Biography
Angela has been class counsel in a number of high profile national class actions, with combined settlement values totalling over $800 million. She has been recognized by the Federal Court as “a leading practitioner” in the field of class actions and was named Plaintiff Litigator of the Year for 2021 and 2022 by Benchmark Litigation Canada. She was also named Canada’s Class Action Lawyer of the Year 2021 by Global Law Experts and one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers of 2020 by Canadian Lawyer magazine. Angela has been recognized as a leading class action lawyer by Who’s Who, Global 100, Lawyer International, and Advisory Excellence.
Class Action Practice Highlights
Angela was lead counsel on a class action brought against the RCMP on behalf of female workers who had been subjected to sexual harassment, discrimination, and assault in the RCMP workplace. Despite the legal and logistical challenges associated with this complex action, Angela successfully negotiated a settlement with an estimated value of $100 million, which was approved by the Federal Court. The action was innovative and paved the way for class proceedings to be used as vehicles for addressing systemic sexual misconduct.
Angela was also class counsel in several class actions centred on Indigenous rights, including the Sixties Scoop class action, the Indigenous Boarding Homes class action and the Indigenous Hospitals class action. And she was counsel on motion for Gowling WLG at their fee approval hearing in the Indigenous Day Schools litigation, where they were awarded a $55M fee.
Angela is currently class counsel on numerous class actions that seek to push the boundaries of the law, including actions focused on commercial wrongs, pension calculation errors, privacy breaches, veterans’ rights, sexual misconduct, and Indigenous rights.
Angela is an author on the subject of class actions and a regular presenter at conferences on class actions and emerging areas of the law.
Recognition / Awards
- Benchmark Litigation Canada, Top 100 Women in Litigation 2023
- Benchmark Litigation Canada, Litigation Star – Benchmark Litigation 2023
- Chambers and Partners, Nationwide – Canada Dispute Resolution: Class Action (Plaintiff), Band 4 – Chambers Canada Legal Guide 2023
- Benchmark Litigation Canada, Plaintiff Litigator of the Year, 2022 – Benchmark Awards 2022
- Benchmark Litigation Canada, Litigation Star, 2022 – Benchmark Litigation 2022
- Benchmark Canada, Plaintiff Litigator of the Year, 2021 – Benchmark Awards 2021
- Benchmark Litigation Canada, Litigation Star, 2021 – Benchmark Litigation
- Leading Class Action Lawyer (Canada), 2021 – Global Law Experts
- Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers, 2020 (Advocacy and Human Rights) – Canadian Lawyer magazine
- Leading Class Action Lawyer, 2020 – Corporate INTL Who’s Who Advisor Handbook, p. 66
- Leading Class Action Lawyer (Canada), 2020 – Global Law Experts
- Class Action Lawyer of the Year (Canada), 2020 – Finance Monthly magazine
Professional Associations
- Member, Canadian Bar Association
- Member, The Advocates’ Society
Year of Call
- British Columbia, 2008
Education
- University of Victoria Faculty of Law, LL.B / JD, 2007
- Simon Fraser University, BFA, 2002
Results
Disclaimer: The outcome of every legal proceeding will vary according to the facts and unique circumstances in each individual case. References to successful case results where the lawyers at Murphy Battista LLP have acted for clients are not necessarily a guarantee or indicative of future results.
Angela Bespflug, Janelle O’Connor and Caitlin Ohama-Darcus, along with lawyers from Cooper Regel, were successful in obtaining an order for certification in this class action against Canada on behalf of Indigenous persons who allege that, at any time between May 14, 1953 and the present, they were physically or sexually assaulted by members of the RCMP during arrest, detainment, or while being held in custody, and who were alive as of July 20, 2018.
Read the full reasons for judgment: Meguinis-Martin v. His Majesty the King, 2023 FC 771.
For more information about this class action please visit: RCMP Indigenous Racism and Assault Class Action.
The class action seeks various damages, restitution, and recovery of specific costs on behalf of those affected by Canada’s Indigenous child welfare system.
Angela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor were counsel on this action and its ground-breaking settlement that provided compensation for female class members who were subjected to sexual harassment and assault in the RCMP workplace. The action is part of an emerging and innovative body of jurisprudence that seeks to push our Canadian judicial system to accept class actions as the preferable procedure for resolving systemic sexual misconduct.
