Twenty-nine lawyers from across British Columbia have received the prestigious King’s Counsel (KC) designation for 2024, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the province’s legal profession.
The appointments, announced by the Ministry of Attorney General, came after a rigorous selection process requiring nominees to have at least five years of membership in the B.C. bar and peer nominations.
Among the appointees are lawyers specializing in various fields including public law, family law, Indigenous law, and commercial litigation. The designation allows recipients to add the letters KC after their names, signifying peer recognition for their work and expertise. Only 7% of practicing B.C. lawyers can hold this designation at any time.
This year’s cohort includes legal professionals from private practice, government and academia who have distinguished themselves through their counsel, teaching, publications, advocacy, and volunteerism.
Employment and workplace specialists
Several appointees have significant experience in employment law, including Salima Samnani, who practices in family and employment law while serving as director of legal services at the Indigenous Community Legal Clinic. Samnani provides legal expertise to individuals, community organizations, and non-profit legal services.
Kate Saunders, who leads one of the largest litigation teams in B.C.’s Ministry of Attorney General, has worked on landmark cases involving the public health-care system and oversees the Province’s settlements under the Crown Proceeding Act.
Indigenous law experts
David Paterson, a prominent litigator in Aboriginal law and reconciliation, played a key role in landmark cases and negotiated the historic Haida Title Lands Agreement. His contributions to residential school litigation were instrumental in the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
Mark Oulton has developed a multi-disciplinary litigation practice at the intersection of forestry, commercial and Indigenous law, engaging with important issues around reconciliation and the provincial economy.
Family law practitioners
Nikki Charlton is recognized as one of B.C.’s leading family law practitioners by Lexpert and Best Lawyers Canada. A partner at Farris LLP and a bencher of the Law Society since 2024, Charlton is also an accredited mediator, arbitrator and parenting co-ordinator who has shaped precedent-setting case law.
Beverly Churchill, a leader in family law and consensual dispute resolution practicing in the Interior, specializes in mediation, arbitration and collaborative law. With more than 37 years of experience, she has trained over 350 professionals across Canada in non-evaluative child interviews.
Public service and government
Kevin Kohan, chief legislative counsel and registrar of regulations for British Columbia, has played a pivotal role in shaping provincial legislation for more than two decades. Kohan has drafted landmark laws including emergency COVID-19 legislation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act.
Andrew MacDonald, a deputy regional Crown counsel with the BC Prosecution Service, stepped down as regional Crown counsel for the Fraser region in 2024. He is known for mentoring young lawyers and contributing to legal education.
Human rights and advocacy
Emily Ohler, a respected human rights leader, served as chair of the BC Human Rights Tribunal where she led a turnaround during a period of crisis. She secured critical funding, restructured operations and launched reforms that reduced delays and restored public confidence.
Raji Mangat has 20 years of experience working to improve access to justice for marginalized communities through systemic change efforts. She advocates for equity and inclusion in the legal profession and has donated time to several legal organizations.
The King’s Counsel appointments are made by cabinet via orders-in-council, following recommendations from an advisory committee that includes the deputy attorney general, justices, and representatives from the Law Society of B.C. and the Canadian Bar Association’s B.C. chapter.
