Vancouver (January 9, 2017) — Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) is pleased to announce that Gabriel Somjen, senior counsel in BLG's Vancouver office, has been appointed Queen's Counsel. The designation is conferred on members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit, contribution, professional integrity and good character.
"The Queen's Counsel designation is a great recognition of Gabe's professional accomplishments, commitment to community service and dedication to the legal profession," said Graham Walker, BLG's regional managing partner. "It is an incredible honour that is well deserved."
Gabriel is experienced in all areas of labour and employment law, and was recently selected by peers for inclusion in the 2017 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada® (Labour & Employment Law). He is an arbitrator and mediator who often presides as chair in labour arbitrations and mediations. Gabriel has also demonstrated a real commitment to community service, volunteering with community groups such as Breakfast for Learning, Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society and Vancouver Youth Theatre.
British Columbia's Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton announced the appointment following an advisory committee's review of all nominations. The committee includes representation from the judiciary and the Law Society of British Columbia, and also seeks the views of the B.C. branch of the Canadian Bar Association. The appointments were made by Cabinet through order-in-council. Of practising lawyers in B.C., no more than seven per cent can be designated Queen's Counsel.