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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

Testimonials

 

 

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

Media

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…

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Carbert 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…

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Delays 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…

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Threats 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…

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New 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…

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How 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.

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Hiding 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.

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Construction 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.

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Anticipated 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…

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Who 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…

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Builders’ 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”).

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Subcontractor 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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