REGINA — Saskatchewan lawyer Shannon Williams has been awarded one of the highest accolades available to individuals in the legal profession, for her contributions and public service.
Williams has received the Queen’s Counsel designation, in recognition of her career accomplishments in Saskatchewan. She is currently the assistant deputy attorney general for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice, appointed in spring of 2021.
Williams previously worked as a senior Crown prosecutor with the ministry, beginning in 2017, and in 2019, she served as the executive assistant and senior legal counsel with the previous deputy minister.
"It's a great pleasure to recognize the exceptional talent and commitment that Shannon has demonstrated as a member of the Saskatchewan legal community," said Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant. "Shannon is a dedicated public servant and her work for this province has been outstanding. This is a well-deserved recognition."
Queen’s Counsel appointments are chosen by recommendation from a provincial committee, which includes the minister of justice and attorney general, the chief justice of the Court of Appeal or the chief justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, and past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Individuals must have practiced law for a minimum of ten years in the superior courts of Canada, and demonstrate significant contributions to the law community to be eligible for the designation.
Queen’s Counsel is a largely honorific title, but is considered the highest accolade for legal professionals short of being appointed to the court.