Lawyer Don MacKinnon, a staple in the Battlefords, has been honoured with the Queen's Counsel designation. (submitted photo/Don MacKinnon)

By Josh Ryan

Years of service

Battlefords lawyer honoured by Queen’s Counsel designation

Dec 29, 2020 | 5:10 PM

Legal aid lawyer Donald MacKinnon, a long-time member of the Battlefords community, received an early Christmas present this year.

MacKinnon was among 15 Saskatchewan lawyers recognized for their contributions to the legal profession and public service, receiving the Queen’s Counsel designation. Q.C. appointments are based on recommendations from a committee that includes Saskatchewan’s Chief Justice of the Court of Appeal, Chief Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench and past presidents of the Saskatchewan branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Law Society of Saskatchewan.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant, another member of the committee, congratulated the nominees in a release last week.

“I’m delighted to recognize these 15 extraordinary individuals,” Wyant said. “They are not just exceptionally talented lawyers, but dedicated and hard-working community members, well-deserving of the Queen’s Counsel designation.”

MacKinnon said it was humbling and an honour to receive the designation of Q.C.

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“I was certainly surprised to get a call at home from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General,” he said.

After beginning his career in Yorkton, MacKinnon spent many years in Saskatoon for many years, before moving to the Battlefords in 2000. He said he’s enjoyed making the community his home.

I raised my family here and they’ve all done very well and, by-and-large, enjoyed growing up in the Battlefords,” he said. “Learning piano and dance, playing soccer, all those kinds of things.”

All of the appointees must have lived in the province and have practiced law for at least 10 years in the superior courts of provinces and territories in Canada, the United Kingdom or Ireland. MacKinnon said practicing law has been a real privilege.

“It’s not like you see on TV or in the movies,” he said. “I’ve been very fortunate to receive notes of congratulations from both the Crown and defence side of the bar and the bench. That’s given me a great deal of satisfaction.

What MacKinnon is most proud of is the reputation that he works very hard for his clients. He said he remains passionate about that calling to this day, dealing with people unable to express themselves as well as he can on their behalf.

“Many face huge challenges in their lives,” he said. “I try to make those challenges a little bit less difficult for them by helping them with their legal issues.”

Because he is currently battling an illness, MacKinnon has had to remain at home for several months, but he hopes to return to work. He plans to continue working in the Battlefords until his retirement.

“Since July I’d been back in the office, working and going to court on a regular basis,” MacKinnon said. “I hope to be back soon.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports