ACTLA Awards of Distinction

The Alberta Civil Trial Lawyers Association recognizes members of ACTLA and the greater legal community in Alberta each year through the ACTLA Awards of Distinction. These awards are presented to one or more individuals who have made an outstanding contribution deserving of recognition in one of the following categories:

The ACTLA President's AWard
is awarded to a member of the Alberta Bar who has distinguished themselves through their contribution to the profession or the community, the advancement of the law, or their service to ACTLA.

The Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award
is awarded in memory of ACTLA co-founder Gary J. Bigg. This award goes to a member of the community who has championed the causes of justice thereby protecting and furthering the rights of the individual.

Recipients

2026 President's Award - Karamveer Lalh
2026 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Craig Allen
2026 All Hands on Deck Special Group Award - Norm Assiff KC, Ricky Bagga, Craig Gillespie, Shaheeza Haji, Jackie Halpern KC, Karamveer Lalh, Owen Lewis, Dana Neilson, Blair Schachterle and Tyler vanVliet

2025 President's Award - Ricky Bagga

2024 President's Award - Owen Lewis

2023 President's Award - Donna Purcell, KC
2023 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Ashley Smith

2019 President’s Award - Kathleen A. Ryan, KC
2019 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Leighton B.U. Grey, KC

2018 President’s Award - Joseph V. Miller, KC
2018 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Donna C. Purcell, KC

2017 President’s Award - Greg Rodin, KC
2017 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Clint G. Docken, KC

2016 President’s Award - Simon J. Muller
2016 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Terrence A. Cooper, KC

2015 President’s Award - Shelagh L. McGregor
2015 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - M. Jane Rotnem

2014 President’s Award - James D. Cuming
2014 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - James H. Brown

2013 President’s Award - Ross C. Murray
2013 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Constantine J. Pefanis

2012 President’s Award - Nore Aldein (Norm) Assiff
2012 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Brian W. Conway

2011 President’s Award - Jeffrey Champion, KC
2011 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - Joseph V. Miller, KC

2010 President’s Award - Kevin Feehan, KC
2010 Gary J. Bigg Champion of Justice Award - J. Royal Nickerson, KC

2009 President’s Award - Gary J. Bigg
2009 Champion’s Award - Larry Pempeit (Canadian Paraplegic Association)

2008 President’s Award - Terry M. McGregor (posthumously)
2008 Champion’s Award - Fred Kozak, KC
2008 Justice Award - Charles Rusnell (Edmonton Journal, CBC Television)
Certificate of Appreciation - Matthew Woodley
Certificate of Appreciation - Jeremy Taitinger

2007 President’s Award - Rosanna Saccomani

2006 President’s Award - Walter Kubitz
2006 Champion’s Award - Gordon Hoffman, KC
2006 Justice Award - Kirk Heuser (CTV Calgary News)

2005 Champion’s Award - Ron Everard
2005 Justice Award - Rick Bell (Calgary Sun)

2004 President’s Award - William McNally
2004 President’s Award - Beverly Larbalestier
2004 Champion’s Award - Neil Pierce (Canadian Paraplegic Association)

2003 President’s Award - Constance I. Taylor
2003 Justice Award - Ron Chalmers (Edmonton Journal)

2002 President’s Award - Harris Hanson