Released on December 16, 2016
Fifteen Saskatchewan lawyers are being recognized with the honourary Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) designation for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession and public service.
“I am pleased to recognize the exceptional contributions and dedication of these recipients,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “These individuals have made significant contributions to the legal profession and have demonstrated a commitment to public service.”
The 2016 Queen’s Counsel appointments are:
- William Burge, Senior Crown Prosecutor in the Public Prosecutions Division, Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice in Regina. He was admitted to the bar in 1985.
- Christopher Donald, a lawyer with the Robertson Stromberg law firm in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 2000.
- Paul Elash, a lawyer with the Kohaly, Elash & Ludwig law firm in Estevan. He was admitted to the bar in 1978.
- Timothy Epp, Senior Crown Counsel in the Civil Law Division, Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice. He was admitted to the bar in 1985.
- Glen Gardner, Assistant Deputy Minister, Justice Innovation, Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice. Effective January 16, 2017 he has been appointed as the Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General. He was admitted to the bar in 1981.
- Collin Hirschfeld, a lawyer with the McKercher law firm in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 1998.
- James Korpan, a lawyer with the McDougall Gauley law firm in Regina. He was admitted to the bar in 1993.
- Valerie Macdonald, a lawyer with Farm Credit Canada in Regina. She was admitted to the bar in 1986.
- Mary McFadyen, Ombudsman for Saskatchewan. She was admitted to the bar in 1985.
- Bonnie Missens, a lawyer with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority in Saskatoon. She was admitted to the bar in 1992.
- James Morrison, a lawyer with the McDougall Gauley law firm in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 1983.
- Drew Plaxton, a lawyer with Plaxton Jensen Lawyers in Saskatoon. He was admitted to the bar in 1977.
- Leah Schatz, a lawyer with the MacPherson Leslie & Tyerman law firm in Saskatoon. She was admitted to the bar in 1994.
- James Vogel, a lawyer with the Richmond Nychuk law firm in Regina. He was admitted to the bar in 1989.
- Valerie Watson, a lawyer with The W Law Group in Saskatoon. She was admitted to the bar in 1988.
Queen’s Counsel appointments are based on recommendations from a selection committee consisting of Saskatchewan's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan or the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench and the past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Individuals must live in Saskatchewan and must have practiced law for at least ten years in the superior courts of any province or territory of Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland.
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For more information, contact:
Drew Wilby
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5883
Email: drew.wilby@gov.sk.ca