CALGARY – On December 31, 2013, Alberta's Lieutenant Governor, Donald S. Ethell, appointed Bennett Jones Partners; John Craig, James D'Andrea, Ken Lenz, Jennifer Miller and Ian Reynolds Queen's Counsel. Also appointed was former Bennett Jones Partner and current Chief of staff to the Premier of Alberta, Farouk Adatia.
Alberta's Attorney General, Jonathan Denis noted that "the designation recognizes the exceptional capabilities and talents of this year's impressive group. These lawyers are a credit to their profession and to their province".
These latest appointments bring the total number of Queen's Counsel at Bennett Jones to 28.
The history of Queen's Counsel in England dates back to the 16th century. The practice of appointing Queen's Counsel was continued in Canada and predates Confederation. The first Queen's Counsel appointees were admitted in Upper Canada in 1841.
Modern practice has been for the Attorney General to call for Q.C. applications from the public every second September for appointment on the final day of every other year. All applications are reviewed by the Law Society of Alberta's Queen's Counsel Screening Committee and recommendations for appointment are then submitted to the Minister and Cabinet for consideration and final selection. In Alberta, the Lieutenant Governor in Council appoints the Queen's Counsel recipients.
Bennett Jones is one of Canada's premier business law firms and home to more than 380 lawyers and business advisors across eight offices. With exceptional experience in complex cross-border and international transactions, Bennett Jones is well equipped to advise foreign businesses and investors with Canadian ventures, and to connect Canadian businesses and investors with opportunities around the world.