Laura Bracco-Callaghan

Employment Lawyer & Litigation Lawyer

Prior to joining Embury & West LLP in 2025, Laura maintained a broad civil litigation practice at mid-sized Calgary firm for 14 years. There, she led the firm’s Employment Group and practiced primarily in the areas of insurance defence/coverage and employment law.

Laura routinely assists both employers and employees on a wide range of workplace issues including terminations, employment contracts, workplace policies, constructive dismissal, severance packages, human rights and accommodation matters, and occupational health and safety compliance. Laura’s practice also includes advising on and conducting workplace investigations, particularly those involving sensitive allegations of harassment, discrimination, and broader systemic issues.

Laura’s background in insurance defence and coverage strengthens the strategic advice she provides to employment clients. Drawing on her understanding of insurers and policies – particularly EPL and D&O – she helps clients assess risk, navigate coverage issues, weigh litigation versus settlement, and anticipate insurer positions.

In addition to her employment practice, Laura regularly advises and assists corporate and institutional clients on matters related to privacy legislation compliance, privacy breach prevention and response, and proceedings before privacy regulators. She is known for providing strategic and pragmatic advice to clients navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments in OHS, employment, and privacy law. Laura also routinely acts for professionals including doctors, nurses, dentists, and psychologists, in professional disciplinary proceedings and lawsuits.

Laura takes a particular interest in defamation law and privacy torts, which frequently overlap with her employment practice. As a former member of Canada’s National Biathlon Team, Laura is also drawn to the field of sports law, where she acts for both professional and amateur athletes, and advises sports organizations on various matters, including team selection, disciplinary proceedings, and harassment investigations.

Laura has appeared as trial and appellate counsel before all levels of Court in Alberta. Laura also represents clients in arbitration proceedings, complex multi-party mediations, professional disciplinary proceedings, judicial review applications and proceedings before the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta and the Human Rights Tribunal of Alberta.

Laura finds great professional fulfillment in mentoring future lawyers.  Outside of work, Laura remains an active athlete and can often be found hiking or skiing in the mountains surrounding her hometown of Canmore, travelling with her family, or trying out new recipes with her kids.