2010 Distinguished Service Awards 2009 Long Service Awards Celebrating 50 & 60 Years of Service 2009 Distinguished Service Awards 2008 Long Service Awards Celebrate Distinguished Careers 2008 Lawyers Honoured for 30 or More Years of Active Membership 2008 Distinguished Service Awards 2007 Long Service Awards - Humble Roots Give Rise to 50 Years of Lawyering Past Recipients of Distinguished Service Awards - 46KB

2010 Distinguished Service Awards The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta are pleased to are pleased to present the 2010 Distinguished Service awards to the following recipients. They are: Virginia M. May, QC, for Distinguished Service to the Profession Professor Gerald Gall, OC, for Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship Solomon J. Rolingher, QC, for Distinguished Service to the Community The late John A. Weir, QC, for Distinguished Service in Pro Bono Thank you to all who submitted nominations. The 2010 Distinguished Service Awards luncheon was held January 29, 2010 at the Alberta Law Conference in the Westin Hotel in Calgary, AB. View the programme (PDF 984k). <<Top>>

2009 Long Service Awards Celebrate 50 & 60 Years of Service View the programme (PDF 298k). Kenneth R. Biddell, QC Kenneth R. Biddell, QC, roll number 1927, was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on January 2, 1930. From the University of Saskatchewan, he received his bachelor of education degree (1954) and law degree(1958). Mr. Biddell was called to the bar June 10, 1959 before the Honourable Mr. Justice Cairns. A veteran lawyer, he began his 50-year law career with the firm Biddell, Risher & Link. In 1990, the firm name changed to Biddell & Link. He began a solo law practice in 1995 in the Biddell Law Office in Medicine Hat. He was appointed QC in 1985. The Honourable P.S. Chrumka, Justice The Honourable P.S. Chrumka, Justice, roll number 1923, was born in Tilley, Alberta. From the University of Alberta, he received his Bachelor of Arts (1955) and his law degree (1958). He was called to the bar June 5, 1959 before the Honourable Mr. Justice J.W. Riley. The Honourable Mr. Justice Chrumka practised law with Edward J. McCormick QC and, in 1961, joined the Calgary Crown Prosecutors Office. In 1975, he became Chief Crown Prosecutor for Calgary and the Judicial District of Calgary. He was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta (1982), Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of Yukon (1991), Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of NWT (1991), and Deputy Judge of the Nunavut Court of Justice (2002). After a quarter of a century on the bench, he stepped down from the Court of Queen’s Bench in Alberta (2007). He was appointed QC in 1976. Roderick A. McLennan, QC Roderick A. McLennan, QC, roll number 1914, was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan. After completing his arts degree (1957) and law degree (1958) at the University of Alberta, he was admitted to the bar on May 29, 1959 before the Honourable Mr. Justice Neil Primrose. Mr. McLennan, QC, began practising law at McLennan Ross LLP, and for 50 years remained a one-firm lawyer. He is now currently senior partner and one of Alberta’s most experienced counsel. He has practiced in the area of commercial litigation, construction law, professional liability and media. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1974. Roy A. Philion Roy A. Philion, roll number 1936, was born in Edmonton. After graduating from the University of Alberta with his Arts degree (1954) and from the University of Saskatchewan with his law degree (1958), he was sworn into the bar on June 30, 1959. The Honourable Hugh John Macdonald presided over his ceremony. Mr. Philion immediately hung out his shingle in Edmonton, thus embarking on a 50-year career as a sole practitioner. James D. Ross James D. Ross, roll number 1939, was born at Elk Point, Alberta. From the University of British Columbia, he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (1955)and his law degree (1958), and articled under Arthur W. Crossley in Edmonton. He was called to the bar and sworn in by the Honourable Mr. Justice Peter Greschuk on July 15, 1959. The 50-year law practice of Mr. Ross began with the firm of Peterson Ross on the same day he was called to the bar. This association lasted until April 1991, until he formed James D. Ross Professional Corporation where he continues to practise today. The Honourable A.H. Wachowich, Justice The Honourable A.H. Wachowich, Justice, roll number 1915, was born in Edmonton. He received his law degree from the University of Alberta (1958) and was called to the bar on May 29, 1959 before the Honourable Mr. Justice Peter Greschuk. He began his distinguished law career in private practice specializing in insurance law before being appointed to the District Court of Northern Alberta in 1975. Three years later, he was appointed Court of Queen’s Court Bench in 1979. The Honourable Mr. Justice Wachowich was appointed in 1993 Associate Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench. In 2000, he was named Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench in 2000. The Honourable Mr. Justice Wachowich has also served as a Deputy Judge of the Yukon, the NWT and Nunavut. William G. Chipman, QC William G. Chipman, QC, roll number 1371, was born in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University (1943). After serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force, he earned his law degree from Dalhousie University (1948), and was admitted to the Nova Scotia bar the same year. He was called to the Alberta bar on August 9, 1949 and was duly sworn in by the Honourable Mr. Justice S.J. Shepherd. The law firms that he worked for in his 60-year law career were varied and included his own practice, McLaws & Company, Parlee McLaws LLP, Chipman, Koch & Company. He currently works with Gunn Prithipaul & Hatch. Mr. Chipman was appointed QC in 1962. Samuel S. Lieberman, QC Samuel S. Lieberman, QC, roll number #1372, was born in Edmonton and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (1947) and law degree (1947) from the University of Alberta with his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was called to the bar on August 10, 1949 before the Honourable Mr. Justice H.H. Parlee. In his extensive career, the Honourable Mr. Lieberman served as Judge of the District Court of Northern Alberta; Justice of the Trial Division of the Supreme Court of Alberta, Justice in the Court of Appeal of Alberta and the NWT and Deputy Judge of the Supreme Court of the NWT. He retired from the Bench in 1997 and practices law with the firm Miller Thompson LLP. He was appointed QC in 1962. Joseph J. Stratton, QC Joseph J. Stratton, QC, roll number 1358, was born in Calgary and joined the Royal Canadian Navy and served on convoy escort duty during the WWII. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree (1947) and law degree (1947) from the University of Alberta. Before the Honourable Mr. Hugh John Macdonald, he was admitted to the bar on June 1st, 1949. The Honourable Mr. Stratton began his varied career in law with Nolan Chamber and later formed his own firm of Stratton Lucas. He was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in 1980 and to the Court of Appeal of Alberta in 1987. He returned in 1995 to private practice with Davis LLP. He was appointed QC in 1968. <<Top>>

2009 Distinguished Service Awards Four outstanding Alberta lawyers were recognized for excellence at the 2009 Distinguished Service Awards on January 30, 2009 in Edmonton. The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association - Alberta presented awards to: John B. Ballem, QC for Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship J. Alan Bryan, QC for Distinguished Service to the Community Anne S. de Villars, QC for Distinguished Service to the Profession Douglas H. McCallum for Distinguished Service in Pro Bono Legal Service View the lunch program (PDF 793k). John B. Ballem, Q.C. Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship There are few lawyers in Canada that understand the complexities of energy-related legal issues better than John Bishop Ballem. His work in this area spans more than 50 years and he is recognized as a world-class scholar for his extensive published works in the field spanning the same time frame. John Ballem’s books and legal papers are regularly used in prominent court cases and at universities across Canada, with some even being referred to as the "bible" of energy law. Mr. Ballem got his start in law at a young age when he earned his law degree from Dalhousie University in 1949 and went on to become a lecturer and assistant professor at the University of British Columbia Faculty of Law from 1950-52. Since then, he has worked for Imperial Oil Ltd., Westcoast Transmission, and Pacific Petroleum Ltd. before starting the law firm Lougheed, Ballem & McDill, which later merged with Gowling Laflleur Henderson LLP in 2001. He remains counsel with the firm. His recognition by the Distinguished Service Award for Legal Scholarship honours 50 years of service to the Law Society of Alberta in addition to his years of professionalism as a lawyer who has made significant and lasting contributions to the profession and academia. <<Back>> J. Alan Bryan, Q.C. Distinguished Service to the Community Throughout J. Alan Bryan’s distinguished legal career, the mark he’s left both professionally and personally on communities in Edmonton and Alberta is far-reaching. Born in Edmonton in 1936, he received his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1959 and has practiced mainly in areas of municipal law, land development and utility rate regulations representing land developers and municipalities. J. Alan Bryan’s diverse achievements and impact on the community go far beyond his professional accomplishments. His involvement in various community organizations, not-for-profit groups and university foundations has been extensive. He has served on almost 20 different church boards, government and economic advisory committees, the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Minerva Foundation, Edmonton