Dan McDonald is an independent commercial arbitrator and mediator based in Calgary, Alberta and associated with Western Arbitration Chambers.

Called to the bars of British Columbia and Alberta, Dan’s practice for over 45 years has focused on resolution of commercial, energy and securities disputes through litigation, arbitration and mediation.

Since retiring as a senior partner and Vice-Chair of Burnet, Duckworth & Palmer LLP in 2021, Dan continues his practice as an independent arbitrator, mediator and counsel.  He serves as a sole arbitrator, co‑arbitrator and tribunal chair in domestic and international commercial arbitrations, both ad hoc and institutional.  In addition, he acts as a mediator in all types of commercial disputes.

Dan is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the President of Western Canada Commercial Arbitration Society.

Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators – completed the required training and qualified as fellow 2006

Harvard Law School, Mediation Workshop 2006

ICDR Canada Arbitrator Training 2015

Over 45 years of dispute resolution experience as commercial litigation counsel, arbitrator and mediator.

Appointed King’s (formerly Queen’s) Counsel 1996

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

President and Director, Western Canada Commercial Arbitration Society

Member, Toronto Commercial Arbitration Society

Member, ADR Institute of Alberta and ADR Institute of Canada

Member, Canada Panel of Arbitrators and Mediators, American Arbitration Association, International Center for Dispute Resolution

Member, List of Arbitrators, Canada Transportation Agency

Bachelor of Science with distinction, University of Alberta, 1971

Bachelor of Laws, Queen’s University, 1975