January 12, 2023

2023 Distinguished Service Awards Recipients Announced

The Distinguished Service Awards celebrate excellence in the legal profession. Jointly presented by the Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association – Alberta, these prestigious awards shine a light on the outstanding contributions Alberta lawyers provide.


Members of the legal community being recognized this year include:


  • Service to the Profession: Robert D. McDonald, KC
  • Service to the Community: H. Markham Silver, QC (*awarded posthumously)
  • Pro Bono Legal Service: Howard J. Sniderman, KC
  • Service in Promoting Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: Patricia L. Blocksom, KC, AOE


The event will take place in Calgary on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.


Visit the CBA website for event details.

New Resources: Business Continuity and Succession Planning Guides and Templates 

A thoughtful Business Continuity and Succession Plan is critical to prepare your legal practice for any eventuality. Planning for both the expected and the unexpected will help your practice run smoothly, no matter what you encounter.


We understand that this can be an overwhelming endeavour and is often a task put off for another day in today’s fast-paced and demanding environment. This is why we have taken the first steps for you.


Our Business Continuity and Succession Plan Guide provides general considerations and specific details for you to contemplate in the planning process. Customized plans should be developed for both individual lawyers and the law firms where they work. For law firms, plans will vary in detail and in length depending on the size and nature of the practice. For individual lawyers, plans will vary depending on the seniority and scope of work of the lawyer.


We have also developed a Retirement Guide to facilitate smoother transition and more predictable timing during this stage of life, which benefits you, your clients and the profession. This means getting to a place where you can close the door and walk away knowing the files are closed or in good hands, trust account monies are managed or disbursed, and your status with the Law Society is updated.


Both guides identify important items to consider in the planning process and provide templates and additional resources to help you in developing your own plans. 


Visit our website to view the full Business Continuity and Succession Planning and Retirement guides. In addition to being a prudent measure to prevent risks to your practice, developing these plans also serves as a continuing professional development activity.

Business Continuity and Succession Planning Guide
Retirement Guide

Mentor and Mentee Recruitment: 2023 Indigenous Mentorship Program 

The 2023 Indigenous Mentorship Program matches Indigenous lawyers with Indigenous law students, articling students and first year calls. The Indigenous Bar in Alberta has expressed a keen interest in meeting one-on-one with mentees to provide advice, guidance and connections within the Indigenous legal community. Mentors and mentees are paired based on similar interests and backgrounds, as well as mentee preference.

 

Registration is open for the 2023 program cycle launching in February. Mentors and Mentees interested in participating are encouraged to attend the virtual Meet & Greet on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2023, from noon – 1 p.m. Please note that program registration is not required to attend the Meet & Greet, and attendees may choose to enrol after the event. 

 

For more information or questions about the Indigenous Mentorship Program, please contact Indigenous Initiatives.

Court of King's Bench Announcements

Court of King’s Bench of Alberta Judicial Swearing-In Ceremonies – Spring 2023 

 

  • Justice Michel Bourque – Friday, Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. – Calgary
  • Justice Michael Marion – Friday, Jan. 20 at 4 p.m. – Calgary (previous communications incorrectly stated 5:30 p.m.)
  • Justice Nancy Carruthers – Friday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. – Calgary (previous communications incorrectly stated 4 p.m.)
  • Justice Colin Feasby – Friday, Feb. 3 at 4 p.m. – Calgary


Calgary ceremonies will take place in courtroom 1801.

Edmonton Law Courts: Power Outage Update – Sittings for Jan. 12, 2023


Partial power has been restored to the Edmonton Law Courts South Tower, allowing for the return of some hearings to South Tower Courtrooms. Counsel and parties with matters scheduled to proceed the week of Jan. 9 and 16, 2023 are advised to continue to monitor the Court of King’s Bench website for further updates.


View the full announcement for more information.

Upcoming Events


Danger Assessment Training | Jan. 17, 2023


2023 Indigenous Mentorship Program Meet & Greet | Feb. 1, 2023


Visit our website for a full list of upcoming events.

Events Calendar

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