Art Gallery and many charitable foundations. He is currently a member of the board and past chairman of the Mental Health Foundation (Capital Region) and continues to make an impressive contribution to the community. J. Alan Bryan embodies the spirit of Alberta through the donation of his expertise and time to help build a stronger and better community. His professional life is also marked by a commitment to enhancing the lives of Albertans. For example, he has served as general counsel for the Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate in regulatory proceedings before the Alberta Utilities Commission as well as an arbitrator in commercial arbitration proceedings. He is a valued member whose presence is respected and admired. <<Back>> Anne S. de Villars, Q.C. Distinguished Service to the Profession Anne S. de Villars has become a pioneering force in the world of trust law and administrative law in Alberta since she was called to the Bar of Alberta in 1979 after completing her law degrees from the University of Southampton, England and the University of Alberta by 1978. It is her unwavering efforts in the evolution of the legal system and community that has won praise in her career, including the Abe W. Miller Prize in Criminal Law and the Carswell Company Book Prize, among other accolades. She serves not only as a mediator, independent arbitrator and lawyer specializing in trust and administrative law with her firm de Villars Jones (Edmonton), but also has a long history of serving professional legal organizations that have resulted in moulding new changes in areas such as labour law and estate law. She was been appointed chair of a Board of Enquiry for the Human Rights Commission, chaired a panel hearing disputes under the Fair Trading Act and is a co-founder and president of the newly established Collaborative Estate and Trust Lawyers mediation body dealing with collaborative law. Anne S. de Villars is well-published, highly respected and also serves as director of the Alberta Law Reform Institute, as well as past director of the Alberta Law Foundation. She has served in roles with many other legal organizations over her career. <<Back>> Douglas H. McCallum Distinguished Service in Pro Bono Legal Service What began as a career in litigation after earning his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1977 stretched into a diverse career of more than 30 years with an emphasis on insurance defence work and marked by a dedication to pro bono legal service. Mr. McCallum is a founding board member and is currently on the board of directors of Pro Bono Law Alberta. He was involved with the Pro Bono Stakeholder Working Group that led to its creation in 2007. Since 2005, Mr. McCallum has been a founding board member and current chair of Lethbridge Legal Guidance and has served as president of the Lethbridge Bar Association. He has also played various roles with the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society, Defence Research Institute, Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association. He has practised law in Alberta and B.C. as a trial lawyer at all levels of court in Alberta, specializing in personal injury insurance defence and general civil litigation. Mr. McCallum has also worked extensively as a sessional lecturer at Lethbridge Community College, the Legal Education Society of Alberta, and worked with intensive trial and appellate advocacy groups. He has contributed many hours of pro bono legal service and helped to develop and support the organizations that rely on people like Douglas H. McCallum every day. <<Back>> <<Top>>

2008 Long Service Awards Celebrate Distinguished Careers Excerpt of speech given by Perry Mack, QC, President, Law Society of Alberta The year 1958 in which Canada’s Avro Arrow made its debut flight, Sir Edmund Hillary reached the South Pole overland, and John Diefenbaker led Progressive Conservative Party of Canada to victory, 65 lawyers were called to the Alberta bar. Fast forward 50 years, the Law Society of Alberta celebrated on October 2, 2008 in Calgary five decades years of service by Donald J. Kelly, QC; the Honourable John Charles Major, QC; David J. Maclean, QC; Edward S. Pipella, QC and Ernest R. Shymka. On November 27, 2008, the Law Society of Alberta celebrated 50 years of service by The Honourable Peter Caffaro, Norm Simons, and John A. Weir, QC Born in Calgary, Alberta, Donald Kelly QC studied at U. of A. earning his B.A (1954) and his LL.B (1957). He articled under Miles Hudson Patterson, QC and began his law career with the firm of MacPherson, Kelly & Company in 1958. He worked as counsel for the firm Miles Davison LLP after it merged with McNiven Kelly, focusing on corporate law, commercial transactions, land development, wills and estates. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1999. The Honourable John Charles Major, QC was born in Mattawa, Ontario and earned a commerce degree (1953) from the U. of Montreal and his LL.B. (1957) from the U. of Toronto. After articling under Robert G. Black, he began his 34-year law career with Bennett Jones. