Justice
September 23, 2014

Local Lawyers Recognized for Accomplishments

Minister Announces Queen’s Counsel Appointments

The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice (Acting), today announced the most recent appointments to Queen’s Counsel by the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

“Being appointed as Queen’s Counsel comes only after considerable and significant work as a lawyer in the province and I congratulate this year’s appointees. They represent a broad cross section of the legal community in Newfoundland and Labrador and it is fitting that their contributions are recognized in this manner.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice (Acting)

Queen’s Counsel comprises senior barristers who have served a minimum of 10 years in the legal profession, have gained the respect of the legal community and who are in good standing with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Appointments are made on the recommendation of the Minister of Justice after consultation with the Legal Appointments Board as outlined in the Queen’s Counsel Act.

Those appointed to Queen’s Counsel are Daniel M. Boone, William W. C. Boyd, Augustine F. Bruce, Wayne D. Chamberlain, Ronald A. Cole, Donald J. Gallant, Brenda B. Grimes, Heather M. Jacobs, Thomas J. Johnson, James E. Merrigan, Donovan F. Molloy, Sheilagh M. Murphy, Paul G. Noble, James C. Oakley, John V. B. O'Dea, Lorna A. Proudfoot, Adam J. Sparkes, Ellen E. M. Turpin, John L. Vivian, and D. Gordon Woodland. Biographies of each appointee can be found in the backgrounder below.

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Media contact:
Luke Joyce
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 725-4165
lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Biographies of this Year’s Queen’s Counsel Appointees

Daniel M. Boone
Daniel M. Boone graduated from Memorial University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1988 from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Mr. Boone articled to Lewis B. Andrews, Q.C and was admitted to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1989. Since then, he has practised in the field of civil litigation with Stewart McKelvey and its predecessor firm, Stirling Ryan. Mr. Boone is the Regional Managing Partner of the St. John’s office of Stewart McKelvey and appears regularly in the Supreme Court Trial Division and the Court of Appeal. He has served as a lecturer in the Law Society Bar Admission Course and as Chair of the Medical-Legal Liaison Committee. Mr. Boone is a Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corporation, and he currently serves as a Governor and Vice Chair of the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

William W. C. Boyd
William W.C. Boyd graduated from Memorial University in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Masters of Business Administration in 1981. In 1984, Mr. Boyd graduated from Dalhousie Law School with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He was admitted to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador on April 8, 1985, and has practised in the fields of banking law, corporate and commercial law and real estate law. Mr. Boyd is a partner of McInnes Cooper Lawyers and was formerly a partner of Ottenheimer Baker and a member of the Management Committee. He serves as Director of the Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada and as a Director of the Janeway Children’s Hospital Foundation. Mr. Boyd has been a member of both the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Bar Association since 1985.

Augustine F. Bruce
Augustine F. Bruce is originally from Searston, Codroy Valley. He graduated from Dalhousie University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Mr. Bruce articled under H. James Puddester with the law firm Puddester Orsborn, and was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1985. He practises primarily litigation, health care law, administrative law, labour law, and insurance law with A.F. Bruce Law. In addition, he has been named in the Best Lawyers in Canada 2014 and is a former St. John’s Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Bruce is a former President of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and has also chaired the Society’s Discipline, Practice Rules Compliance, Complaints Authorization and Education Committees.

Wayne D. Chamberlain
Wayne D. Chamberlain is a native of Saint John, New Brunswick. He is currently General Counsel and Corporate Secretary with Nalcor Energy and its subsidiary corporations. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1977 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1980. Mr. Chamberlain articled with Curtis Dawe in 1980 and was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1981. He practised law with Curtis Dawe from 1981 to 1986, practising primarily in the areas of litigation, labour relations and real property law. He joined Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro in 1986 as Legal Counsel and became General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 2005. Mr. Chamberlain has been Chair of Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (Newfoundland Section), Chair of Corporate Resources and Customer Services Division, Legal Section of Canadian Electrical Association, Secretary of the Provincial Council of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Secretary of the Royal St. John's Regatta Committee and is currently a member of Safety Services Newfoundland Labrador Board of Directors.

Ronald A. Cole
Ronald A. Cole graduated from the Technical University of Nova Scotia with a Bachelor of Engineering in 1972 and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University in 1978. Mr. Cole was called to the Bar in Newfoundland and Labrador on December 13, 1978, and was employed with the Department of Justice for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for nine years. Since 1987, he has practised civil litigation, construction, real estate, and commercial law with Cole Law Offices. Mr. Cole has been an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Engineering at Memorial University for 25 years, teaching Contract Law and Labour Relations. He served as a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, and he was named a Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2009 for his contributions to the engineering profession.