Angela Bespflug was counsel on this class action and settlement that provided compensation to Indigenous class members for the loss of culture they suffered as a consequence of the Sixties Scoop.
Angela Bespflug acted as counsel in this sister case to Tiller v. Canada, 2020 FC 321. This action and its settlement provided compensation to female RCMP members who were subjected to sexual harassment and assault in the RCMP workplace.
Angela Bespflug was counsel for the successful respondents on this appeal of a class action certification decision related to adverse side effects associated with hair loss medication.
In the News
Angela Bespflug named one of Benchmark Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation
August 3, 2023
Congratulations to our colleague Angela Bespflug for her well-deserved recognition as one of Benchmark Canada’s Top 100 Women in Litigation. The women on this list have earned their place through their involvement in some of the most impactful litigation matters in recent history, as well as for earning the respect of their…
Continue ReadingClass action proceeding certified over clawing back of disability pension benefits from veterans and members of the Canadian Armed Forces and RCMP.
June 29, 2023
On June 28, 2023, the Federal Court of Canada certified a federal class proceeding brought against the Government of Canada alleging the improper claw back of disability pension benefits under the Pension Act. This class action was brought by Murphy Battista LLP on behalf of veterans and members of the…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug named 2023 Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada
April 26, 2023
Murphy Battista LLP is delighted to congratulate our colleague Angela Bespflug for being named a 2023 Litigation Star in the 12th edition of Benchmark Litigation Canada. Angela’s advocacy talent and dedication to the pursuit of justice on behalf of class action plaintiffs continue to distinguish her as one of Canada’s…
Continue ReadingThe Lawyer’s Daily covers certification of class action against Canada on behalf of Armed Forces veterans
October 26, 2022
The Lawyer’s Daily recently interviewed class counsel Angela Bespflug to get her comments on the recent certification of Bruyea v His Majesty the King, 2022 FC 1409. This case is a class action against Canada on behalf of Canadian Armed Forces members who were eligible for the Supplementary Retirement Benefit…
Continue ReadingFederal Court Certifies Class Action Against Canada on Behalf of Ill and Injured Veterans (Updated)
October 20, 2022
Updated: For CBC Coverage of this class action see: Judge says lawsuit accusing government of failing to tell eligible veterans about benefits can proceed (more…)
Continue ReadingClass action challenges Canada’s discriminatory Indigenous child welfare system
September 2, 2022
Recently, the Federal Court of Canada certified a class action lawsuit against the federal government on behalf of off-reserve Indigenous children who were removed from their families and forced into non-Indigenous foster care between 1992 and 2019. The class action seeks various damages, restitution, and recovery of specific costs on…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug interviewed in The Lawyers Daily about the Millenium Scoop class action
June 27, 2022
Recently Angela Bespflug was asked by The Lawyers Daily to comment on the key aspects and wider implications of the court’s decision in Stonechild v. Canada, the case certifying a class action on behalf of 0ff-reserve Indigenous children separated from their families in the Millenium Scoop. Read the full article…
Continue ReadingMillenium Scoop Class Action Certified – Signals Important Shift in the Law
June 20, 2022
The Federal Court of Canada has issued a landmark decision, certifying a class action brought against the federal government on behalf of off-reserve Indigenous children and families subjected to the Millennium Scoop and the enormous harms of the broken child welfare system. Full Press Release and News Coverage below. Read…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug named 2022 Plaintiff Litigator of the Year by Benchmark Litigation Canada
May 6, 2022
Murphy Battista LLP is delighted to announce that Angela Bespflug has been named Benchmark Litigation Canada’s Plaintiff Litigator of the Year for the second year in a row. The recognition is for Angela’s exceptional work as a plaintiff’s class action lawyer. The award reflects Angela’s unstinting commitment and dedication to…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug recognized as 2022 Benchmark Canada Litigation Star.
