March 2, 2023

Law Society Board Welcomes Two New Benchers

Sharilyn C. Nagina, KC

Sharilyn C. Nagina, KC, was called to the Alberta bar in 2003. She received a Master of Laws (Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law) from the University of Calgary, a Juris Doctor from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Arts (English and Psychology) from the University of Alberta. She also has a Certificate in Interpersonal Conflict Resolution from the predecessor to the ADR Institute of Alberta.

Sharilyn is a retired commercial litigator and practised for over 20 years, most recently with DLA Piper (Canada) LLP. Sharilyn is currently the Chair of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act Appeal Tribunal, a Director of Women in Law Leadership, and an active volunteer with other non-profit organizations.

To learn more about Sharilyn, visit the board directory.

Erin Runnalls

Erin Runnalls was born in Calgary and lived in five countries on four different continents before returning to Calgary to start her legal career. Erin received her Honours Bachelor of Arts with Distinction from Queen’s University and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Toronto. Erin was called to the Alberta bar in 2008 following her Clerkship at the Alberta Court of King’s Bench in Edmonton. In 2021, Erin was also called to the Northwest Territories bar.

Erin is a civil litigation Partner at Gowling WLG, where her practice consists of commercial litigation, health law, professional negligence, insurance, international arbitration, class actions, defamation and constitutional and media law. Erin was recently named one of Lexpert’s Leading Lawyers under 40.

To learn more about Erin, visit the board directory.

Principal Training Course Update and Reminder

It has been just over a year since the Principal Training Course launched and over 700 lawyers have completed the course to date.

After reviewing feedback from lawyers, we are pleased to report that 97 per cent of lawyers found the content covered was relevant to their role as a principal, with 22 per cent noting the content was extremely relevant. Lawyers overwhelmingly reported that the content is engaging and easy to digest. Some senior lawyers commented that they would have liked this type of course earlier in their career, while first-time principals reported that the content provided clear direction on how to be a good principal.

A significant number of lawyers took the course, even though they were not immediately seeking to become a principal. This included some lawyers with Articling Placement Program roster firms who proactively completed the course to ensure they meet the principal eligibility requirements if a student needed to be assigned on short notice. Other lawyers completed the course in anticipation of becoming a principal or because they are interested in the content.

Reminder

Lawyers who are seeking to become a principal must complete the Principal Training Course before taking on a student-at-law. It is a good idea to complete the course before the student applies for student-at-law status to avoid disrupting their start date. Supervisors involved in secondments exceeding 30 days are required to complete the mandatory course prior to the secondment being approved by the Law Society.

View the full article.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) is March 8, a dedicated opportunity to highlight social, economic, cultural and professional achievements of women, and to inspire young women and girls to strive toward their dreams.

Here are a few ways to learn more and celebrate this annual recognition day:

Visit the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equality website for resources and links.
Sign up for Canadian Women in History, an online course that celebrates the outstanding achievements of Canadian women. This free course targets grade 6-12 students but anyone can create an account and learn. The course will be available until the end of June 2023.
Consider participating in gender-equality initiatives.

View more resources and events.

View Resources

Notice to the Profession: Use of Electronic and Wireless Devices in Courtrooms

Some concerns have arisen regarding the taking of photos and videos by those attending bar admission ceremonies without first obtaining the permission of the presiding Justice.

All parties attending a bar admission ceremony are reminded that the Courts’ policies on the use of electronic and wireless devices in courtrooms continue to apply. The taking of photos and videos is prohibited without the permission of the presiding Justice.

Requests for permission to use cameras and electronic recording devices in bar admission ceremonies are to be directed to the presiding Justice prior to the ceremony.

View the full notice.

Alberta Court of Appeal Announcement

Registry Counter Closures Until Further Notice

Due to short-term operational issues (staff shortages), it has become necessary to temporarily close the Registry counters in Edmonton and Calgary effective March 2, 2023.

View the full notice.

Court of King's Bench Announcement

Update to Commercial Court Case Management Application (CCM)

Effective March 2, 2023, the Commercial Court Case Management application will be releasing functionality that allows counsel to associate any materials in support of a hearing. Materials will be uploaded, by counsel, directly to the digital hearing card for the presiding Justice to access and review. This functionality is intended to increase efficiency and transparency and expedite delivery of material to the judiciary on matters booked through the CCM application.

All hearings booked in the CCM application March 6, 2023 and onwards must have all documents in support of a hearing associated with it no later than the Friday before the scheduled hearing.