Laura K. Estep

Laura K. Estep is a Partner and a key member of Dentons' Energy Regulatory practice group, based in Calgary. Her practice focuses on Energy Law, with extensive experience advising companies in the energy industry.

Laura's experience is particularly evident in guiding major energy companies through the complexities of the regulatory landscape. Her expertise covers all stages of the regulatory process, from initial consultations to successful representation before the Canada Energy Regulator, the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Alberta Energy Regulator. She also represents industry clients in Aboriginal law matters.

Her expertise extends to representing clients at various court levels in energy-related appeal and judicial review matters. Described as "very detail-oriented" with "great expertise in energy, oil and gas," Laura offers crucial legal advice and representation aimed at securing regulatory approvals for a broad spectrum of energy-related projects.

Her experience includes acting in connection with large-diameter pipeline applications and hearings, facilities applications and hearings before the Alberta Energy Regulator (e.g., oil sands mines and expansions) and the Alberta Utilities Commission (e.g., power plants, transmission lines), strategic advice on the development of Indigenous consultation programs, and land acquisition programs and expropriation proceedings before the Alberta Land and Property Rights Tribunal.

She is recognised by Chambers Global for Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory) – Canada, by Chambers Canada in Band 1 for Energy: Oil & Gas (Regulatory), by The Legal 500 Canada for Energy and Natural Resources – Oil and Gas, Energy and Natural Resources – Power, and Indigenous Law, by The Best Lawyers in Canada for Energy Regulatory Law, Oil and Gas Law, Administrative and Public Law, Natural Resources Law and Aboriginal Law, and by The Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory for Environmental Law, Energy (Electricity), Energy (Oil & Gas) and ESG.

She holds an LLB from the University of Alberta and a BA in Sociology from the University of Calgary. She has served on the Dentons Canada Board (2016–2024), including as Presiding Member (2022–2024), and is a Director of the Alberta Chamber of Resources.