Christopher Souster is a Calgary-based barrister and solicitor, founder of Nimmons Law Office, and a legal veteran with over two decades of experience. He specializes in real estate law, landlord-tenant disputes, litigation, and navigating the Alberta Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS). Known for his clear, results-oriented legal strategies, Souster is also deeply involved in boxing, both as a competitor and official, having held roles as a licensed judge, referee, and even as a master light heavyweight world champion.
His reputation is built not only on legal acumen, but also on his grounded approach, his connection to community work, and his appreciation for nature and personal balance. With an assistant who’s also a licensed real estate agent, his practice reflects real-world insight—offering clients the combined value of legal and practical real estate experience.
We sat down with Christopher for a candid conversation on the rhythms of his work, the lessons learned in the ring and the courtroom, and how he continues to show up with focus, empathy, and grit.
What’s one thing people misunderstand about your work as a lawyer?
Many people think being a lawyer is all about arguing in court. And sure, sometimes it is. But in my day-to-day life, it’s far more about problem-solving, negotiation, and preventing issues before they arise. Especially in real estate or landlord-tenant work, the goal is often to keep things out of court entirely. I spend more time reviewing contracts, clarifying rights, and navigating legal grey zones than I do making speeches in front of a judge. The best legal work, to me, is invisible—it’s the work that prevents the conflict from happening in the first place.
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How has your experience in boxing influenced how you approach legal disputes?
Boxing teaches you that you can’t just rely on strength. You have to think ahead, learn your opponent’s rhythm, and stay calm under pressure. The same applies to law. You can’t just be aggressive for the sake of it. In court or in negotiation, you need to know when to push and when to listen. It’s not about who’s loudest—it’s about who’s most prepared, who can adjust, who sees the big picture. Boxing also humbles you quickly, and that humility translates to law. Clients don’t need a show-off—they need someone who knows when to fight and when to settle.
You’ve been involved in everything from tenancy law reform to affordable housing. Why does this area matter so much to you?
Because housing isn’t just about buildings—it’s about stability, dignity, and the ability to live without fear of displacement. I’ve worked with both landlords and tenants, and I’ve seen how things go wrong on both sides. Alberta’s rental landscape has changed a lot over the years, but the law hasn’t always kept pace. That’s why I’ve been involved with groups like the CRRA and projects like the RTDRS pilot. We need systems that are fast, fair, and understandable for regular people. If someone loses their home over a technicality or misunderstanding, that’s not justice.
What do you wish more first-time homebuyers in Calgary understood about the legal side of real estate?
That a real estate deal is not just a formality—it’s a binding legal agreement. Once you sign that purchase contract, you’re legally committed, and getting out of it can be costly or even impossible. I’ve had clients come to me after they’ve signed, asking me to “check it over,” and unfortunately, by that point, the ship has often sailed. I wish more people knew to bring a lawyer in before they sign anything. A quick legal review could save you months of trouble. There are no “standard contracts” when it comes to real estate—every deal is different, and the fine print matters.
You’ve included a real estate agent on your team at Nimmons Law Office. Why did you decide to do that?
Because theory and practice don’t always align. Having someone on the team who’s actively working with buyers and sellers gives us a better feel for what clients are actually dealing with. It means we’re not just offering legal advice in a vacuum—we understand what’s happening on the ground. Real estate law doesn’t exist in isolation. It intersects with market pressures, agent tactics, lending practices, and buyer psychology. Blending those perspectives gives our clients better advice, because we’re addressing the whole experience, not just the paperwork.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same, and that’s something I like about this work. I usually start early—reviewing case notes, prepping for any hearings, checking in with clients. Some days I’m in court. Other days I’m knee-deep in contracts or working through a dispute at the RTDRS. I make time for physical activity too—boxing, lifting, even just walking outdoors. It helps me reset. My brain works better after I’ve moved my body. Even in the middle of a packed day, I’ll carve out time to breathe and recalibrate.
How do you stay focused during stressful or chaotic periods?
Boxing taught me that when the noise is loudest, you go quiet. You focus on your breath, your form, your plan. That’s how I deal with stress. I don’t try to control everything—I focus on what I can do in that moment. Sometimes I hit the heavy bag. Sometimes I get out into nature, even just for a walk in the woods. Camping especially gives me that full reset—no cell service, just fresh air and firewood. The key is giving yourself space to think clearly, without reacting out of panic.
You’ve worked with nonprofits and offered pro bono advice over the years. What role does community play in your work?
Law should never be a luxury. I grew up in a small Alberta town where people didn’t always have access to legal advice. That shaped me. If I can help someone understand their rights or navigate a tough situation—even if they’re not paying me—that’s a win. I’ve worked with organizations like Inn from the Cold, Mustard Seed, and the Boys and Girls Club because those are places where people really need support. Not everyone can afford legal counsel, but that shouldn’t mean they get less justice.
What’s the toughest case you’ve ever worked on, and what did it teach you?
I had a case years ago involving a family who was about to lose their home due to a mix-up with their lease renewal. It wasn’t flashy or high-profile, but it mattered deeply. We fought hard to prove their right to stay, and we won. What that case taught me was that the “small” cases—especially in housing—are never actually small. They’re about security, safety, and basic human dignity. I learned that the emotional weight of a case matters just as much as the legal complexity.
What advice would you give to young lawyers just starting out?
Don’t chase prestige—chase substance. Find areas of law where your work will actually impact people’s lives. And don’t underestimate the value of listening. You don’t have to have all the answers right away, but you do need to know how to hear what your client is really saying. Also, take care of yourself. Burnout is real, and it’s not a badge of honor. If you’re going to have a long, meaningful career, you need to find ways to stay grounded.
Final question: What do you hope clients remember about working with you?
That I cared. That I listened. That I didn’t just offer legal solutions—I helped them feel more in control of their situation. Whether they were buying a home, facing eviction, or dealing with a complex dispute, I want them to feel like someone was in their corner. I don’t need to be the hero. I just want to be the steady hand when things feel uncertain. That’s what law should be.
Conclusion
Christopher Souster brings together sharp legal skill, deep community awareness, and the calm, focused presence of someone who’s taken a few hits—inside the ring and out—and come back stronger. His approach is built on clarity, care, and real-world experience. For Calgary clients looking not just for a lawyer but for a trusted guide, his voice carries the weight of both expertise and empathy. And in a field where both are rare, that’s something worth listening to.