April 26, 2022
Congratulations to our colleague and class action plaintiff’s counsel, Angela Bespflug, on being selected to appear in the 11th edition of Benchmark Litigation Canada. Angela is highlighted as a 2022 Benchmark Litigation Star in the area of Plaintiffs Class Actions. This recognition is accorded to lawyers who are highly regarded…
Continue ReadingJoin Angela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor at TLABC’s Class Action Conference – May 19, 2022
April 22, 2022
On Thursday, May 19, 2022, Angela Bespflug will be chairing, and Janelle O’Connor will be presenting at this year’s TLABC Class Action Conference, “Strength in Numbers: Fundamentals and Emerging Issues in Plaintiff’s Class Actions.” The conference is for trial lawyers who want to learn more about class actions and provides…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug nominated for Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2022 by Benchmark Canada
April 1, 2022
Murphy Battista LLP is delighted to congratulate our colleague class action lawyer Angela Bespflug on being nominated for the prestigious award of Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2022 by Benchmark Canada. Angela is well-known for her work for plaintiffs in large-scale, complex class actions, and we know that she has…
Continue ReadingNews coverage of Correctional Services Canada proposed class action hearing (March 8-11, 2022)
March 10, 2022
Angela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor of our office are in the Federal Court of Canada this week for a certification hearing in a proposed class action against the Government of Canada on behalf of Canadian female corrections officers. The class action alleges their workplace is rife with gender-based harassment, sexual…
Continue ReadingPress Release: Correctional Services Canada Class Action Certification Hearing
March 8, 2022
Today – International Women’s Day – marks the first day of a Federal Court of Canada hearing in a proposed class action against the Government of Canada on behalf of women who faced sexualized harassment, discrimination, assault and violence in the Correctional Services Canada (“CSC”) workplace. The hearing will take…
Continue ReadingCorrectional Services Canada class action certification hearing starts March 8, 2022.
March 7, 2022
The proposed class action is against the Government of Canada on behalf of women who faced gender-based harassment, discrimination and sexual violence while employed at Correctional Services Canada (“CSC”). It has been a long road, but tomorrow – on International Women’s Day – we commence our certification hearing at…
Continue ReadingBenchmark Canada names Angela Bespflug Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2021
May 12, 2021
The firm is absolutely delighted to congratulate Angela Bespflug on her well-deserved award from Benchmark Litigation Canada as Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2021! The 2021 Benchmark Canada Virtual Awards celebrate the leading litigators, law firms, and the most impactful disputes across Canada. The awards celebrate Canadian firms and individuals…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug Ranked as 2021 Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation
April 28, 2021
We are delighted to congratulate our colleague Angela Bespflug on being recognized as a 2021 Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation Canada, the definitive guide to Canada’s leading litigators. View Angela Bespflug’s Benchmark Litigation Profile.
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug Shortlisted for Benchmark Litigation Canada’s Special Honors Award – Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2021
April 22, 2021
The firm is delighted to share the news that our colleague Angela Bespflug has been shortlisted by Benchmark Litigation Canada for a Special Honor Award for Plaintiff Litigator of the Year 2021. See the full Benchmark Litigation Canada 2021 Shortlist.
Continue ReadingMurphy Battista files proposed class action against courier giant DHL over “processing fees”
April 15, 2021
Murphy Battista has filed a proposed class action against DHL, alleging the courier has profited by misrepresenting some of the fees it charges customers, in contravention of the federal Competition Act. Read the full CBC news story: Courier giant DHL padded own pockets with ‘hidden fees,’ class action alleges Learn…
Continue ReadingFederal Government in Exploratory Talks to Settle Class Action Lawsuit Over Veterans Affairs $165M Accounting Error
January 19, 2021
CBC reports on recent steps by the federal government to address an accounting error by Veterans Affairs Canada regarding the calculation of disability awards and pensions. The $165 million accounting error, affecting over 250,000 veterans, began in 2002 and continued undetected until 2010. You can learn more about the lawsuit…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug named one of Canada’s Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers of 2020
September 15, 2020
Murphy Battista LLP would like to congratulate our colleague Angela Bespflug on being named one of Canada’s Top 25 most influential lawyers of 2020. Angela is recognized in the category of Human Rights, Advocacy, and Criminal for her exceptional work as class action counsel. Most recently, Angela was lead counsel…
Continue ReadingMurphy Battista LLP Files Archdiocese of Vancouver Abuse Class Action
September 10, 2020
Murphy Battista LLP has filed a proposed class action against the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver alleging systemic sexual, physical and psychological abuse of parishioners by individuals who, at all material times, were employees, agents or servants of the Archdiocese – including cardinals, bishops, archbishops, priests, deacons and lay ministers…
Continue ReadingDemande d’action collective contre l’Agence du revenu du Canada après des cyberattaques
September 2, 2020
Cliquez pour lire l’article complet: Demande d’action collective contre l’Agence du revenu du Canada après des cyberattaques
Continue ReadingCatholic Archdiocese of Vancouver covered up systemic abuse, silenced survivors for decades, lawsuit claims
August 28, 2020
First class-action filed in B.C. Supreme Court since the district released its report on clergy sexual abuse last November. The article notes, “The proposed class-action lawsuit filed this week said the Archdiocese of Vancouver not only knew for years about allegations of systemic sexual, physical and psychological abuse, but “fostered…
Continue ReadingAngela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor support call for culturally sensitive claims process in class actions for wrongs against Indigenous people.
