Biography
Kate is an Associate at Carbert Waite LLP. Kate joined the firm in August 2022 after graduating from the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law.
Prior to Law School, Kate earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. She worked for non-profit agencies in Calgary in the areas of disability, mental health and addiction, acting as a counsellor and program facilitator. Kate continues to serve her community by volunteering at the University of Calgary’s Student Legal Assistance program and the KB Amicus program at the courthouse. She also volunteers with the Association of Women Lawyers.
Kate maintains a broad litigation practice, in the areas of employment, commercial, construction, health and personal injury. She represents clients in the Court of King’s Bench, the Court of Justice, the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service, and the Human Rights Tribunal.
In her employment practice, Kate advises employee and employer clients in all aspects of employment law. She drafts employment agreements and policies, advises on compliance with employment laws, terminations and accommodations, negotiates severance, and represents clients in human rights complaints, and wrongful, and constructive dismissal claims.
In her commercial and construction practice, Kate primarily assists clients in contractual disputes and debt collection.
Kate has a unique perspective working both as defense counsel in complex medical malpractice cases against health institutions, hospitals, nurses and other health care providers, and representing plaintiffs in personal injury claims. She has experience representing clients in slip and fall injuries, assaults, wrongful arrests, and professional negligence.
In her spare time Kate enjoys travelling, playing soccer, and spending time at home with her family, which includes two very wild little children, and two very patient dogs.
Education
- J.D., University of Calgary (2022)
- Bachelor of Social Work, University of Manitoba (2019)
- Dual-Diploma in Disability Studies and Social Work, Mount Royal College (2016)
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta (2022)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Association of Women Lawyers
Community
- Pro Bono Law Alberta King’s Bench Assistance Program
- Student Legal Assistance
- Association of Women Lawyers
Presentations
- Panelist, ‘Exploring a Future in Health Law,’ University of Calgary Health Law Association (April, 2024)
Blog Posts
Mental Health in The Workplace: Navigating Accommodations in Accordance with The Alberta Human Rights Act
January 22, 2025
Under the Alberta Human Rights Act, employers are prohibited from discriminating against employees based on their mental health conditions. In some instances, this extends to stress or anxiety. Employers are obligated to provide accommodations to the point of undue hardship, to employees dealing with mental health challenges. This means they…
Continue ReadingKate Perala for ABlawg – Private Healthcare and the Law
May 9, 2023
Carbert Waite student-at-law, Kate Perala, recently co-authored a piece on ABlawg.ca where she offered her insights into a decision surrounding private healthcare.
Continue ReadingThe Challenges of Workplace Investigations Into Employee Misconduct
December 6, 2022
Author: Kate Perala A recent arbitration between the City of Calgary and one of their employees demonstrates the challenges in navigating work place investigations and the consequences of employee’s abusing sick leave policy. The City of Calgary regularly lays off seasonal workers in the fall and recalls them in the…
Continue ReadingTax Implications of Employment Settlements
September 27, 2022
This blog post examines how the Canada Revenue Agency has interpreted settlement payments through their issuance of Interpretation Bulletins and Income Tax Folios.
Continue Reading