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Shayi Xu

Partner
Phone:403.873.3710Email:sxu@mcleod-law.comOffice:Calgary South
Assistant
Jennifer Benstead
Phone:403.254.3829Email:jbenstead@mcleod-law.com
I vigorously advocate for my clients’ goals while using creative and common-sense solutions.

Shayi has been practicing family law exclusively since 2009 and is experienced with litigation and all types of dispute resolution methods.

Shayi is committed to resolving high-conflict situations as effectively and efficiently as possible. She is Vice-Chair for The Advocates Society Family Law Practice Group Committee and also helps protect clients' interests through prenuptial, cohabitation, and post-nuptial agreements as hindsight is not a preventative remedy. Shayi is also a Mediator, with the goal of helping families reach a timely, cost effective, and amicable resolution.

Born in Shanghai and raised in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Shayi lives with her husband and is a proud parent to four children (a daughter and three fur kids).

Shayi is recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada for work in Family Law.

Education

2008 University of New Brunswick, LLB
2024 National Family Law Arbitration Course
2005 Memorial University of Newfoundland, BComm

Admission

2009 Alberta
  • Successfully represented clients for seeking years of retroactive child support and spousal support payable.
  • Successful in various high-conflict cost applications and arbitrations, including getting indemnity and/or double costs.
  • Successfully uncovered undisclosed assets and client successfully received compensation and costs for same.
  • Assisting clients with compelling disclosure on a contested basis.
  • Represented various clients successfully applying for restraining orders and defending against restraining claims.
  • Successfully represented clients for parenting and mobility applications.
  • Peterson v. Sluchenski, 2025 ABKB 316, 2025
  • MacDonald v. Brodoff, 2020 ABCA 246, 2020
  • ESB v. SDB, 2017 ABQB 522, 2017

Other Languages

  • Speaks conversational Mandarin Chinese
HONOURS AND AWARDS
RECENT MEDIA COVERAGE
  • Law Society of Alberta
  • Canadian Bar Association
  • Calgary Bar Association
  • Calgary AFCC
  • The Advocate's Society, Family Law Group
    • Vice-Chair for The Advocates Society Family Law Practice Group Committee (2023-present)