2023/24 King’s Counsel Process
The Minister of Justice has announced that the 2023/24 application for King’s Counsel (KC) appointment is now open. View the letter to the profession.
KC appointments will be awarded to lawyers who are found to have made a significant contribution to the legal profession or public life in the province, as determined by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. This is done under the authority of the King’s Counsel Act.
Applications
Applications will be accepted starting today, Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. The 2023/24 KC appointment application is available on the Government of Alberta website. Physical submissions and nominations will not be accepted.
All applications must include the following documentation:
- The completed web form;
- Current resumé (do not include a cover letter);
- Consent to disclosure of personal information; and,
- Three individually attached letters of reference, to a maximum of two pages per letter. In order to comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, each letter of reference must state as follows:
“This letter may be disclosed to Alberta Justice, the Law Society of Alberta, the King’s Counsel Screening Committee, and as otherwise required for use in the King’s Counsel selection process.”
As mentioned above, nominations will not be accepted. If an individual thinks a particular lawyer ought to receive a KC appointment, the individual may suggest the lawyer submit an application and the individual could be a reference for that lawyer.
Review Process
All completed application packages will be reviewed by the King’s Counsel Screening Committee. In accordance with the King’s Counsel Act (Alberta), individuals are evaluated based on their years at the bar (minimum 10 years at the bar, five of which are in Alberta) as well as detailed criteria. The criteria includes legal experience (competence and professional qualities), contributions (to the administration of justice, to the community and to the legal profession) and equality.
The awarding of the King’s Counsel designation is solely within the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. King’s Counsel recipients will be announced by the Alberta Government in Spring 2024 and the KC ceremony will take place as soon as practicable thereafter. To review more information on King’s Counsel appointments read the Minister’s letter or view the King’s Counsel webpage. Further questions about the KC application process can be directed to KC-Mail@gov.ab.ca.