Law Society of Alberta
On September 16, 1907, members of the legal profession of Alberta gathered to inaugurate the formation of the Law Society of Alberta. It was not until 1886 that the Territorial government instituted “an Ordinance Respecting the Legal Profession”, setting down very minimal qualifications and requirements for certification as an “Advocate of the North West Territories”. The certificates were issued by the Lieutenant-Governor of the Territories upon recommendation of the stipendiary magistrates. The creation of the Law Society of the North West Territories in 1898 established the English and Ontario models of a self-governing legal profession in the Territories. Although the Law Society controlled admission to the profession, disbarment and suspension from practice were the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the North West Territories. The provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan were created in 1905. In 1907, the law societies of Alberta and Saskatchewan were established and took over functions previously exercised by the Law Society of the North West Territories.
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1891: The Bench, Bar and legal officers of Edmonton, N.W.T., Nov. 3rd.
Individuals and lawyers included in the photograph are: Standing (left to right): Alex Taylor (Clerk of the Court), J. V. Kildahl, W. Scott Robertson (Sheriff), S. S. Taylor Q.C., P. L. McNamara; Second Row: J. C. F. Bown, Nicholas D. Beck Q.C., The Hon. Charles B. Rouleau (S.C. N.W.T.), R. Strachan and C. L. Shaw; Front Row: Antonio Prince.
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1907: First elected Benchers of the Law Society of Alberta
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1911: Law Society Benchers at 8th convocation, Lethbridge, July 4
Back Row: C.F. Adams, G.W. Greene, R.B. Bennett, J.C.F. Bown, E.P. McNeill. Front Row: D.G. White, C.F.P. Conybeare, James Muir, W.L. Walsh, O.M. Biggar.
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1913: Law Society of Alberta Benchers
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1928: Law Society of Alberta Benchers
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1938: Law Society of Alberta annual meeting
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1951: Law Society of Alberta Benchers
