Charlottetown partners Gary Demeulenaere and Sophie MacDonald have received Queen’s Counsel designations, as announced by Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General Bloyce Thompson:

“Only those who have demonstrated excellence in their field and who have made important contributions to Island communities and the justice system are considered for the Queen’s Counsel designation. Gary and Sophie are two very talented lawyers who exemplify what this honour represents. I want to once again congratulate them on this remarkable accomplishment.”

Called to the bar in 2005, Gary assists his clients in the areas of bankruptcy, receivership and insolvency, commercial transactions/agreements and litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He works with insurance companies, banks and financial services firms, small and large businesses, creditors as well as government and everyday people to address issues including enforcement of security and judgements. Gary currently serves as a member on the Unauthorized Practice Committee and is on the board of the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada. He has previously been involved with the Prince Edward Island Farm Centre, Canadian Defence Lawyers and Young Lawyers, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of PEI as well as playing and coaching at various local soccer levels.

Sophie graduated with her law degree from Université de Moncton in 1999 and began her practice in family law, as well as litigation and alternative dispute resolution. She has represented a number of different clients in these areas, including separating spouses, parents wanting to adopt, individuals dealing with custody issues, small businesses, insurance companies and individuals before administrative boards and professional organizations. In addition to her busy legal career, Sophie has served as a member of a number of boards and committees across the province, including the Prince Edward Island branch of the Canadian Bar Association and the Prince Edward Island Access to Justice committee.