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1972, appointed to the Alberta Court of Appeal in 1991, and to the Supreme Court of Canada in 1992. As a driving force in the Alberta legal community, he was involved in cases that brought about significant changes in local, provincial and federal policies and legislation. With Supreme Court of Canada, he presided over nearly 1000 cases. He returned in 2006 to private practice with Bennett Jones LLP in Calgary. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, David McLean, QC received his B.A. (1955) and LL.B. (1957) from the U. of Saskatchewan. He articled under Donald Rae Fisher, QC in 1957, and after being admitted to the Alberta bar, he began his 50 year law career with the firm, MacLean, Wiedemann and Company in Medicine Hat, AB. Edward S. Pipella, Q.C. was born at Lamont, Alberta, and entered the U. of A. where he earned his B.A. (1954) and U.B.C. where he received his LL.B (1957). After articling under Edward J. McCormick, he hung out his own shingle, under the name Edward S. Pipella Professional Corporation. As a small practitioner, his 50-year career, focused particularly on serious personal injury claims. Along the way, his Calgary firm changed names to become Pipella Law under which he still practices today. Ernest R. Shymka was born at Smoky Lake, Alberta, and studied at the U. of A. where he earned his B.A. (1956) and his LL.B (1957). He articled under Jerome Reyda and began his 50-year career with the firm of Shymka and Company (now called Calgary East Legal Services). Born in Edmonton, Alberta, John Weir earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956, and his Bachelor of Laws degree in 1957 from the University of Alberta. He articled under Arnold Fraser Moir of Edmonton and was admitted to the bar in May 1958. He began his law career with the firm of Newson Brumlik, where he practiced for 32 years. In 1990, he created the firm of Weir Bowen LLP, partnering with Maurice Bowen. His firm practiced in the area of general litigation, insurance litigation, personal injuries, bankruptcy and insolvency. He was admitted to the Law Society of the Northwest Territories in 1974. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in December 1981. In the late 1980s he was appointed by Canada’s Solicitor General to conduct the Gingras Inquiry. In 1999, Mr. Weir was recognized by the Edmonton Bar Association with a Distinguished Service Award for his contribution to the legal profession. Norman Simons earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1953 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Alberta in 1945. He articled under Andrew M. Dechene of Edmonton and was admitted to the Bar in October 1957. He transferred to the non-active list briefly in 1958 and was reinstated in June 1958. He immediately formed his own practice under the shingle, Simons & Company. Over the ensuing years, he formed various partnerships, including those of Simons & Romanchuk, Simons & Associates, and now most recently, Simons and Stephens. Mr. Simons practiced in the area of civil litigation, real estate conveyancing, commercial, estate administration and corporate law. Like Mr. Simons and Mr. Weir, the Honourable Peter Caffaro attended the University of Alberta. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1954 and his law degree in 1957. He articled first under Mr. Laurence Yeomans Cairns from June to October 1957, and then under Mr. William Stanley Ross from October 1957 to June 1958. He was admitted to the Alberta bar on June 11th, 1958. He began his 50 year law career by forming his first firm, Wood, Caffaro & Company, a partnership that lasted for 30 years. In 1987, he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. He also practiced briefly with the firm Witten Binder for 21 months from 1988 to 1989. In November of that year, he was appointed judge with the Alberta Provincial Court. He served as Assistant Chief Judge for Edmonton Criminal since 1992. During his time on the bench, he worked to improve the provincial court system, and his work on the early case resolution project was cited as being invaluable. He was awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal by the Governor-General of Canada for his outstanding and exemplary contribution to his community. The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal was created in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ascension of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. <<Top>>

Lawyers Honoured for 30 or More Years of Active Membership – 2008 Recipients Congratulations to the following members of the Law Society of Alberta who are being commemorated this year for 30 years of active membership in the Law Society of Alberta. These members will receive a 10-karat gold recognition pin and a congratulatory letter from Perry Mack, QC, President of the Law Society of Alberta. The eligibility criteria recognizes 30 years of active membership, regardless of whether the service is insured or uninsured, and whether it is rendered within or outside Alberta. For details, please contact Sheila Serup, Manager, Communications at (403) 229-4744 or by sending her an e-mail. N. Altvater Joseph B. Amantea Johanne L. Amonson, QC Lori G. Andreachuk, QC W.J. Armstrong, QC Stew Baker Darryl J. Barber, QC Gordon E.W. Barr, QC Gordon Bruce Barrington Dan L. Baxter Tudor A.H. Beattie, QC Ronald E. Beninger R.R. Blakely R.T. Booth J.G. Bouthillier R.V.T. Boyden, QC K.J. Braithwaite M.J. Bruni, QC Fred D. Burton D.J. Carter Barry J. Cavanaugh Brian A. Chatwin J.M.B. Clark William W. Cocks R.B. Coleman, QC N. David Coley T.G. Cooke, QC G.B. Davison, QC Richard W. DeVries G.M. Deyell, QC Ross O. Drysdale W.A. Dushenski John Dziadyk R.J. Everard, QC Frances Ferguson Donald J. Fisher George N. Fixler, QC Patricia H. Forrest J. Ian Fraser Evan Freitag A.L. Friend, QC C.H. Fryers Leslie L.A. Fryers, QC D.P. Gahn, QC Carol L. Gall D.T. Gallagher, QC A.F. Ganser W.D. Gilis William M. Gray J.G. Greenan K.H.P. Ham T.D. Hamill Robert J. Hankinson, QC D.L. Hardy, QC Darrel B. Harker Mike F. Hayduk, QC R.C. Heil A.J. Herfst J. Barry Hill, QC D.A. Holgate John R. Houghton Andrew H. Hyslop Shirley A. Jackson, QC D.N. Jardine Theodore H. Kantor Philip G. Kingstone J.A. Knebel, QC G.R. Kosak T.M. Kulasa Douglas A. Larder, QC Gary Leach Bill Leclair E.A. Leew M.T. Leonard K.M. Leslie Lana G. Lien, QC Ronald J. Liteplo J.W. Littlechild, QC T.M. Livermore Wayne R. Lovatt C.G. Mack Murray D. MacKay R.J. MacKay D.W. MacLeod, QC P.E.B. MacSween J.I. MacSween, QC Stanley C.R. Mahtoy John C. Major, QC J. Barrie Marshall Robert C. Maybank, QC Bob McBean, QC D.J. McCallum Maureen A. McConaghy, QC Elaine J. McCoy, QC William A. McDonald J.K. McFadyen, QC Walter S. McKall H. George McKenzie, QC B.T. McManus, QC Laurie J. McMurchie, QC S.L. Miller, QC J.B. Milne Merlin Mittelstadt Harold N. Moodie B.P. Morrison Archie J. Nesbitt J.R.W. Nesbitt, QC William C. Olthuis Robert M. Oxman P.G. Parker Robert M. Perrin Diane J. Pettie A.T. Pettie, QC William G. Pinckney, QC James E. Polley Barrie F. Pomerance J. Cameron Prowse, QC G.F. Quigley S.G. Raby, QC William C. Ranson, QC R.B. Ratcliffe S. Noel Rea, QC R.T.G. Reeson, QC David B. Rencz, QC * Richard W. Riegert B.E. Roberts G.B. Romanchuk W.A.C. Rowe Samuel Schwartz Joseph O. Segatto P.R.W. Semonick Joseph M. Shafir Richard D. Shannon G.W. Sharek, QC John R.B. Shortreed Stephen P. Sibold, QC A.M. Sihvon Brian Silver Wesley W. Smart, QC C.M. Smith W.H. Smith, QC F.W.T. Somerville D.R. Sommerfeldt R.A. Speidel Charles D. Spence, QC Norman R. St. Arnaud D.C.P. Stachnik, QC William R. Stemp J.D.A. Struck, QC Laura A. Sugimoto Kenneth G. Tamke J.N. Thom, QC R.W. Thompson, QC P. Venkatraman Gloria Vinci Brett O. Webber U. Welz J.F. Werbicki John A. Whitmore, QC Lionel H. Whittaker Bradley J. Willis W.H. Winters Hershel Wolch S.C. Woollard M.N. Woolstencroft, QC I. Yaverbaum, QC G.I. Zinner * Retroactive to 2007 <<Top>>

2008 Distinguished Service Awards The Law Society of Alberta and the Canadian Bar Association Alberta are pleased to announce the 2008 recipients of the Distinguished Service Awards. The award recipients are: Gerald B. Robertson, Q.C, for Distinguished Service in Legal Scholarship B.A.R. (Quincy) Smith, Q.C. for Distinguished Service to the Community Allan G.P. Shewchuk, Q.C. for Distinguished Service to the Profession Shirzad S. Ahmed for Distinguished Service Pro Bono Legal Service The awards were presented on March 14, 2008 at the Distinguished Service Awards luncheon during the Alberta Law Conference in Calgary, Alberta. Awards were presented by LSA past president Jim Peacock, Q.C. and CBA Alberta president Michelle Hollins. GERALD B. ROBERTSON, Q.C. 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. When he came to Alberta in 1981, Mr. Robertson had earned his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Edinburgh (1976) and Master of Laws from McGill University (1979). Today, his research has become the foundation for some highly influential studies and reports in Canada by the Law Reform Commission of Canada, the Prichard Commission, the Royal Commission on New Reproductive Technologies, the Alberta Law Reform Institute and the Government of Alberta. His work is the basis for legal reform related to mental health, the elderly and the incapacitated. He also remains a fellow of the Health Law Institute and devotes vast amounts of his time to furthering the field of law through his thoughtful contributions to legal scholarship throughout Alberta. <<Back>> B.A.R. (QUINCY) SMITH, Q.C. 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. He is known for his insight and ability to grasp the heart of a problem. Mr. Smith applies his unique ingenuity and creativity to assist the legal community and Calgary residents at large. 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. Mr. Smith’s ongoing contributions exemplify the volunteerism that improves every community. Whether it’s his professional commitments to the Law Society of Alberta, Calgary Bar Association or in his role as the driving force behind the creation of the Calgary Stampede Foundation, he is a valuable member whose efforts continue to make a lasting impression. <<Back>> ALLAN G.P. SHEWCHUK, Q.C. 