krysta has been named by the Canadian Legal Lexpert ® Directory and Woodward White Inc. as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada every year since 2006; including being named Lawyer of the Year, Family Law Mediation Calgary, 2015 and Lawyer of the Year, Family Law, Calgary 2020 by Best Lawyers. In addition, she has been on the Organizing Committee for the National Family Law Program through the Federation of Law Societies since 2009.

Krysta has completed the Meeting with Children Training of Lorri A. Yasenik PhD and Jonathan M. Graham LLB (Yasenik-Graham.com) and conducts child focused mediation/arbitrations when requested.

Awards and Recognition

King’s Counsel (2020)
Best Lawyers: Lawyer of the Year, Family Law Mediation, Calgary (2020)
Best Lawyer: Lawyer of the Year Award, Family Law, Calgary (2015)
Best Lawyers in Canada (2006 – present)
Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory (2006-present)

Professional Contributions

Completed ADRIA arbitration course
On the faculty for N.F.L.A.C. (National Family Law Arbitration Course)
Competed Screening for Power Imbalances and Family Violence for Family Lawyers, Riverdale Mediation
Completed Domestic Violence and Power Imbalance Certificate
Organizing Committee for the National Family Law Program, Federation of Law Societies
AFCC Task Force on Parenting Coordination (Association of Family and Conciliation Courts)

Professional Publications

Lecturer and author, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Family Law Seminar, 2022
Lecturer and author, Legal Educational Society of Alberta (LESA) 50th Annual Refresher, 2017
Lecturer and author, National Judicial Institute (NJI), Family Law Seminar, Evidence and Procedure, 2017
Lecturer and author, National Family Law Program (NFLP), 2014, 2012 and 2006
Lecturer and author, Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA), 2013, 2012 and 2002

Professional Associations

Canadian Bar Association
Law Society of Alberta
Calgary Bar Association
Association of Collaborative Family Lawyers
ADR Institute of Alberta

Community Work

Faculty, National Family Law Arbitration Course
Director, Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family (April 2017 – Wound up)
The Advocates Society, Alberta Regional Advisory Committee
Organizing Committee, National Family Law Program (2009-Present)
Dispute Resolution Officer, Court of King’s Bench of Alberta (2008-Present)
Discovery House Pro Bono Project Manager, Pro Bono Law Alberta (2013)
Firm Representative, Justica Phase Two Law Society of Alberta (2013 – Completion)
Instructor, Legal Education Society of Alberta (2001 – Present)
Instructor, Intensive Advocacy Course (2012 – 2013) and Mediation Course (2009-Present)
Canadian Bar Association, Managing Partners Sub Section Executive Committee (2012-2014)
Canadian Bar Association, Family Law South Section Executive Committee (2001 – 2007)
Organizer and Volunteer, Mustard Seed (2001 – Present)
Manager, U14 Boys Tier 1 (Indoor & Outdoor) Alberta Soccer Associations (2015 – 2016)
Board of Directors, Calgary Villains Football Association (2013-2019)
Board of Directors, Canmore Condo Board (2013-2018)
Calgary Legal Guidance (1998 – 1999)