News Release
Judicial appointments increase court capacity
Six justices of the peace appointments will increase access to the justice system for Albertans involved in civil, criminal and family matters.
Alberta’s government has added six justices of the peace to the Alberta Court of Justice, four in Edmonton and two in Calgary. Albertans deserve to have a justice system that delivers transparent, fair and timely services. Investing in court resources through judicial appointments is key to maximizing capacity in the courts.
“Appointments to our courts continue to be a priority as we strive to ensure Albertans have access to an efficient justice system that works better and faster. Those newly appointed will serve Albertans well in their respective divisions. I welcome them to the Alberta Court of Justice and congratulate them on their new roles.”
Mickey Amery, Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Alberta’s government has appointed the following six individuals to the Alberta Court of Justice:
Jepinder Gill, full-time, Calgary region, effective March 12, 2026
Leanna Olson, full-time, Calgary region, effective March 30, 2026
Nerissa Young, part-time, Edmonton region, effective March 9, 2026
Simon Yu, part-time, Edmonton region, effective March 2, 2026
Leanne Young, KC, part-time, Edmonton region, effective Feb. 26, 2026
Katrina Angeles, part-time, Edmonton region, effective Feb. 26, 2026
“On behalf of the Alberta Court of Justice, I am pleased to offer congratulations to each of the newly appointed justices of the peace. Their dedication, integrity and diverse professional experience will strengthen our court’s capacity and further our commitment to a justice system that is fair, accessible and timely for all Albertans. We look forward to the important contributions each will bring in serving communities across the province.”
James Hunter, Chief Justice, Alberta Court of Justice
Jepinder Gill received her bachelor of laws degree from Staffordshire University, UK, in 2015. She was called to the Alberta bar in July 2020 and practised in the private sector as an associate legal counsel. Since 2022, she has worked as criminal duty counsel with Legal Aid Alberta and, since 2023, as a seasonal instructor at SAIT. Ms. Gill has been a member of the Calgary Bar Association and of the Canadian Bar Association since 2023.
Leanna Olson received a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Ottawa in 2009. She was called to the Ontario bar in 2010 and the Alberta bar in 2014. Ms. Olson has practised law in the private sector since 2009, with experience in lien and negligence claims, construction, contract interpretation, employment law and property and estates. Ms. Olson has been a member of the Canadian Bar Association in various roles.
Nerissa Young earned her juris doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011 and completed a master of laws degree in 2014 from Western New England University. Since 2019, she has practised law in the private sector in Edmonton, with a focus on family law, immigration law, litigation, wills and estates, employment law and adult guardianship and trusteeship. She currently serves on the Canadian Bar Association’s national board of directors for the 2025 to 2027 term and previously sat on its Alberta board of directors from 2023 to 2025.
Simon Yu received his bachelor of laws degree in 1995 from the University of Alberta. Since then, he has practised law in the private sector, representing clients before various divisions of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. He has also represented clients before the Federal Court on judicial reviews and humanitarian and compassionate applications. In 2008, Legal Aid Alberta presented him with its first annual Lawyer Appreciation Award, subsequently known as the Access to Justice Award. Between 2008 and 2013, Mr. Yu volunteered as a lawyer with the Edmonton Community Legal Centre.
Leanne Young, KC, is a chartered arbitrator, mediator and adjudicator with experience in administrative and dispute resolution matters. She holds a bachelor of laws from the University of Alberta and a master of science from Minot State University and completed advanced mediation and negotiation training through the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School. Since 2011, Ms. Young has served as a sole decision maker, panel chair and appellate adjudicator in labour and employment, administrative and sports related dispute resolutions. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2013. Ms. Young currently serves as vice-chair of the Legal Archives Society of Alberta board of directors and is involved with She LEADs, a Junior Achievement of Northern Alberta initiative that supports mentorship for young women entrepreneurs.
Katrina Angeles received her juris doctor from the Ateneo de Manila University School of Law in the Philippines and completed her articles in 2013 after obtaining her certificate of qualification from the National Committee on Accreditation. Ms. Angeles has practised law in the private sector since 2015 and has been a managing partner since 2018, with a focus on real estate, wills and estates, corporate and commercial law, immigration, civil litigation and family law.
Quick facts
Since June 2023, Alberta’s government has made 42 judicial appointments.
Lawyers with at least five years at the bar are eligible to apply for appointment as a justice of the peace in Alberta.
Justice of the peace appointments are made for a term of 10 years.
Each application undergoes a thorough, independent review by both the Alberta Judicial Council and the Alberta Judicial Nominating Committee before being recommended for appointment.
Full-time and part-time justices of the peace currently sit in traffic court in Edmonton, Calgary, Medicine Hat, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Grande Prairie. Justices of the peace also sit in the Hearing Offices of Edmonton and Calgary.
The Hearing Office in Calgary handles applications from Red Deer south to the border of the province. The Edmonton Hearing Office handles matters from north of Red Deer to the territorial border.
Related information
Alberta’s government is actively recruiting justices of the peace and encourages qualified lawyers to apply. Qualified lawyers who wish to be considered for appointment can access the application form online.
Pinoy Edmonton News 