We understand the people, businesses, and challenges unique to this region, and we are committed to serving it with integrity and care. We have spent our careers serving clients across Northern Alberta, and we believe meaningful legal work includes being actively involved in the community.
Michael graduated from the University of Alberta Law School in 2004 and was called to the bar in 2005. He focuses on family law, construction litigation, commercial landlord-tenant matters, real estate, corporate commercial and wills and estates.
Michael grew up in Southern Alberta and then completed both his undergraduate and law degrees at the University of Alberta. He has practiced law in Northern Alberta for most of his career, including at McConnell Law Office and a regional firm in Fort McMurray. Michael is excited to be back in Whitecourt and looks forward to contributing to the community.
Bale grew up in Delta and Kelowna, British Columbia. After graduating from high school, Bale attended the University of Victoria and then completed his undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Accounting at Kwantlin Polytechnic University. He then attended law school at the University of Alberta. He practices family law, real estate, criminal law, civil litigation, employment law, corporate commercial and wills and estates.
Bale also served for three years in the Canadian Forces Army Reserves. Outside of work, Bale enjoys reading non-fiction across a wide range of subjects and spending time outdoors, particularly on multi-day hikes during the summer.
Darlene has been with McConnell & Co. since 1990, serving as Office Manager, Paralegal, Notary Public, and Commissioner for Oaths. She brings extensive experience as a legal assistant, with a focus on wills and estates.
A long-time Whitecourt resident, Darlene is deeply involved in her community. She is a certified member of the Capital Region Assessment Services Board and an honorary member and former president of the Rotary Club of Whitecourt. She has also served as Chairperson of Eagle Tower Victim Services, Vice-President of the Whitecourt & District Chamber of Commerce, and as a town Councilor in Whitecourt from 2009 to 2017. In 2003, she was named a Pillar of the Community by the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce.
Darlene and her husband, Jerry, are the owners of Chartrand Trucking and Caesar’s Cabs.
Larry McConnell built his career on a strong commitment to his clients and meaningful involvement in his community. Larry was born on September 17, 1942, in Belleville, Ontario. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Simon Fraser University before earning his Bachelor of Law from the University of Calgary.
Larry spent a decade in education, teaching in both Ontario and the Northwest Territories. His passion for leadership and community was evident early on, including four years serving as principal in Fort Resolution.
In 1981, Larry was called to the Alberta Bar and established his private law practice in Whitecourt. Larry was a staple of the Whitecourt bar until his passing in 2023. Larry was known for his tireless advocacy and dedication to his clients. In 2005 Larry was made a Queen’s Counsel in recognition of his contributions to the legal community. He served as a bencher for the Law Society of Alberta from 2004 – 2006 and from 2008 – 2009.
Beyond his legal work, Larry was very involved in the Whitecourt community. He served on Town Council from 2005 to 2007 and also ran for mayor. His contributions extended to numerous local organizations, including serving as President of the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce (1997–1999) and President of the Whitecourt Rotary Club (1995–1996).