Donald J. Gallant
Donald J. Gallant was born in Corner Brook. He graduated from Dalhousie Law School with a Bachelor of Laws in 1991 and was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in April 1992 and practiced in St. John’s for four years. Mr. Gallant has been practising in Corner Brook with the Donald J. Gallant Law Office since 1997 and is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Brenda B. Grimes
Brenda B. Grimes was raised in Herring Neck, Notre Dame Bay, and graduated from Coaker Academy in 1984. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University in 1988 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1991. Following her call to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1992, Ms. Grimes practised law with the firm of Halley, Hunt, now known as Cox & Palmer, and became a partner there in 1999. Ms. Grimes was elected to serve as a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2008 and participated in a number of the Law Society's committees. She was also the Honorary Solicitor for the Canadian Cancer Society for many years. In 2011, she left private practice to take up her current position as the Executive Director of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Heather M. Jacobs
Heather M. Jacobs was raised in St. John’s. She has served as an Assistant Deputy Minister in the Department of Justice since June 2006, most recently as the Assistant Deputy Minister of Strategic and Corporate Services. Ms. Jacobs managed the Government Services Unit within the Civil Division of the Department of Justice from January 2002 to June 2006 and served as a solicitor in the Civil Division from 1988 to 2001. Ms. Jacobs received her Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) from Memorial University in 1984 and Bachelor of Laws degree from York University (Osgoode Hall) in 1987. Ms. Jacobs has been a practising member of the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador since 1988 and a member of the Education Committee of the Law Society since 1989.

Thomas J. Johnson
Thomas J. Johnson is originally from Whitbourne. Following graduation with a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University, he graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1994 with a Bachelor of Laws (with Distinction). Upon graduation from law school, Mr. Johnson was awarded the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick’s Medal for the highest standing in law. He was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1995. Mr. Johnson is a partner of the law firm of O’Dea, Earle and maintains a general law practice including personal injury; labour and employment; administrative; professional liability; civil litigation; and regulatory law. Mr. Johnson also serves as the Province’s Consumer Advocate under the Public Utilities Act and the Insurance Companies Act and as legal counsel to the Lawyers’ Insurance Programme of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Insurance Committee of the Law Society, the Canadian Bar Association, and an executive member of the Northeast Minor Hockey Association.

James E. Merrigan
James E. Merrigan attended Memorial University and received a Bachelor of Arts in 1993 and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Victoria in 1996. He was called to the Bar of British Columbia in 1997 and to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 2000. Mr. Merrigan is a partner with the law firm of Poole Althouse in Corner Brook. He served as the Chief Adjudicator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Human Rights Commission between 2008 and 2014 and is currently the National Chair of the Canadian Bar Association Constitutional and Human Rights Section. He is currently a Bencher of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Donovan F. Molloy
Donovan F. Molloy was raised in Marystown. He received a Bachelor of Laws degree with distinction from the University of New Brunswick in 1992 and a Bachelor of Science degree from Memorial University in 1995. Mr. Molloy was called to the bar in 1993 and articled with Glen Picco, Q.C. where he practiced until 1994. He then became a Crown Attorney at the Marystown Office of Public Prosecutions, where he practised until transferring to St. John’s in 2002. Mr. Molloy has appeared before all levels of court in the province. He has also worked as a prosecutor with Alberta Justice and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. His volunteer efforts have included Benchers, the National Criminal Law Program and the Rotary Club of St. John’s Northwest. Mr. Molloy currently serves as Director of Public Prosecutions and Assistant Deputy Minister (Criminal Operations) with the Department of Justice in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sheilagh M. Murphy
Ms. Murphy graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Arts (English) and a Bachelor of Science (Biology). In 1998, she graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Laws. Ms. Murphy articled under F. Bruce Winsor, Q.C. at Curtis Dawe Lawyers, where, following her call to the bar in 1999, she practiced until July of 2012. Ms. Murphy maintained a general practice with a focus on civil litigation, administrative and family law. She also served as Vice Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board for two years before becoming interim Chair of the Board in 2009 and full-time Chair in 2012 to present. Ms. Murphy is a former president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Branch of the Canadian Bar Association, a member of the Canadian Bar Association's National Board of Directors, has chaired numerous CBA National committees, was a member of the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, and many other community groups. Currently, she volunteers as a public representative on the Institute of Chartered Accountants NL Board of Directors, a member of the executive committee of the Canadian Bar Insurance Association Board of Directors, the Royal Lifesaving Society (Newfoundland and Labrador) and other volunteer organizations.

Paul G. Noble
Paul G. Noble received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from Memorial University in 1983 and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1989. He worked in private practice for several years before joining the Provincial Government in 1992 as a solicitor with the Department of Justice, a position he held for six years. He then served as legal counsel for the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary for 10 years. In 2008, Mr. Noble was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister (Public Safety and Enforcement) with the Department of Justice. In June 2012, he was named Assistant Secretary to Cabinet (Social Policy) with the Executive Council. Mr. Noble was appointed Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General in October 2012.

