Born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Desiree graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Sociology with a minor in History from the University of Alberta. After this, Desiree earned her law degree from the University of Alberta. During this time she was awarded the David Mochan Memorial Prize in Criminal Law for academic excellence in criminal law. She also acted as a Criminal Law Supervisor for the Faculty of Law’s legal clinic, Student Legal Services. In addition to this work, Desiree also volunteered with the Family Law clinic and as a mooting mentor to more junior students. In her third year of law school, she was accepted into a clinical course called “Low Income and the Law,” where she was placed in the Youth Criminal Defence office of Legal Aid Alberta.
After completing her Juris Doctor degree in 2020, Desiree was hired as an articling student at Legal Aid Alberta, where she completed rotations in Family, Immigration, Youth Criminal Defence, and Adult Criminal Defence. Upon completing her articles and being called to the Alberta bar, Desiree was hired with Legal Aid Alberta as a staff lawyer in 2021, where she continued until the end of 2025. Throughout this period, Desiree gained extensive courtroom experience through daily court appearances where she handled complex and highly contested matters. This provided her with the skills to think and act on her feet, as well as helping her hone her natural compassion toward individuals in difficult situations who are struggling to cope with overwhelming legal issues.
Desiree’s practice experience frequently involved specialized courts such as domestic violence court and as part of the Mental Health Court team (a collaborative courtroom). Additionally, Desiree worked on the Mental Health Court Educational Subcommittee, where she would plan, prepare, and deliver educational sessions to the bar in collaboration with the judiciary, psychiatrists, nurses, probation officers, and others. The focus of Desiree’s career thus far has been on the cutting edge of developments and projects within the court system. Desiree’s extensive experience working in court with vulnerable clients on complex legal topics has provided her with the ability s to tackle highly complex legal issues while truly empathizing with real life situations that people find themselves in during relationships.
Desiree and her partner have two cats. In her spare time she enjoys reading both classic and contemporary literature, travelling locally and internationally, practicing yoga, playing video games and watching films with friends, and exploring the Okanagan’s wineries and restaurants.
Education
J.D., B.A. (Distinction)