John C. Soby Q.C.
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John Soby was born in High River, Alberta. He earned a B.A. from the University of Alberta in Calgary in 1962, and a LL.B. from Dalhousie University in 1965. From 1965 to 1966 he articled with C.G. Smith, Q.C., and was admitted to the Alberta Bar 1966. Following his admission to the bar, John became an associate in the firm of Prothroe, Gibbs, McCruden, Hilland, and McCombe. Shortly thereafter that firm merged with McLaws, Deyell, Dinkle, Floyd & Moore to become McLaws & Company, now Parlee McLaws. John remained with McLaws & Company until 1971 when he joined the firm Ghitter Ghitter & Hetherington, later known as Ghitter & Co. He remained with Ghitter & Co. until its dissolution which occurred sometime in or around 1984. From the time he was admitted to the bar until the latter part of June, 1986, John had a varied practice which included matrimonial law. It was in July of 1986 that John joined with Elaine Lenz and Robert V.T. Boyden to form Soby Boyden Lenz. This firm was established for the express purpose of rendering its services exclusively in the practice of family law.

Family law was the specialty that John had some comfort in given that prior to the formation of Soby Boyden Lenz, John had been extensively involved in legal education, having taught the Bar Admission courses in Family Law for 11 consecutive years. John was frequently called as a panelist in family law courses and seminars.

Practising exclusively in the area of family law, John has handled many high-profile divorces, many involving large estates some with international implications. In recognition of this, John was invited to become a Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 1997. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) in 1998. Over the years John has had an extensive litigation practice. In recognition of the growing trend towards the utilization of alternate dispute resolution techniques, he has completed all of the course work and has become registered as a Collaborative Law Lawyer and Mediator.

Professional Associations

• Canadian Bar Association
• Calgary Bar Association
• Law Society of Alberta
• International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  and one of 2 Canadians on the academy's Board of Governors

Professional Contributions

• Chaired Family Law subsection, Southern Alberta, Canadian Bar Association
• Committee member for Alberta Legal Aid
• Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) Instructor – Chambers Advocacy Assignments