Atty. Tess Layton
Tess’s practice involves media and defamation law, privacy law, constitutional law, commercial litigation and administrative law. Prior to commencing her articles with the firm, Tess clerked at the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton.
Profile Summary
About Tess Layton at a glance
Tess Layton is a entertainment attorney based in Edmonton, Alberta, practicing at Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP. Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Defamation and Media Law (2026). Serands clients in Edmonton, AB and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Tess’s practice involves media and defamation law, privacy law, constitutional law, commercial litigation and administrative law
- Prior to commencing her articles with the firm, Tess clerked at the Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton
- Tess has experience advising and defending journalists and media organizations of all sizes, ranging from local and regional news outlets to major national and international broadcasters
- She also acts for media entities, individuals, and corporations in relation to defamation claims brought in Alberta and elsewhere in Canada
- She frequently provides pre-publication advice to a wide variety of media outlets in relation to news stories and investigations
- Tess also assists public bodies, including municipalities, school boards, and health organizations, on access to information and protection of privacy matters under Alberta’s Access to Information Act (ATIA), Protection of Privacy Act (POPA), and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP) in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut
- In addition to her media and defamation work, Tess carries on a general commercial litigation practice and has been involved in complex litigation concerning large public and private companies
- She also carries on a solicitor’s practice involving commercial transactions
- Tess has appeared at all levels of Court in Alberta
- At the Court of Appeal of Alberta, she has advocated for the right of the media to receive notice of applications to restrict publication and access, and to determine the meaning of publication as it relates to the internet
- In addition, Tess has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada three times respecting media law issues
- In one instance, Tess was a member of Reynolds Mirth’s team relating to an injunction brought against a major national broadcaster respecting articles posted to its website containing information subject to a publication ban
- In another instance, Tess acted for the Canadian Media Lawyers Association (CMLA) in relation to the right of the public to access transcripts of Court of Appeal proceedings
- In the third instance, Tess advocated for the right of the media to have advance notice of applications to restrict public and media access to court documents
- Tess teaches Communications Law at MacEwan University and frequently presents to clients and the legal community on issues related to media law, defamation, and privacy law
- Tess has previously worked as a flight instructor and commercial pilot
- She retains her private pilot’s license
Practice Areas Explained
Tess Layton's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Tess Layton handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Entertainment lawyers for music, film, sports contracts, talent representation, and IP licensing.
Tess Layton is one of 45,946 entertainment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse entertainment attorneys in Alberta →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Alberta
Practicing law in Alberta. Legal matters in Alberta are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Edmonton are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Alberta state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Alberta brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Alberta courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Alberta attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Edmonton or all attorneys in Alberta.
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