James C. Oakley
James C. Oakley is an arbitrator and mediator in private practice with the firm Oakley Dispute Resolution in St. John’s and is a Master of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was called to the bar in 1980, and practised with the law firms of Halley Hunt and Noonan Oakley. He received the degrees of Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta, Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland, Bachelor of Laws from the University of Western Ontario and Master of Laws specializing in Alternative Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School. Mr. Oakley has served as Chairperson (Interim) and Vice Chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. He is listed in collective agreements between unions and employers as an arbitrator selected to hear grievance disputes. He is a member of the Dispute Resolution Board for the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. Mr. Oakley holds arbitrator designations from the ADR Institute of Canada and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. He has served as Chairperson of the Canadian Region of the National Academy of Arbitrators. Mr. Oakley has served as a Law Society representative on the Rules Committees of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador Court of Appeal and Trial Division, as Chairperson of Adjudication Tribunals of the Law Society Discipline Panel and as a speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars.

John V. B. O’Dea
John V. B. O’Dea graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Memorial University in 1968 and achieved a Juris Doctor from the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University in 1981. Mr. O’Dea was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1981 and is a partner in the St. John’s office of McInnes Cooper with a practice focused on the construction industry, including corporate and commercial litigation and insurance defence. Mr. O’Dea has been recognized by his peers in Best Lawyers in Canada 2014 for his practice in construction law, as well as in corporate governance. He is a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canadian Bar Association, American Bar Association, ADR Institute of Canada, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (mediation), Canadian Association of University Solicitors and the Newfoundland Construction Association.

Lorna A. Proudfoot
Lorna A. Proudfoot graduated from Memorial University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and later graduated with a Bachelors of Laws degree from University of New Brunswick Law School. She was admitted to the Bar in April of 1982 and after a few years in private practice became Legislative Counsel in the Department of Justice. Since 2007, Ms. Proudfoot has been the Law Clerk of the House of Assembly.

Adam J. Sparkes
Mr. Sparkes graduated from University of New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Arts with major in history with an honours distinction in 1994. In 1997, he graduated from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Laws and articled with the Crown Attorney’s Office in Newfoundland and Labrador. Mr, Sparkes was called to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar in 1998. From 1998 to 2002, he practised law privately, including three years at Poole Althouse in Corner Brook. In 2002, Mr. Sparkes began working at the Crown Attorney’s Office in Corner Brook and was appointed Senior Crown Attorney, Western Region in 2009. In 2010, Mr. Sparkes was appointed as governor of the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ellen E. M. Turpin
Ellen M. Turpin was born and raised in St. Lawrence. She attended Memorial University and obtained a Bachelor of Physical Education and Bachelor of Education in 1982. She taught for two years before attending law school at the University of New Brunswick and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree in 1987. Ms. Turpin articled with the law firm Chalker, Green & Rowe and was called to the bar in July, 1988. She continued with Chalker, Green & Rowe as an associate and became a partner in 1993. She opened her own office in January, 2000 and continued as a sole practitioner until she joined the law firm Aylward, Chislett & Whitten in 2008 where she continues to practice today primarily in the areas of real estate, family and estates and wills. She has served on various committees with the Canadian Bar Association and has been a volunteer with the Lung Association. She is a past member of the board of the College of the North Atlantic and the Children’s Rehabilitation Centre. She is currently on the disciplinary committee with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Bar Bench Committee.

John L. Vivian
John L. Vivian is the Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Nurses’ Union (NLNU). Born in Corner Brook, Mr. Vivian attended Dalhousie University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1973. He received his Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie in 1976 and was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1976. Mr. Vivian practised in Corner Brook for a number of years before joining NLNU as Executive Director and in-house counsel in 1985. Since that time, he has served as chief negotiator on all provincial contract negotiations between NLNU and the Provincial Government.

D. Gordon Woodland
(Donald) Gordon Woodland was born in St. John’s. He graduated from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts and continued on to receive a Bachelor of Education from MUN in 1976. Mr. Woodland began a career as an English teacher with the Avalon Consolidated School Board before attending law school at the University of New Brunswick in 1979. In 1982, Mr. Woodland graduated from the University of New Brunswick with the Harrison Shield Moot Court Award, and then returned to Newfoundland. Gordon joined the firm of Puddester Orsborn in 1982. He remained with the firm until 1988 when he opened the firm Hurley Woodland. He currently practices as a senior partner with Smyth Woodland Del Rizzo & LeDrew. Mr. Woodland served as a Committee member and Chairman of the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador’s High School Legal Essay Competition from 1986 until its conclusion in 2014. Since 2014, he has served as a committee member of the Law Foundation’s Law School Entrance Scholarships Committee. His volunteering history has seen him involved as a board member of Big Brothers/Big Sisters for over 10 years, as well as with Allied Youth. Mr. Woodland served for many years as a junior high, high school and club team basketball coach.

2014 09 23                                        3:05 p.m.