Honourable Doug Currie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General today announced that the Lieutenant Governor in Council has appointed three members of the Law Society as Her Majesty’s Counsel learned in the law. Named as Queen’s Counsel are Tracey L. Clements, Mermaid, PEI; Sherry E. Gillis, Canoe Cove, PEI; and Kim M. McNeill, Stratford, PEI.
“The designation of Queen’s Counsel has a long and distinguished tradition dating back to 16th century England,” said Minister Currie. “All three individuals named to Queen’s Counsel today are very deserving of this honour, and I am proud to support their appointments,” said Minister Currie.
In Prince Edward Island, the Queen’s Counsel designation is presented annually to lawyers who have distinguished themselves through their careers and their contribution to the public. Candidates are considered based on characteristics including professional integrity, good character, expertise, leadership qualities and community service.
In accordance with the Legal Profession Act, members of the Law Society of Prince Edward Island are appointed Queen’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council upon the recommendation of the Queen’s Counsel Recommendations Committee. This committee is comprised of the President of the Law Society, a member in good standing appointed by the Council of the Law Society, one person appointed by the Attorney General, a Justice of the Supreme Court of Prince Edward Island, and a Judge of the Provincial Court of Prince Edward Island.
BACKGROUNDER
2010 Queen’s Counsel Appointments
Tracey L. Clements grew up in the community of High Bank along the shore of southeast PEI. She received both a Bachelor of Arts, with a joint honours in English and Political Science, and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). She was admitted to the Bar in 1996. As a partner at Stewart McKelvey in Prince Edward Island, she provides service primarily in litigation, but also in labour and employment, insurance, energy and electricity, and corporate law.
Ms. Clements is an active member of internal committees for the Atlantic-wide firm. She is also a board member of the Canadian Bar Association, the Law Society of PEI and the Canadian Defense Lawyers. She is a current member on the board of Sport PEI and former member of the board of the PEI Red Cross Society.
Although she placed women’s hockey on hold for this season, she continues to be physically active by training and participating in half marathons. Her commitment to hard work, high professional standards and community service contribute to her success at work and at home.
Ms Clements is married to Calvin Larkin. They reside in Mermaid, PEI with their four young children, Cole, Grace, Abby and Mya.
Sherry E. Gillis grew up in Souris, Prince Edward Island. She holds a Bachelor of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, a Bachelor of Laws from UNB , and a Masters in Education from University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). She was admitted to the Bar in 1997 and launched her legal profession in private practice in Summerside. She entered the provincial civil service in July 2000, providing both legal and legislative advice for government departments, boards, agencies and corporations. Her strong background in communication and administrative and labour law has won her profound respect among her colleagues in the Legal Services section of the Department of Justice and Public Safety as well as her many clients throughout government. She is currently serving with the Legislative Counsel division of the department.
Ms Gillis has achieved numerous awards for her leadership and academic excellence and has continued to demonstrate that leadership and professional excellence through her work, community and her family. She is an active member of the Canadian Bar Association and the PEI Law Society and is currently Chair of the Articling and Admissions Committee and Board of Examiners, PEI Law Society.
She is a certified tutor with the literacy council. She balances her busy professional life by spending time with family and friends, participating in fitness, outdoor activities, and reading. She lives in Canoe Cove with her husband, Thane MacEachern, and their two children Joe and Sarah.
Kim M. McNeill is a native of Sherwood, now living in Stratford, PEI. She received a Bachelor of Business Administration from UPEI and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University. She was called to the Bar in both Nova Scotia and Ontario before returning home to join the Bar in Prince Edward Island in 1993.
Ms McNeill is a founding partner in the law firm of Birt and McNeill, providing general services in real estate, personal injury, wills and estates, and adoption law. She is a licensed adoption agent for PEI.
She has served as President and Vice-President of the PEI Law Society, as sessional lecturer in Business Law at the UPEI School of Business, and is a member of the Canadian Bar Association. She is contributing to her community as a former board member for Habitat for Humanity and as a valuable member of the Hockey Mommas, a local women’s hockey team recognized for their generosity and compassionate team work both on and off the ice.
McNeill is married to Ensor McNeill. They are both active in the academic and recreational lives of their three sons, Josh, Jacob and Noah.