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. The records at the Canadian Bar Association (Alberta and National), the Law Society of Alberta, the Universities of Alberta and Calgary and legal organizations throughout the province are filled with evidence of Mr. Shewchuk’s influence. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary and by 1984 graduated with his Bachelor of Laws from the University of Alberta. From that time forward, Mr. Shewchuk’s contribution to the profession has been abundantly evident. He lends his proven expertise in wide-ranging civil litigation areas to the academic and professional community 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. He has also worked extensively for the Alberta Government and has justly earned a reputation for his fairness and independence. Mr. Shewchuk’s volunteer teaching and professional roles have strengthened the field and practice of law in Alberta immeasurably, but 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. His overall contribution to the profession continues to add to his credibility as a leader in his field. <<Back>> 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. His desire stems from a very personal drive for justice that was clearly defined when he entered law school. Mr. Ahmed was born in the Kurdistan region of Iraq and fled to Italy when family members were persecuted and killed. Upon coming to Canada as a Political Exile in 1984 and earning his law degree, he set about using his newly acquired legal knowledge to promote human rights. His fluency in six languages has been of tremendous benefit to his clients, ethnic communities and organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International and other non-profit groups. 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. He has maintained his own practice since 2004 and will undoubtedly continue to have a profound impact on the world at home and abroad. <<Back>> <<Top>>

2007 Long Service Awards - Humble Roots Give Rise to 50 Years of Lawyering Humble roots give rise to 50 years of lawyering  Excerpt of speech given by Jim Peacock, QC, President, Law Society of Alberta at the Long Service Awards in Calgary, October 24, 2007. In 1957, the Honourable Ernest C. Manning was the Alberta premier, the population of Calgary was almost 200,000, and the Law Society of Alberta had a cumulative membership of 1844, 791 of whom were active in 1957. But also in 1957, the Honourable Mr. Justice D.B. Mason, Henry Beaumont, W. Gordon Brown, Bill Code and Paul Havelock were called to the Alberta bar. The Honourable Mr. Justice David Blair Mason was born in Montreal, received his bachelor and law degrees from the University of Alberta in 1955 and 1956 respectively. He articled under MacDonald Millard, QC, and began his career with the firm Mason, MacLeod and Company. He has served as an agent for the provincial attorney general’s office and sat on the Alberta Board of Industrial Relations and the Public Service Employee Relations Board of Alberta. He was called to the Court of Queen’s Bench on August 22, 1985, and was appointed a supernumerary judge in 2001. Mr. Henry Beaumont, QC, born in Lethbridge, received his arts degree from Queen’s University in 1953, and his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1956. He articled under William M. MacKay and Robert Nesbitt in Calgary, and began his career by forming Beaumont Proctor. In 1989, his firm changed to Beaumont Church. Born in Claresholm, Alberta, Mr. William Gordon Brown, QC, received his arts degree in 1952 from the University of Toronto and four years later his law degree from the University of Alberta. He articled under Mr. Robert Black and joined Bennett Jones. During his 46 year career with the company, he played significant roles in the structuring of major transactions. His practice has included complex joint ventures for the exploration and development of conventional and heavy oil, tar sands, offshore oil and gas ventures, coal and uranium. In addition to his practice, Mr. Brown was a member of the Alberta round table on the environment and the economy and also served as a director of many energy corporations, the Canadian Institute of Resources Law and the Calgary Philharmonic Society. Mr. Bill Code, QC was born in Gadsby, Alberta, and earned his arts and law degrees from the University of Alberta in 1953 and 1956 respectively. He articled with Mr. William A. McGillivray of Calgary, and began his law career by forming a partnership. He has stayed with his firm, Code Hunter, for more than four decades. In January 1974, he was elected a Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta and became vice-president in 1980-81 and president the following year. Mr. Code has an extensive general litigation practice. He was the court-appointed inspector into the business and affairs of the Principal Group of Companies from 1987 to 1989. He has been a NAFTA panelist since 1993 and currently