Our People
Loraine Champion, KC
Executive Director
T: 587-779-7205
E: executivedirector@lawyersassist.ca
Loraine has been a lawyer in Alberta since 1987.
She practiced corporate law with a national firm, worked as senior corporate counsel at a multinational corporation (both as part of a job-share and on a part-time basis as part of her worklife balance values) and operated a small consulting practice focusing on corporate human resources law. Desiring a change after 25 years, she joined the Law Society of Alberta’s staff becoming the Manager, Early Interventions Programs, and then taking the helm of Assist in 2018. She has been a supporter of employee and lawyer mental health, as well as worklife balance through her career and has extensive background working with not-for-profit organizations. Loraine was awarded her KC designation in June 2024.
Marc Adler
Program Director
T: 587-775-7200
E: programdirector@lawyersassist.ca
With 32 years of experience in corporate commercial and energy finance, Marc brings both professional depth and lived experience to their work in lawyer well-being. Passionate about addressing the long-term impacts of chronic stress and reducing the stigma around mental health, Marc is committed to fostering meaningful change within the legal profession.
Currently serving as Program Director of Alberta Lawyers’ Assistance Society (Assist), supporting the well-being of Alberta’s legal community for nearly three decades, and as a Sessional Instructor on Lawyer and Student Mental Health at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law. Through this work, Marc strives to help lawyers and students not only succeed professionally, but lead healthier, more balanced, and fulfilling lives.
'Niyi obadan
Administrative Coordinator
E: coordinator@lawyersassist.ca
An experienced corporate lawyer, legal consultant, and board secretary, 'Ni brings a strong background in contract management, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. With a career advising organizations and supporting boards, they have extensive experience facilitating meetings, strengthening governance practices, and implementing efficient processes. Passionate about collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement, 'Ni supports Assist’s operations with a thoughtful, strategic approach grounded in both legal expertise and practical execution.
Crystal thomson-dick
Operations Coordinator
E: operations@lawyersassist.ca
Crystal brings over 24 years of administrative and operational experience to Assist, supporting the team in delivering programs and services that promote the well-being of lawyers and students. She has a diverse background supporting people in a variety of settings, including work with at-risk youth and specialized programs, which informs her organized and compassionate approach.
Previously, she managed operations for a national not-for-profit organization, overseeing workflows, coordinating teams, implementing programs, and ensuring smooth, high-quality support for stakeholders and members. At Assist, she focuses on streamlining processes, facilitating effective communication, and supporting initiatives that strengthen organizational impact and community engagement.
Outside of work, she is a certified fitness instructor and enjoys encouraging healthy, balanced living.
Dr. Brian Forbes
Forbes Psychological Services Ltd.
Brian Forbes, Ph.D., R.Psych. is a graduate of Queen’s University with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. He has extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of psychological and behavioral problems. His areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, stress, anger management, and drug and alcohol problems. In addition, he has extensive experience in working with a broad range of organizations to facilitate team building, conflict resolution, mediation, and disability management. Prior to the establishment of Forbes Psychological Services he was the Director of Client Services with Wilson Banwell, the Director of Clinical Services at the Family Centre, the Regional Director; Mental Health Services, Alberta Health and the Director of Internship Training at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton.