Biography
Michael is a partner at Carbert Waite and co-chair of the firm’s commercial litigation and condominium practice groups. Michael’s litigation practice focuses on construction, insurance, shareholder disputes, and condominium law. Michael also has significant experience in oil and gas litigation and commercial landlord and tenant disputes.
Michael has extensive experience representing owners, general contractors and subcontractors in various construction matters including construction liens, deficiency claims, and contractual interpretation issues. Michael is well versed in relevant legislation surrounding builders’ liens and regularly teaches courses to the construction industry. Michael has also represented both insurers and insureds in various insurance related claims including fire, flood, product liability, and disability. Michael has experience providing coverage opinions. He regularly represents insureds in disputes with their insurance providers over coverage
Michael has represented clients in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, the Alberta Court of Justice, and in mediations and arbitrations. He enjoys appearing in Court when necessary, but focuses on finding economic and sensible solutions for his clients and works tirelessly to pursue their rights.
Michael regularly volunteers his time by providing free legal advice to the local community and is passionate about mentoring junior lawyers. He volunteers for Pro Bono Alberta through the King’s Bench Amicus Program and the Civil Claims Duty Counsel projects and offers mentorship through various mentorship programs, including through the Law Society of Alberta. Michael is a Board member with Global Lawyers of Canada (Alberta chapter) and the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council.
Education
- Carleton University (B.Com., 2006)
- University of Alberta (J.D., 2011)
Professional Memberships
- Law Society of Alberta (2012)
- Canadian Bar Association
- Calgary Bar Association
- The Advocates’ Society
Community
- Board member, Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council
- Pro Bono Law Alberta Civil Claims Duty Counsel
- Pro Bono Law Alberta King’s Bench Assistance Program
- Director, Alberta Chapter, Global Lawyers of Canada
Presentations
- Navigating Today’s Evolving and Complex Workplace with Confidence, Michael Bokhaut, Carbert Waite LLP, Yvonne Silver, Women & Wisdom Media, Janice Buckingham KC, Osler Hoskin & Harcourt, Sherry Wendt, Cenovous Energy, Bonita Croft KC, Suncor Energy Inc., September 17, 2025.
- Making Partner: The Good, The Bad, and The Billable, Michael Bokhaut, Carbert Waite LLP, Eleanor Carlson, Carbert Waite LLP, Bill De Jong, DLA Piper, Edos Omorotionmwan, EO Law, Laure Lamb CPA, CA, FEA, KMSS LLP, May 22, 2025.
- Alberta Civil Procedure – What You Don’t Learn in Law School, Michael Bokhaut, Carbert Waite LLP, Max MacLeod, DLA Piper LLP, Bryce Wells DLA Piper LLP, Canadian Bar Association, March 19, 2025.
- Panel Discussion & QA: Owners Going Rogue, 2024 Alberta Condominium & Real Estate Conference, Michael Bokhaut, Carbert Waite LLP, Laurie Kiedrowski, McLeod Law LLP, Darren Soltes, Blue Jean Property Management, Dana Bouwman, Key Condo Management, November 1, 2024
- Rapid Fire Legal Panel, 2024 Alberta Condominium & Real Estate Conference, Michael Bokhaut, Carbert Waite LLP, Joshua Selby, Miller Thomson LLP, Kate Kozowyk, SVR Lawyers, Stephanie Whyte, McLeod Law LLP, November 2, 2024
Recognition
- Best Lawyers in Canada™ – Corporate and Commercial Litigation (2025 —)
- Chambers & Partners, Band 5, Litigation: General Commercial in Alberta (2025)

Media
- Edmonton’s Housing Starts Are Booming, But Is New Better Than Old?, Hannah Kavanagh, August 04, 2025, CTV News Edmonton — Michael discussed the different types of issues buyers may face with new versus older homes, emphasizing the importance of inspections, disclosure, and trusting your judgment during the home-buying process.
- Edmonton homeowner who spent $77,000 to fix sinking porch suing builder, warranty providers, Madeleine Cummings, January 18, 2025, CBC News — Michael discussed the importance of thoroughly documenting any issues with your home, including keeping detailed logs and photographs, and to be very specific when communicating with builders and warranty providers.
