Anne S. de Villars, K.C.

Anne S. de Villars, K.C. is well-known for her expertise and thoughtful approach in all areas of estate law.

Anne co-founded de Villars Jones in 1988 with David Phillip Jones. She works with clients in all areas of estate law including estate planning through wills, enduring powers of attorney, personal directives, and trusts. She also acts for executors and beneficiaries dealing with estate administration matters, and, where necessary, with estate litigation. She is a qualified mediator and has conducted many estate mediations, leading to early settlements. She was the founding president of the Collaborative Estates and Trusts Lawyers Society.

Arising out of her long-time passion to protect the historic and residential character of her own community (The Garneau), Anne also became involved in municipal planning law. She was the long-time chair of The Garneau Community League’s Planning Committee for 42 years.

In addition to being a wise and compassionate legal advisor to her clients, Anne is also recognized for her scholarly work. She is co-author of Jones & de Villars’ Principles of Administrative Law (7th edition 2020), and was co-editor of the Administrative Law Reports. She is co-editor of the Annotated Surrogate Rules and wrote the Legal Education Society of Alberta’s Wills Fundamentals. She was chair of the Steering Committee which developed the Alberta Wills and Estates Practice Manual.

Anne was the co-recipient of the 2009 Medal from the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals for contributions to Canadian administrative law, as well as the recipient of the Law Society of Alberta and Canadian Bar Association’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession.

Anne sat on the board of the Alberta Law Reform Institute where she particularly worked for 20 years on reforming Alberta’s succession law. This included a re-write of the Surrogate Rules , the Wills and Succession Act, and the Estate Administration Act.

PUBLICATIONS