Print Page

The Advisory

From the President
Lawyers Serving their Communities
continued from page 01

time and expertise in innumerable capacities. Lawyers sit on countless community boards, not for profit organizations, school councils, and charitable groups. Lawyers serve to support the arts, sports and higher learning. Lawyers get involved with service clubs, political parties and their faiths. Most do these good things without expectation of acclaim or acknowledgement. Most contribute from a sense of quiet responsibility that comes with the privilege of being a member of this profession. Most find the volunteer experience a rewarding one.

This year offers an opportunity for our members to become directly involved in the governance of the legal profession. Bencher elections will be held November 18, 2008 for three year terms to commence in February 2009. These are demanding yet enriching positions of responsibility. If you are thinking of running for Bencher or know of someone you would like to encourage to run I would invite you to speak to any of the incumbent or outgoing Benchers about the experience.

The profession and the public we serve will benefit from a strong slate of candidates committed to carry on the work of an independent legal profession.

Awards Celebrate Excellence in the Legal Profession

continued from page 01

Gerald B. Robertson, QC
Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship

When it comes to thorny issues of Canadian health law, many in the legal community rely on the sound academic and practical expertise of Gerald Robertson. He is a world-class scholar through his work in the area of medical malpractice and mental health law and has authored and co-authored three prominent health law textbooks. As a professor in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta for 25 years, Mr. Robertson's involvement with important review panels, medical associations and ethics committees helped earn him the 2003 Honourable Tevie H. Miller Teaching Excellence Award from the U of A. Mr. Robertson earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh (1976) and Master of Laws from McGill University (1979).

B.A.R. (Quincy) Smith, QC
Distinguished Service to the Community

Quincy Smith has embodied the spirit of Calgary since he began private practice in 1966, after graduating with his law degree from the University of Alberta. A true professional, he is one of Canada's foremost insolvency lawyers and has been recognized nationally for his efforts with Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP (Calgary) as managing partner. The hallmark of Mr. Smith's legal career, however, is his impact on communities throughout Calgary. He spearheaded the restructuring and ultimate salvation of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, was a director of the Calgary Stampede for eight years and took a lead role in efforts to restructure the Calgary Stampeder Football Club. In 2005, he chaired the Calgary United Way Campaign to raise more than $40 million to fund 225 community programs and remains as a director.

Shirzad S. Ahmed
Distinguished Service Pro Bono Legal Service

Shirzad Ahmed's desire to promote human rights and democratic freedoms began to make an immediate, tangible impact when he graduated from the University of Calgary's Faculty of Law in 2000. Mr. Ahmed has devoted thousands of hours to clients regardless of legal aid or the client's ability to pay in many immigration, refugee and humanitarian cases. Upon coming earning his law degree, he set about using his newly acquired legal knowledge to promote human rights. As a prolific writer on human rights issues around the world in native languages, he has drawn a measure of credibility overseas and within Alberta that few Canadian lawyers possess. Mr. Ahmed's immense pro bono legal service reflects a willingness to create lasting, positive change.

Allan G. P. Shewchuk, QC
Distinguished Service to the Profession

There is an inextricable connection between Allan Shewchuk and the academic and professional worlds of law in Alberta that runs deep. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and in 1984 graduated with his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta. Mr. Shewchuk's contribution to the profession has been abundantly evident through his roles with the Legal Education Society of Alberta, Calgary Courthouse Education Society, Legal Archives Society of Alberta and the U. of C. Faculty of Law. Mr. Shewchuk's volunteer teaching and professional roles have strengthened the field and practice of law in Alberta immeasurably. Organizations such as the Canadian Cancer Society benefit from his dedication to helping the broader community since he opened his practice with partners, Machida Mack Shewchuk Meagher LLP in 1989.