The EBA held its annual Holiday Party at the JW Marriott on December 4, 2025. We raised over $5,300 in our silent auction, which will be used to support our operations, law student scholarships, and charitable causes! We enjoyed a festive night of live music and refreshments, along with great conversations and many laughs. We had a fantastic turn out and enjoyed spending time with our friends and colleagues. Thank you for another successful year, and we look forward to seeing everyone in 2026!

On behalf of Players de Novo:

We are looking for members of the legal community, with or without improv experience, to audition for a new, original show. This show will be partially scripted and partially improvised, blending the wit and nuance of a written piece with the spontaneity and creativity of improv. The “audition” will be a fun, group experience where we'll play some of Rapid Fire Theatre's favorite improv games. No prior improv experience is required—we're looking for quick-witted, positive people who are willing to look a little silly. Or, if you're looking to grow your skills of taking risks, collaboration, listening, acceptance and positivity, we'd like to meet you too!

For more information, please see Call for Auditions.pdf

The EBA congratulates James McKinnis, KC on receiving the Eileen Nash Memorial Award presented at this year’s Judges Dinner.

James started his career at Parlee McLaws in 1984, became a partner in 1989, and moved into the role of managing partner in 2014. During his time there he was known for his commitment to excellence as a lawyer and his dedication to the community at large. James served on a number of Law Society committees, is a former Edmonton Community Legal Centre (ECLC) board member, and is a former president of the Edmonton Bar Association.

After retiring from Parlee, James changed his status with the Law Society to Active – Pro Bono, and he now volunteers with ECLC four to five mornings per week to provide free legal advice to individuals in the Edmonton community facing access to justice barriers. James meets with clients to provide summary legal advice and he assists clients with drafting and filing documents. James has contributed over 500 hours of pro bono service just this year!

Not only does James help the clients of ECLC, he has also become a mentor to the articling students and volunteer law students there. We cannot imagine a more deserving recipient of this award. Congratulations, James!

The Eileen Nash Memorial Award celebrates the life and achievements of the late Justice Nash, whose distinguished career started as a Crown Prosecutor in 1975 and after many years of public service, she was appointed to the Provincial Court of Alberta in May of 1991. In 1993, she was elevated to the (then) Court of Queen’s Bench. Justice Nash’s judicial career reflected a deep commitment to the justice system. In memory and celebration of her life and career, the Eileen Nash Memorial Fund was established with the Edmonton Community Foundation. The purpose of the fund is to recognize the efforts of a member of the legal community who has been exemplary in providing pro bono services that benefit under-privileged individuals in the Edmonton area.

Keysel Besa is this year's recipient of the Edmonton Bar Association Award, awarded to a student with satisfactory academic standing entering the second or third year of the Degree of JD in the Faculty of Law. Selection based on demonstrated contribution(s) to student life. Keysel Besa thrived in his time at UofA Law, organizing numerous events, notably as chapter President of the Runnymede Society. His insatiable intellectual curiosity permeated his class contributions and he has already had two articles accepted for publication. Based on his experience in public law, he is now articling at Maurice Law, where he works in aboriginal, Indigenous, and administrative law.

The EBA hosted its annual Judges Dinner on September 11, 2025. We give special thanks to the Honourable Sean Fraser, KC (Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada), the Honourable Mickey Amery, KC (Minister of Justice of Alberta), Chief Justice Ritu Khullar (Alberta Court of Appeal), Chief Justice Kent Davidson (Court of King's Bench), and Deputy Minister Malcolm Lavoie, KC for joining us for this event. The EBA honored the recent appointments, elevations, and retirements of Justices from the Alberta Court of Justice, Court of King's Bench, and Court of Appeal. We also celebrated Keysel Besa, the recipient of the U of A Faculty of Law scholarship, and James McGinnis, KC, the recipient of the Eileen Nash Memorial Award.

Attendees enjoyed remarks from Chris Samuel, Faculty of Law, and Applications Judge Stephanie Wanke, Court of King's Bench. We were also treated to a live painting by Samantha Williams-Chapelsky, which was auctioned off by (the indomitable!) Brian Beresh, KC, who helped raise $8,000 for our charitable legal causes. This was another sold out event and we look forward to celebrating and honoring our judiciary again next year!

Thank you to all of our members who participated in this year's Golf Tournament at Highlands Golf Course on July 3, 2025. We were sold out at 143 golfers!

From L to R: Gabriela Holko, Jack Dobrescu, Krishen Singh, and Ania Konikowski from Bennett Jones LLP 

A special thanks to Paul Kolida, Gabriel Joshee-Arnal, Iain Walker, Carly Androschuk, and Justine Lee for their work in organizing the event. We'll see everyone next year! 

EBA Members enjoyed a spectacular night of live music, silent auction appetizers, and an open bar to celebrate the holiday season. Immediately prior to the party the EBA held its Annual General Meeting. The new executive committee was elected including Carly Androschuk (President), Tiffany Stokes (Vice President), Stacey Purser (Treasuer), and Patricia Hankinson (Secretary). Many thanks to Kimberly Wasylenchuk, our outgoing president, for all of her hard work this year!