Bennett Jones energy partner Luke Morrison has died suddenly from a cerebral aneurysm. The firm mourned his passing, describing Morrison as a “partner, colleague, and friend.”
The announcement of his death was met with an outpouring of condolences from the legal community, which shared their experiences with him.
Jessica Myers, corporate partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, wrote that Morrison was a “stand up guy…open, friendly, really interesting while being down-to-earth, and a solid friend, colleague and counsel,” in a LinkedIn comment.
Stephen Dugandzic, who launched and is the managing lawyer at Evolution Legal, shared that Morrison had played a key role in onboarding him for his articles with Bennett Jones over 2012-2013. He wrote in a LinkedIn comment: “I have many fond memories from that time in getting to know him on a personal level.”
Morrison had been with Bennett Jones for over 18 years, having commenced with the firm as an associate in 2008 according to LinkedIn. He made partner in 2018 and eventually went on to lead the firm’s energy practice group.
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He was ranked by Lexpert as a leading energy and M&A lawyer and was on the Canadian Energy Law Foundation’s governance committee.
As chair of Bennett Jones’ student recruitment committee in Calgary, Morrison mentored up-and-coming lawyers. He also chaired The Educational Partnership Foundation, advocating for literacy, trades training, and educational opportunities for Canadian youth, including those in Indigenous and remote communities.
Morrison was called to the Alberta Bar in 2009 after obtaining his LLB and his BA (Honours) in political science from the University of Alberta. He is survived by his wife Kathryn Farrell and son Jack.
Bennett Jones CEO Dominique Hussey and board chair John M. Mercury said in a statement: “Luke will be fondly remembered for his kindness, integrity, warmth, and ability to bring people together. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His legacy will forever be a part of Bennett Jones,”
In the days following his death, the legal community has come together to share stories and memories of Morrison, highlighting the significant impact he had on those around him.