is a member of the NAFTA panel in the Softwood Lumber Appeal, held in Washington, D.C. Mr. Paul Havelock, born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, received his bachelor degree from the University of Manitoba and his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1955. He articled with the firm Lindsay, Emery and Massie in Edmonton, and that year, he began what was to become a 32-year career with Dome Petroleum. He now practices with InteQuest Corporation. Mr. Havelock has been involved in the Naval Officers Association of Canada, the Canadian Petroleum Law Foundation, Masonic Order, Central Law Committee, Canadian Petroleum Association, Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, and Calgary Olympic Games in 1988. The Honourable Mr. Justice J.A. Agrios was born in Edmonton, served in the airforce in 1954 where he was stationed in Germany. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1955 and his Bachelor of Law from the same university in 1956. In his first and third year of law school, he received the Carswell prize in family law. He was called to the bar in June 1957, and during his 24-year law career with Emery Jamieson, he served as the Alberta member of the special national committee for the Canadian Constitution created by the Canadian Bar Association in 1978.   As well, he contributed significantly to the work of the Law Society of Alberta, the bar admission course and the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta. In 1979, he was made an honourary lifetime member of the Alberta branch of the Canadian Bar Association. On July 25, 1980, he was sworn in as a justice for the Court of Queen’s Bench, on the same day that Princess Margaret visited Edmonton. Mr. Justice Agrios was appointed supernumerary judge in 1998. Mr. Syd Bercov received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Alberta in 1953 and his law degree from the same university in 1956. He articled under his father Abraham Bercov and William George Morrow in October 1956, and was admitted to the bar on July 12th 1957 in Edmonton.  He joined the firm of Emery Jamieson LLP on the same day he was admitted to the bar, where he began his 50-year career in the areas of business, financial services, real estate, wills and estate planning. He has appeared at all levels of Alberta courts and before various administrative tribunals. He has authored a number of papers including a paper on legal opinions in commercial transactions published by the Law Society of Alberta. He has lectured in the Faculty of Law at the University of Alberta on professional responsibility and is the co-author of the Code of Professional Responsibility of the Law Society of Alberta. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1982. He holds an “AV” rating in the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell legal directory. Mr. Bercov was the first recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for exceptional contribution and achievement presented by the Edmonton Bar Association, and received a Certificate of Merit from the Law Society of Alberta for service and dedication to the profession. The Honourable Judge J.R. Bradley received his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1956. He was called to the Alberta Bar on June 24, 1957. He spent his entire law career working in the Edmonton area working at the firm of Liden, Ackroyd and Company. He was named Queen’s Counsel in 1978, and in 1983 he was appointed to the provincial bench. In September 1999, he was named assistant chief judge, responsible for courts in 29 communities and 14 judges around Edmonton, as well as courts in Cold Lake, Wainwright, Lloydminster, Jasper, Hinton and Grande Cache. Judge Donald Ingram was born in Edmonton, and earned his bachelor of arts and law degrees from the University of Alberta in 1956. He articled under Garth Fryett and Douglas Matheson, and was admitted to the bar on May 29, 1957 in Calgary. His career as a civil litigation lawyer began with the firm of Matheson and Company in Edmonton. He rose quickly to become a senior partner with expertise in the practice areas of criminal, corporate and administrative law. He was appointed to the Edmonton civil claims division of the Alberta provincial court in January 2000. The Honourable Mr. Justice Erik S. Lefsrud received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Alberta in May 1955, and his Bachelor of Law degree from the same university in 1956. He articled under Laurance Yeomans Cairns in Edmonton June 25, 1956. The Honourable Mr. Justice Lefsrud was admitted to the bar on June 28, 1957, and formed a partnership called Lefsrud, Cunningham immediately after. For 30 years, he practiced in this partnership until it changed to Lefsrud, Cunningham & Roddick in July 1987, and then Lefsrud, Coulter & Kerby in October 1988. He was a chartered arbitrator and has lectured for business and professional organizations and the University of Alberta on issues of mediation and dispute resolution. He was a member of the Edmonton and Canadian Bar Associations. He