Chidinma B. Thompson Appointed Justice in Calgary, Alberta

• damiadeniyi
• October 26, 2023
• Career, Featured, News
• 0 Comments

In an announcement on October 23 by the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, six distinguished individuals were appointed to serve as Justices in Alberta’s legal landscape. Among these esteemed appointees is Justice Chidinma B. Thompson, who is appointed as a Justice of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary. Justice Thompson replaces Justice C.M. Jones (Calgary), who elected to become a supernumerary judge effective November 11, 2022.

Justice Chidinma B. Thompson, whose journey from Nigeria to the Canadian bench is nothing short of inspiring.

Justice Chidinma B. Thompson’s appointment to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta in Calgary is a remarkable achievement, but it is just one chapter in her journey of excellence. Born and raised in Nigeria, Justice Thompson embarked on a legal career that eventually led her to Canada.

After being called to the bar in 2002, she practiced law in Africa with an international law firm. Her legal acumen and dedication to the profession eventually brought her to Canada in 2004. Here, she continued her academic pursuits and earned her LL.M. from the University of Calgary in 2007. In her quest to excel in the Canadian legal system, she also obtained the equivalent of a Canadian LL.B from the National Committee on Accreditation of the Federation of Law Societies of Canada.

But Justice Thompson’s thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there. In 2014, she achieved a significant milestone by obtaining her Ph.D. in law from the University of Calgary. Her academic achievements and dedication to her field serve as a testament to her commitment to justice and her desire to make a difference.

Justice Thompson’s legal career is a testament to her versatility and expertise. She joined the research department of Bennett Jones LLP in 2008 and articled with Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in 2009. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she was called to the Alberta Bar in 2010. Justice Thompson’s legal journey took another significant step when she became a partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in 2017.

Throughout her career, she maintained a diverse practice that spanned a wide range of areas, including commercial litigation, arbitration, and regulatory law. Her breadth of legal expertise has made her a respected professional in the legal community.

Justice Thompson’s commitment to her community and the legal profession extended beyond her legal practice. She generously devoted her time and expertise to numerous organizations, including the Legal Education Society of Alberta, Pro Bono Law Alberta, Calgary Legal Guidance, Alberta Regional Advisory Committee of the Advocates Society, and the Canadian Bar Association.

Her involvement in not-for-profit organizations, such as Ignite Calgary, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and Nigerians Inspiring Development Organization Americas (NIDOA) Canada, showcases her dedication to making a positive impact on society. Justice Thompson’s passion for mentorship is evident in the time she spent guiding law students, young lawyers, and women in the legal profession.

Justice Chidinma B. Thompson’s contributions were widely recognized and celebrated. She received the Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (Alberta), the Women in Law Leadership Award, and the Young Women in Energy inaugural Award. These accolades reflect the immense impact she has had on the legal profession and her community.

Justice Thompson and her husband, Kenny, are not only accomplished legal professionals but also loving parents to two wonderful children.

The appointments of Justice Chidinma B. Thompson and her colleagues, including The Honourable Alice Woolley, The Honourable Kevin Feth, Ayla Akgungor, Jonathan Martin, and Darren Reed, serve as a testament to the Canadian government’s commitment to a diverse, accomplished, and dedicated judiciary. These appointments will undoubtedly contribute to the continued pursuit of justice and excellence in Alberta’s legal system.