May 25, 2020
Angela Bespflug and Janelle O’Connor recently provided an overview for The Lawyer’s Daily of The National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (NTRC) report, Lessons Learned: Survivors Perspectives. The NTRC report reviewed the Indian Residential Schools Settlement process from the survivor perspective. A key finding in the report is that a western-centric…
Continue ReadingSettlement estimated at $100M approved for women sexually harassed while employed by RCMP
March 19, 2020
Settlement estimated at $100M approved for women sexually harassed while employed by RCMP, covered in the March 2020 issue of Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Read the article
Continue ReadingFederal court approves next $100M RCMP sexual harassment class-action lawsuit
March 11, 2020
The Federal Court of Canada has approved a $100-million class-action lawsuit for women who worked for the RCMP in non-policing jobs and were subjected to gender-based discrimination. Read the full story
Continue ReadingSettlement in RCMP lawsuit approved by the Federal Court
March 11, 2020
Settlement in RCMP lawsuit approved by the Federal Court, Global News, March 11, 2020:
Continue ReadingChanging the culture of sexual harassment and bullying in the RCMP
January 19, 2020
Coverage of the Merlo-Davidson class action against the RCMP brought by female members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleging they were or had been victims of discrimination based on gender and sexual orientation, intimidation and harassment in their workplace. Read the full story by Jane Gerster, Global News:…
Continue ReadingRCMP sexual harassment lawsuits
July 9, 2019
RCMP sexual harassment lawsuits, Global Morning News, July 9, 2019,
Continue Reading$100 million RCMP settlement for female civilian workers
July 8, 2019
$100 million RCMP settlement for female civilian workers, CTV National News, July 2019 (at 4:15 into video clip)
Continue ReadingSecond settlement announced in sexual harassment suit against RCMP
July 8, 2019
Second settlement announced in sexual harassment suit against RCMP, Global News, July 8, 2019:
Continue ReadingLawyer provide details of second $100M settlement reached in RCMP sexual harassment case
July 8, 2019
Lawyers provide details of second $100M settlement reached in RCMP sexual harassment case, Global News, July 8, 2019:
Continue ReadingWomen Harassed in RCMP Reach $100 Million Settlement after Class Action Lawsuit
July 8, 2019
Women Harassed in RCMP Reach $100 Million Settlement after Class Action Lawsuit, July 8, 2019, HUFFPOST,
Continue ReadingSettlement reached in class action lawsuit (RCMP)
July 8, 2019
Read the full article: Settlement reached in class action lawsuit, July 8, 2019, The National Post,
Continue ReadingNew $100M settlement reached in RCMP sexual harrassment case
July 8, 2019
Read the full article: CBC News, July 8, 2019,
Continue ReadingResources
- “Survivors reflect on Indian residential schools settlement.” May 22, 2020, The Lawyer’s Daily (Originally published by The Lawyer’s Daily (www.thelawyersdaily.ca), part of LexisNexis Canada Inc.)
- “Survivors seeking redress: A common issues trial.” April 2020, The Lawyer’s Daily (Originally published by The Lawyer’s Daily part of LexisNexis Canada Inc.).
Community
- Volunteer, Professional Legal Training Course, British Columbia.
I love travelling and take every opportunity to explore the world. I enjoy spending time outdoors. I love beaches and enjoy walking, hiking, running and biking.
I am passionate about human rights and, through class actions, strive to make positive changes within Canadian society. Class actions help eliminate legal wrongs by holding defendants accountable for their conduct and, in this context, give class members the closure they deserve.