Thirty-nine Alberta lawyers have received the honourary title of Queen’s Counsel in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the legal community.
Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kathleen Ganley, Alberta’s attorney general, has released the 2016 list of Queen’s Counsel (commonly written as ‘Q.C.’) appointees. The individuals are a diverse group that includes both public and private sector lawyers from communities across the province.
“This year’s Queen’s Counsel appointees have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing our province’s justice system. In doing so, they have shown themselves to be deserving of this distinction as well as the respect of their peers within the legal community.”
The tradition of appointing lawyers to the Queen’s Counsel dates back to 16th century England. The practice was continued in Canada prior to Confederation, with the first Queen’s Counsel appointees admitted in Upper Canada in 1841.
For the Q.C. designation in Alberta, applications are reviewed by a screening committee comprised of members of the judiciary and legal community, which submits recommendations for appointment to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and Cabinet for consideration.
2016 Queen’s Counsel Appointments
Aarbo, Darryl Allen
Appelt, Garry
Armstrong, Robert
Bailey, Damon Scott
Black, Gail Patricia
Borsic-Drummond, Susan
Bosscha, Frank John
Bryden, Philip
Burke, Judy Darleen
Christopher, Michelle Constance
Dhir, Sandeep Kumar
Dobler, Rhoda Ingrid
Dunlop, Grant Scott
Felix, Christine Jane
Foster, Timothy E.
Francis, Gregory Scott
Harms, Diane Lynn
Hebert, Patricia Marie
Hewitt, Karen Elizabeth
Houle, Lise Marie Irene
Hurlburt, Katharine Louise
Johnson, Lori Jean
Keelaghan, Margaret Mary
Kirwin, Jeananne Kathol
Kobly, Peggy Mary
Lane, Christopher John
Letourneau, Adam
Lloyd, Julie
Mercer, David Brian
Munn, D. Jean
Prather, Valerie
Pritchard, F. Murray
Rice, Aubrey Clayton
Scott, Darlene
Smyth, Sean Stanley
Tchir, Lisa Christine
Teskey, Kent
Wachowich, James Andrew
Watson, John Derek