The Saskatchewan government has named 12 lawyers as King’s Counsel for 2025, recognizing their contributions to the legal profession and public service.
The recipients include lawyers from private practice, government prosecution, and legal aid services across Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert. All were called to the Bar between 1981 and 2008.
“We are honoured to acknowledge the dedicated and talented legal professionals in Saskatchewan through the King’s Counsel designations,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod.
2025 recipients
The King’s Counsel appointments include:
- Trifon John Agioritis — MLT Aikins LLP, Saskatoon (called to the Bar in 2004)
- Shawn Edwin Blackman — Senior Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Prince Albert (2004)
- Jessie Clairisse Buydens — SPM Law, Saskatoon; President of the Saskatchewan Branch of the Canadian Bar Association (2008)
- George Anthony Green — McKercher LLP, Saskatoon (2003)
- Robert James Grimsrud — Vice President, Legal Services and General Counsel, Legal Aid Saskatchewan, Saskatoon (1991)
- Theodore Francis Koskie — Koskie Law, Saskatoon (1981)
- Maria Markatos — Director of the Legislative Services Branch, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Regina; Immediate Past President of the Uniform Law Conference of Canada (2005)
- Sandra June Schnell — Chief Legislative Crown Counsel, Ministry of Justice and Attorney General, Regina (1992)
- Heather Janine Sherdahl — Parchomchuk Sherdahl Hunter, Prince Albert (2001)
- Crystal Lynn Taylor — Felesky Flynn LLP, Saskatoon (1999)
- Shannon Gayle Whyley — Whyley Legal Counsel & Labour Relations, Saskatoon (2008)
- John Michael Williams — Gerrand Rath Johnson LLP, Regina (1984)
Selection process
A selection committee makes recommendations for King’s Counsel appointments. The committee consists of Saskatchewan’s Justice Minister and Attorney General, the Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal for Saskatchewan or Chief Justice of the Court of King’s Bench, and past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and Law Society of Saskatchewan.
Candidates must live in Saskatchewan and have been entitled to practice law for at least 10 years in the superior courts of any Canadian province or territory, or the United Kingdom.
