Lawyer with NDP background appointed to Alberta King’s Counsel

An Edmonton prosecutor who was previously passed over for the King’s Counsel title due to alleged partisan reasons has finally been granted the special legal distinction. A total of 103 Alberta lawyers were named King’s Counsel, an honorary title given to those who represent the legal profession at its best, according to UCP Justice Minister Mickey Amery. The recipient expressed gratitude for the honor and acknowledged the support she received from the legal community after being left off the list in 2022. She hopes that this incident will lead to reforms in the King’s Counsel process, which has been long overdue.

The title of King’s Counsel, or Queen’s Counsel in the case of a female monarch, dates back to the 16th century and is given to lawyers who have demonstrated their expertise in the law through courtroom and community service. Those awarded the title receive precedence in court, special silk robes, and an enhanced public standing. Typically, lawyers must have at least 10 years of experience to be considered for elevation to King’s Counsel, and applications are assessed by representatives from various legal institutions. The minister of justice also has the authority to add names to the list, with the final approval coming from the cabinet.

Criticism has been raised regarding the King’s Counsel appointments, with accusations of it becoming a form of patronage. The Alberta NDP government had previously paused appointments in an effort to reform the process, which remains incomplete. In 1986, Ontario eliminated Queen’s Counsel appointments, citing concerns that they were based more on personal connections rather than legal expertise. However, the Doug Ford government has since reintroduced King’s Counsel appointments in Ontario, reviving the practice.

The process for selecting King’s Counsel involves a thorough review by representatives from all levels of the court system, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Canadian Bar Association. The minister of justice has the authority to add names to the list, as confirmed in the recent news release. Once the final list is compiled, it is vetted and approved by the cabinet. Despite efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process, concerns persist about the potential for appointments to be influenced by political factors or personal connections.

The recipient of the King’s Counsel title expressed appreciation for the honor and highlighted the support she received from the legal community. She also emphasized the need for reforms to the King’s Counsel process, acknowledging that changes are necessary to ensure fairness and integrity in the selection of recipients. As the debate around the appointment of King’s Counsel continues, it remains to be seen whether further reforms will be implemented to address concerns about patronage and political influence in the legal profession.