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 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 and mediator. 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. He was a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers from 2006 to 2025, and the President of Western Canada Commercial Arbitration Society from 2019 to 2025.

Link to detailed Curriculum Vitae