was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench in October 2002. The Honourable Justice Wilson was born in Edmonton, received his arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1955 and his law degree in 1956. He articled Mr. Laurence Yeomans Cairns, QC in Edmonton before being accepted into the Law Society of Alberta on September 30, 1957. He was admitted to the bar on October 1st, 1957. He began his 50-year service to the legal profession joining the law firm of Bryan Andrekson. For 36 years he practiced with that firm. In 1985, the firm changed its name to Bryan and Wilson. He served as the Chairman of the Institute of Law Research and Reform in the province of Alberta from 1979 to 1986. From 1970 to 1981, he represented the Law Society of Alberta as a Commissioner of the Conference on Uniformity of Legislation in Canada. He has served as a Bencher of the Law Society and as a member of many Law Society committees.  As well, he has played an active role in the United Way in Edmonton for many years. In March 1991, he was appointed to the Court of Queen’s Bench, replacing Madam Justice Catherine A. Fraser who was elevated to the Court of Appeal. The Honourable Judge Wood received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Alberta in 1953, and his law degree in 1956. He articled under Sydney Wood, QC at the same time he was a member of the Royal Canadian Airforce, auxillary squadron in Edmonton. He was admitted to the Law Society of Alberta in Edmonton on July 31, 1957, and admitted to the bar on August 2, 1957. He practiced at the firm of Wood, Moir, Hyde and Ross, where he became a partner. His firm underwent a name change during his practice, to that of Wood, Caffaro & Company. In 1988, he joined the firm of McCuaig Desrochers LLP where he served as a partner. During his long law career, he also served as aide-de-camp to the Governor General of Canada and to the lieutenant governor of Alberta. In February 1993, he was appointed to the Alberta provincial court as a judge presiding in the Edmonton family and youth court. Ten years later, in June 2003, he was appointed supernumerary judge in the Edmonton provincial court for a two year term. In 2005, he was re-appointed for another two year term. Mr. Paul Halijan was born at Zliechov, in a small town in Czechoslovakia. After moving to Pilsen, he finished high school and junior college before earning a law degree (doctor juris) in 1945 from the University of Bratislava, Czechoslaovakia.  He was the deputy of the Slovak legislature who had to flee his homeland when the Communists took over. After emigrating to Canada in 1949, he enrolled at the University of Alberta and earned a Master of Arts degree in 1954. In 1953, the Canadian Tax Foundation awarded him the M.L. Gordon Fellowship to assist in his research on the history of income tax in Canada. While awaiting his citizenship papers, he obtained a temporary job with the law firm of Milner & Steer where he conducted tax research for firm members. Mr. Justice R. Martland, then a senior member of the firm, persuaded him to join the legal profession instead. In 1956, the General Faculty Council of the University of Alberta recognized his legal education, thus enabling him to join the Law Society as a student-at-law. He articled under the then Ronald Martland, QC before becoming a member of the Law Society of Alberta on February 21st, 1957. He was admitted to the bar on March 20, 1957 in Edmonton before Mr. Justice Greaschuk in Supreme Court. In his swearing-in, Justice Greaschuk noted that Mr. Haljan had come from a country where “personal freedom is unheard of. “ In his remarks, he told Mr. Haljan; “You have personal freedom in this country, and something more important, proof of which lies in your admission to the bar, you have opportunity.” He began his practice in the firm Lazerte & Haljan, however his legal practice has been, for the most part, a separate practice for 50 years in Edmonton, with a presence in Westlock, Alberta. An associate of Mr. Paul Halijan in his early career was Mr. Jim Redmond, QC who began his law career with the firm Milner & Steer in 1957.  This soon became a 50-year career with the same firm, even through many name changes to its current name of Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP. Mr. Redmond was born in Grand Prairie, received his arts degree and his law degree from the University of Alberta in 1953 and 1954 respectively. He articled under Arnold F. Moir while working part-time in the evenings as a news editor and radio announcer for CKUA. He was admitted to the Law Society on August 14, 1957 and became a member of the bar on August 15, 1957 in Edmonton. During the early years of his law career, he worked briefly as a foreign service officer with the federal External Affairs department in Ottawa. He was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1971. After a 46 year career with Fraser Milner Casgrain LLP, he set up his own private practice, James E. Redmond Professional Corporation. <<Back>> <<Top>>

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