Kathy Hodgson-Smith was admitted to the bar in 2009. (Submitted photo/ Kathy Hodgson-Smith)

By Nigel Maxwell

Respect for the law

Meadow Lake lawyer receives King’s counsel designation

Dec 19, 2022 | 12:00 PM

Kathy Hodgson-Smith has joined an elite list of Saskatchewan lawyers, recognized for their contributions to the legal profession and public service.

In total, 14 lawyers have received the 2022 King’s Counsel (K.C.) designation.

“It’s a real honour to be acknowledged by your profession for the work that you do,” Hodgson-Smith said. “There’s a lot of really hard-working lawyers out there trying to move and address community issues.”

The appointments are based on recommendations from a selection 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 King’s Bench, and past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society of Saskatchewan.

To be eligible, individuals must live in Saskatchewan and have practiced law for at least ten years in the superior courts of any province or territory of Canada, the United Kingdom, or Ireland. Hodgson- Smith was admitted to the bar in 2009 and has been working primarily in two areas, one of which being criminal defence.

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“That really matters to me that you advocate for people and make sure their perspective and version of events is in front of the court when it makes any decisions,” she explained.

Hodgson-Smith has also been working hard in the area of Métis and aboriginal rights. She explained a big part of her work involved trying to figure out how the rights of the Métis nation can be respected within Saskatchewan.

“You know I think there’s a lot of confusion both for the Métis community and for conservation officers and the public about exactly how we reconcile the rights of indigenous peoples with the rights of the general public”

Noting there is a lot of work to do, Hodgson said both needs and the environment are changing.

“So trying to figure out and balance rights and responsibilities is an important piece of work,” she said.

While the King’s counsel designation is more of a recognition, there are a few privileges that come with it such as having priority in the courtroom

“This is the first time in almost 70 years that King’s Counsel, rather than Queen’s Counsel, designations have been awarded in Saskatchewan,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Bronwyn Eyre said in a statement. “These lawyers, who are from diverse backgrounds and work in a broad range of practice areas across the province, have demonstrated notable dedication to their profession and to serving their communities.”

The 2022 King’s Counsel appointments are:

• Kim Marie Armstrong, Saskatchewan Legal Aid, Saskatoon. Admitted to the bar 2001.
• Roger Vincent DeCorby, director of the High Risk Violent Offender Unit, Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Regina. Admitted to the bar 1992.
• Megan Denise Dolo, VP Law, Farm Credit Canada Regina. Admitted to the bar 2002.
• Richard James Fyfe, constitutional branch, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Regina. Admitted to the bar 2002.
• Caroline Marie Katherine Gorsalitz, Legal VP, Cameco, Saskatoon. Admitted to the bar 1986.
• Kathy Lee Hodgson-Smith, Hodgson-Smith Law, Saskatoon and Meadow Lake. Admitted to the bar 2009.
• Leanne Mae Lang, Civil Law Division, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Regina. Admitted to the bar 1991.
• Jana Marie Linner, MLT Aikins LLP, Regina. Admitted to the bar 2009.
• Scott Robert Moffat, Moffat & Company, Weyburn. Admitted to the bar 1998.
• Jason Wayne Mohrbutter, MLT Aikins LLP, Regina. Admitted to the bar 2001.
• Curtis John Onishenko, McKercher LLP, Saskatoon. Admitted to the bar in 2002.
• Brian Roderick Pfefferle, Pfefferle Law, Saskatoon. Admitted to the bar in 2008.
• Roger Kevin Sobotkiewicz, Chief Executive Officer, Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority, Regina. Admitted to the bar in 1998.
• Ian Allerdyce Sutherland, McDougall Gauley LLP, Saskatoon. Admitted to the bar in 1988.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell