Stay up to date on the latest accomplishments of our alumni—King’s Counsel designations, the Order of New Brunswick, judicial and government appointments, distinctions, awards, and even an appearance on Jeopardy!
Congratulations to the nine UNB Law Alumni, who received the King’s Counsel designation in recognition of their high level of personal and professional integrity, and for their outstanding contributions to the legal profession.
JOANNE E. MCLEOD, K.C. (LLB) has received the Order of New Brunswick, the highest honour bestowed by the province. She was recognized for her lifelong advocacy and dedication to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities within her community, throughout the province, and across the country.
JANET HOYT (LLB) was appointed Vice-Chair of the University of New Brunswick’s Board of Governors. Hoyt is a lawyer, legal consultant, and leadership development coach. She practiced law for many years, first in Halifax, then Toronto, and was one of the first full-time talent management professionals on Bay Street. She has over 35 years of experience in the legal profession, counselling and coaching countless lawyers on career opportunities and career advancement.
JOHN M. MCNAIR (LLB) was appointed to the Senate of Canada. McNair served as general counsel and corporate secretary to Service New Brunswick and has been actively involved in community service through his work on the boards of multiple non-profit organizations.
KEVIN KILEY, K.C. (LLB) was named to Atlantic Business Magazine's list of Top 50 CEOs for the third consecutive year. Kiley is the Managing Partner with McInnes Cooper, leading an integrated team of over 425 members in seven locations in key economic centers across the Atlantic Canada.
STEPHANIE HICKMAN, K.C. (LLB) was appointed Judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland & Labrador, Family Division. Prior to this appointment, Justice Hickman served as chair of the Regional Board of Cox & Palmer and a partner in its St. John’s office. She spent her entire professional career with the firm and had a thriving construction, commercial, and energy practice.
FRANCES WOOD (LLB) was recognized with the Joel Kuchar Award for Professionalism and Civility by the Ontario Bar Association. The award honours one member each year who has consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment to the ideals of professionalism and civility in the practice of law. Wood is a Partner at Wood Gold LLP where she practices civil litigation and family law in the Region of Peel.
DAVID G. CONWAY (LLB '99) was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, General Division. Prior to this appointment, Justice Conway worked in-house as a labour lawyer with the Registered Nurses’ Union of Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2017, he was appointed Chairperson of the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Relations Board. Following the completion of his term as Chairperson in 2022, he acted as a labour arbitrator, adjudicator, and independent legal counsel.
THE HON. JUDGE AMY SAKALAUSKAS (LLB) was recognized by The International Association of LGBTQ+ Judges for her work increasing membership and strengthening the Association’s international presence. Judge Sakalauskas has served on both the Education Committee and the membership committee for the association and is in the second year of her term as Vice-President. She is scheduled to take over as President in the Summer of 2024.
DIANNE D. RIDEOUT (LLB) has joined the employment and labour group at Cassels Brock & Blackwell in Vancouver.Prior to joining the firm, Rideout worked at boutique law firm Harris and Company LLP for 12 years before joining McMillan LLP in 2020.
MORGAN A. PETERS (LLB) was named CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Peters has been a policy and advocacy leader within the New Brunswick business community and throughout the chamber network nationally. He will assume the role of CEO effective December 31, 2023.
MICHAEL J. MELVIN (LLB) was named President of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. Melvin has been a board member at the chamber since 2018. During that time and in preparation for the role, he has been heavily involved in the chamber’s activities, particularly in relation to advocacy and immigration support efforts.
SARAH PRICE (LLB) has been appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry Development and Aquatic Operations with the New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries. Prior to this appointment, Price served as Executive Director of Working NB.
JOHN GROVES (JD) appeared on Jeopardy. The Labrador-born lawyer from Forteau finished in second place. His Final Jeopardy question: Billy Joel said, “I think the one time I didn’t write the music before the lyrics" was for this 1989 hit, “and I think it shows.” Grove correctly answered: What is “We Didn’t Start the Fire?”
PHILIP MILLEY (JD) was named to the Top 10 30 somethings 2023 - in-house counsel by the Association of Corporate Counsel. Milley is the Director Legal and Compliance at the Mastercard Foundation, one of the world’s top philanthropic foundations. He leads a diverse team of nine legal professionals across Canada, Ghana, and Kenya.
