REGINA - At a ceremony on March 18, David Bishop was one of 20 Saskatchewan lawyers who were recognized for their contributions to the legal profession and public service with the Queen's Counsel designation.
Born and raised in Kamsack, David is the son of Dr. Michael Bishop and Sally Bishop, and brother to Claire Bishop of Kamsack. David is currently a partner at McKercher LLP in Regina where he works alongside Jim Gorkoff, another lawyer who was also born and raised in Kamsack. Throughout a career spanning three decades, David has had experience in almost all areas of the law, including civil litigation, criminal law, and estates.
To be eligible for a Q.C. appointment, individuals must live in Saskatchewan and must have practiced law for at least 10 years in the superior courts of any province or territory of Canada, the United Kingdom, or Ireland.
Queen's Counsel appointments are based on recommendations from a committee consisting of Saskatchewan's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan or the Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench, and the past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
"In a press release, Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said, "It is my honour to recognize the contributions of this year's Queen's Counsel designates. I commend them for putting in the hard work it takes to earn this distinction, and wish them the very best as they continue to be leaders in our legal community."
Reflecting on his career, David said, “I really love my job. Over the past 30-plus years, I have thoroughly enjoyed providing people with legal services – including many from Kamsack, and I hope to keep going for another 30 years.”
When asked what advice he would offer to those beginning a career in law, David offered the following sentiments:
“I think to be successful in any profession you have to really enjoy what you do. I would say it’s also important to get involved, work hard, and be true to yourself. My dad is the one who installed my values and work ethic. He is the hardest working person I’ve ever known.”
David added that he feels being community-minded and volunteering can certainly boost a career – as long as it’s for the right reasons.
“In terms of getting involved with the community, it’s best to choose things you enjoy. However, don’t do it for the accolades. Do it because you want to, and it can pay off in dividends.”
Active with many community groups and organizations, David is a strong supporter of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, serving on the Plaza of Honour Dinner Committee since 1997 (2011 Dinner Chair). He served for many years as a Director and Legal Chair of the Royal Life Saving Society of Canada, Saskatchewan Branch, including two terms as a Director of the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada, National Branch. David has also presented at many seminars concerning Board Governance. He is a past Bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan.
History of Queen’s Counsel appointments
Queen’s Counsel (QC) appointments have been made in England for more than 400 years, beginning with Sir Francis Bacon in 1594 during the reign of Elizabeth I. Initially, those holding Q.C. appointments were expected to be advocates for the Crown and could not appear on any matter against the Crown without a specific license. Nor could they hold a seat in the House of Commons. No such restrictions exist today and the position has evolved into an honorary title.
Q.C. appointments were first made in North America in 1815 to recognize lawyers of high standing in the profession. Today, the Q.C. designation reflects the esteem in which its recipients are held by their colleagues, the courts, the legal profession, and the community.
Currently in Saskatchewan, at the end of each year, the Lieutenant Governor in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice, appoints certain lawyers as Queen’s Counsel.
All potential appointments are reviewed by a committee consisting of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, either the Chief Justice of Saskatchewan of Chief Justice of the Queen’s Bench, the immediate Past President of the Law Society of the Canadian Bar Association (Saskatchewan Branch). The contributions of these individuals lend the Q.C. designation its significant credibility.
The 2021 Queen's Counsel appointments
Andrea Vanessa Argue with Kanuka Thuringer LLP in Swift Current.
Catherine Maria Benning with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in Regina.
Wayne Lloyd Bernakevitch with McDougall Gauley LLP in Regina.
David John Bishop with McKercher LLP in Regina.
Roderick John Crook with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General.
Kaylea Michelle Dunn with McKercher LLP in Saskatoon.
James Grant Garden with KMP Law in Regina.
Kara Dawn Jordan with the Law Society of Saskatchewan in Regina.
Randall Todd Klein with MacDermid Larmarsh in Saskatoon.
Stephen Kenneth Kritzer with the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General in Swift Current.
Reche Jacklin McKeague with the City of Saskatoon, Solicitor's Office in Saskatoon.
Ronald James Miller with Canham Miller Gulka-Tiechko in Regina.
Robert Clare Nicolay with the Bridges and Company in Regina.
Crystal Leanne Norbeck with Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP in Regina.
Ronald George Parchomchuk with Parchomchuk Sherdahl Hunter in Prince Albert.
Wayne Leroy Pederson with Leland Kimpinski LLP in Saskatoon.
Sean Anthony Quinn with Cameco Corporation in Saskatoon.
Catherine Elaine Thompson is the Registrar in Bankruptcy with Court of Queen's Bench in Regina.
Raymond Wiebe with McDougall Gauley LLP in Saskatoon.
Kurtis Gordon Wintermute with MLT Aikins LLP in Saskatoon.
