NEW JUDGES FOR MOOSE JAW AND MELFORT

Released on December 16, 2005

Douglas John Kovatch and Barry George Morgan have been appointed as judges of the Provincial Court for Moose Jaw and Melfort respectively.

"Judge Kovatch's extensive knowledge of family and Aboriginal law, and Judge Morgan's experience practicing criminal, civil and family law will serve them both well in their new roles as Provincial Court judges," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said.

Judge Kovatch received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1977. He began his practice of law at the Regina Legal Aid Clinic and worked there until August 1979, at which time he joined the firm of Mitchell Ching. He received his Queen's Counsel designation in 2001 and joined the law firm of Olive, Waller, Zinkhan and Waller in 2004.

Judge Kovatch is a founding member of Collaborative Lawyers of Saskatchewan – an organization that promotes a collaborative, client-controlled process where clients, lawyers, and their spouses form a settlement team to find resolutions in an open, honest and constructive way.

Judge Morgan received his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985, and received his Queen's Counsel designation in 2003. Most recently, he was practicing law with the firm of Morgan Théberge in Saskatoon.

Judge Morgan served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan from 1998 to 2003, as well as a member of the Provincial Court Rules Committee and Provincial Judicial Council Ethics Advisory Committee. He is a founding member of the Saskatchewan Trial Lawyers Association and was vice-president of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association. Judge Morgan has also been active in several community organizations, including the Riverside Optimist Club, Saskatoon Open Door Society, Light of the Prairies Society, EGADZ Street Outreach Program and St. Francis Xavier Parish.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debi McEwen Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-6043