Shel J. Laven, Probate Attorney in the United States
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on Probate, Real Estate, and Wills · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Practicing probate since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Shel J. Laven?
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Quick answer
Shel J. Laven is an attorney based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Wills. Shel has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Calgary, AB
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- Probate · Real Estate · Wills
- Handles Probate, Real Estate, and Wills matters from Calgary, AB.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Shel J. Laven: Shel J. Laven is an attorney based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Wills. Shel has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Shel J. Laven
Shel concentrates on probate, real estate, and wills. Each area below outlines the kind of case Shel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Probate
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Real Estate
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Wills
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Probate cases nationwide
Shel takes probate matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shel agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases nationwide
Shel takes real estate matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shel agrees to represent you.
Wills cases nationwide
Shel takes wills matters nationwide. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Shel agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Shel J. Laven — Over 43 years of the U.S. probate experience
Shel J. Laven is an attorney based in Calgary, AB. The practice focuses on Probate, Real Estate, and Wills. Shel has over 43 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Shel J. Laven is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, wills. Shel J. received a B.A. degree from University of British Columbia in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Shel J. practices in Calgary, AB.
How Shel handles probate matters
Shel J. Laven is a lawyer practicing real estate, probate, wills. Shel J. received a B.A. degree from University of British Columbia in 1979, and has been licensed for 43 years. Shel J. practices in Calgary, AB.
Who Shel represents
Shel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate, real estate, and wills matters in the United States.
Credentials
Shel J. Laven's legal education and bar admissions
University of British Columbia
LL.B. · 1983
University of British Columbia
B.A. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Shel's state bar admissions
Alberta
1983 · ACTIVE
Shel studied at LL.B. in University of British Columbia and B.A. in University of British Columbia.
Law school and academic background
Shel completed LL.B. in University of British Columbia and B.A. in University of British Columbia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Shel runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Shel J. Laven
Shel has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Shel J. Laven's office in Calgary
Shel's primary office is at 700 4th Ave., S.W., Ste. 900, Calgary, AB, T2P 3J4. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Shel J. Laven — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Shel. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing probate attorneys in your area.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Shel J. Laven claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Shel J. Laven — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Shel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Shel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shel's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Shel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a probate attorney in your state
A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Shel
Shel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every probate matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Shel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Shel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Shel J. Laven
How much does it cost to hire Shel for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Shel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Shel offer a free consultation?
Shel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Shel's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Shel's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in this state typically take?
Simple probate matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Shel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Shel take my case if I'm outside the area?
Shel evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Shel's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Shel?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Shel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Shel accepting new probate clients right now?
Shel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.