School Board Trustees and Municipal Councillors
If you are a school trustee or municipal councillor in need advice or are dealing with hostility from other trustees or councillors, such as code of conduct, human rights, or harassment complaints, we encourage you to reach out to see how we can help you.
KITCHEN WELLS LLP regularly represents school board trustees and municipal councillors. Mr. Kitchen and Mrs. Wells currently represent former Chilliwack school trustee Barry Neufeld in his ongoing battle with the BC Teachers Federation and the BC Human Rights Commission.
Mr. Kitchen represented former Red Deer Catholic school trustee Monique LaGrange in her challenge of the decision of the Red Deer Catholic school board to disqualify her. The case went to the Alberta Court of Appeal, where Ms. LaGrange’s appeal was granted in part. The Court ruled that the school board’s demand Ms. LaGrange issue an apology was unlawful because such apologies amount to compelled speech and are unenforceable.
Mr. Kitchen was pleased to win the case of Dion v Peace River School Division, 2025 ABKB 359, which involved a school board trustee who was disqualified by his fellow board members for alleged code of conduct breaches. The court overturned the disqualification and ordered Mr. Dion be reinstated. This case also involved an unlawful demand for an apology and was relied upon by the Court of Appeal in the LaGrange case.
Client Recommendations
“I welcome the opportunity to recommend James Kitchen at Kitchen Wells LLP. I am an elected school board trustee. In June 2026, I received a code of conduct complaint made against me by a fellow board member. God forbid, if you find yourself in a similar situation, I want to assure you that you don’t have to go it alone, nor should you let yourself be pressured to respond without a lawyer. Over time, the value that an expert lawyer brings to the table well exceeds the legal fees. On that note, James is very fair and his rates are extremely reasonable when you consider his specialized experience. I shudder to think about what would have transpired without having my lawyer by my side. To say James Kitchen added value to the process is an understatement.”
– Jacqui Vanderfluit, School Trustee
“James is a true master of his craft. His argument in my case was absolutely masterful and incredibly well-delivered.”
– Moïse Dion, School Trustee
“James Kitchen was an answer to prayer. Many law firms I initially contacted would not return my calls. James jumped in with both feet and dealt with the media and all communications with the other side. James is strong and confident with words, communication, and in his craft. He is strategic when navigating the justice system and made me feel at ease through the high stress process of a code of conduct complaint, judicial review at the court, and a human rights complaint. I strongly recommend James if you need a competent, trustworthy, freedom-minded lawyer who serves with grace and dignity.”
– Monique LaGrange