Queen’s Counsel Application and Selection Process
It is tradition in the province of Alberta to have the Lieutenant Governor in Council appoint lawyers who have made particular contributions to the legal profession or public life in the province as Queen’s Counsel. This is done under the authority of the Queen’s Counsel Act.
Applications for consideration in 2019 will be accepted starting on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. The deadline for applications is Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 4:30 p.m.
Applications are to be addressed to the Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee and submitted using an online tool available here. The online tool will be activated on September 3. Hard copy (physical) submissions will not be accepted.
All completed application packages will be reviewed by the Queen’s Counsel Screening Committee. Individuals are evaluated based on detailed criteria of competence, professional qualities, their contribution to the administration of justice and their contribution to the community. The awarding of the Queen’s Counsel designation is solely within the discretion of the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Queen’s Counsel recipients are announced by the Alberta Government.
To review application eligibility and guidelines, read the Minister’s letter. Further questions about the Queen’s Counsel application process can be directed to the Office of the Deputy Minister at QC-Mail@gov.ab.ca or 780.427.5032 (toll free in Alberta by first dialing 310.0000).