Blog Posts
“Acting in Good Faith:” Lessons for Commercial Tenants and Landlords From a Recent Asbestos Management Dispute
November 7, 2025
A case from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench, CNOOC Petroleum North America ULC v 801 Seventh Inc, 2025 ABKB 145, outlines the responsibilities of landlords and tenants regarding their contractual obligations when litigation is ongoing or imminent. The case, while arising from a dispute over asbestos management, provides guidance…
Continue ReadingCarbert Waite LLP recognized in the 2026 Chambers and Partners Canada Guide
September 25, 2025
We are proud to announce that five partners, along with our commercial litigation and employment and labour law groups have been recognized in the 2026 Chambers Canada Guide by Chambers and Partners for excellent work and service in Alberta and in Canada. Chambers and Partners is the leading, and most…
Continue ReadingDelays In Construction Lien Disputes Can Lead to Losing Security
August 5, 2025
A recent case from the Alberta Court of King’s Bench serves as a warning to parties engaged in construction lien disputes where money has been posted as security and the lien discharged from title. If the dispute is not resolved quickly enough, the Court may discharge the security. Below, we…
Continue ReadingThreats to Commercial Landlords from Unpaid Tenant Improvement Work: Recent Lessons from the Alberta Court of Appeal
April 17, 2025
The Alberta Court of Appeal released an important reminder to landlords and contractors relating to tenant improvements. In Xemex Contracting Inc v Aspen Properties (Northland Place) Ltd (2025 ABCA 49), the Court investigated whether a contractor that was not paid for tenant improvements could seek payment from the Landlord through…
Continue ReadingNew Partner Announcement – Michael Bokhaut
January 17, 2022
Carbert Waite LLP is pleased to announce that Michael Bokhaut has become a partner in our firm. Michael has been with Carbert Waite since 2018, and is a valued and respected member of our team that has made significant contributions to the firm and its clients. Michael’s practice focuses on…
Continue ReadingHow Can Condominium Corporations Collect and Pursue Delinquent Unit Owners for Their Legal Fees?
September 16, 2021
The law is not yet settled whether condominium corporation can collect legal fees from delinquent unit owners or not. What both the unit owner and the condominium board members should know.
Continue ReadingHiding your Dirty Laundry: Is Information on the Court Record Always Available to the Public?
July 27, 2021
The Supreme Court of Canada summarized and outlined the rules over how and when court materials can be hidden from the public and kept under seal.
Continue ReadingConstruction Progress Billings and Deadlines to Sue
May 18, 2021
In large construction projects, many contractors and sub-contractors issue progress billings over the course of the project. For particularly long and complex projects, a single contractor may issue progress billings for many years.
Continue ReadingAnticipated Changes to the Alberta Construction Industry through Prompt Payment Legislation
November 2, 2020
The Alberta Government is proposing significant changes to the Builders’ Lien Act that will change the Alberta construction industry. On October 21, 2020, the Government introduced Bill 37, the ‘Builders’ Lien (Prompt Payment) Amendment Act, 2020’ designed to speed up the flow of cash on construction projects, extend deadlines for…
Continue ReadingWho Pays For Condominium Unit Damage?
May 5, 2020
Here’s a common event in Alberta condominiums: A water pipe bursts in one unit, causing water to leak into several other units. Each unit suffers significant damage and the Condominium Board becomes involved with the repairs. Who is responsible for the deductible? The condominium as a whole or the owner…
Continue ReadingBuilders’ Liens – Not Always the Best Remedy
October 29, 2019
Builder’s Liens are remedies meant to protect the interests of general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers, or anyone else who provides goods and services to improve lands (“Contractors”).
Continue ReadingSubcontractor Disputes under $50,000: Should I File a Builders’ Lien or Sue in Small Claims?
April 23, 2019
When it comes to construction projects, things don’t always go according to plan. This is especially true for residential property renovations. Unhappy customers often withhold payment, which is why contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and labourers can file a builders’ lien to get paid for the work they have done. By registering…
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