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Morinville lawyer becomes judge

Gordon Putnam to join Provincial Court
1105 PutnamJudge 8647 km
JUDGE PUTNAM — Gordon Putnam, seen here at his law firm in Morinville, was appointed as a Provincial Court judge May 4, 2022. Putnam will oversee cases throughout northern Alberta. KEVIN MA/St. Albert Gazette

A veteran lawyer and former Morinville town councillor has become a judge with Alberta’s Provincial Court.

Morinville lawyer Gordon Putnam is one of the 12 people appointed as a Provincial Court judge May 4 by Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro.

Putnam is a former Morinville town councillor and co-president of the Rotary Club of Morinville-Sturgeon. He has practiced law with Putnam Law since 1992, specializing in real estate and corporate law, and is a frequent sight in council and court chambers in the Sturgeon County region.

Morinville Mayor Simon Boersma congratulated Putnam on his appointment.

“Gord is just an amazing human being,” he said, someone who is honest and upright in his duties and who looks after everyone around him.

“They’ve got the right man for the job.”

Career change

Putnam, 59, said he decided to apply to become a judge after he was appointed Queen’s Counsel (a title awarded to outstanding lawyers) in 2009 for his volunteer efforts.

“It’s time for a transition for me,” he said of the move, which he sees as a way to reduce his workload while still contributing to the community.

Lawyers with at least 10 years of experience can apply to become a Provincial Court judge, reports the Provincial Court of Alberta. Applicants are reviewed by several committees, with top picks going before the justice minister and the provincial cabinet for selection.

Putnam said he immediately said yes when Shandro called and asked if he would agree to become a judge. The call came April 6 — just a few months short of Putnam’s 30th anniversary as a lawyer. Putnam said it was definitely tough to keep the news secret up until last week’s announcement — only his immediate family and senior officials at his law firm knew before then.

Putnam credited his staff, clients, family, and all those who came before him for helping him get to where he is today.

“My great-grandfather was one of the first justices of the peace in the province of Alberta,” he noted, saying the man was active during the late 1800s and early 1900s and was involved with one of the region’s first murder trials by jury.

“I’ve been privileged to work in this region for 30 years and I’m honoured to be appointed and honoured to represent our region.”

Putnam said lawyer Samantha Huculak has agreed to take over management of Putnam Law. They worked out a succession plan eight years ago, and will spend the next few weeks telling clients about the transition.

Putnam said he will spend his first few weeks job-shadowing other judges and taking special judge’s training, after which he will be deployed to adjudicate criminal, family, small claims, and youth cases. His office will be in St. Albert, but his trials could be in courtrooms anywhere north of Leduc.

Putnam said he is unsure if his new job will affect his volunteer work with groups such as Rotary, but suspects he will have to rein it in (especially the fundraising) to avoid conflicts of interest.

Putnam said he isn’t sure if he will try out for the Supreme Court later, but plans to keep on as a judge for as long as he can.

“Every judge I’ve talked to has said this is the best job ever, you’re going to love it.”

Putnam officially becomes a judge effective June 1.  


Kevin Ma

About the Author: Kevin Ma

Kevin Ma joined the St. Albert Gazette in 2006. He writes about Sturgeon County, education, the environment, agriculture, science and aboriginal affairs. He also contributes features, photographs and video.
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