published 01/26/2022
Thompson Dorfman Sweatman LLP (TDS) congratulates Keith LaBossiere and Leilani Kagan for receiving the designation of Queen’s Counsel (Q.C.) by the Manitoba Government for their outstanding integrity and leadership, and significant contributions to the legal profession. This prestigious designation is awarded annually to members of the legal profession by the lieutenant-governor in council based on recommendations made by the minister, following consultation with an advisory council that includes representatives from the judiciary, the legal community, and the public.
Keith LaBossiere, Q.C.
Keith LaBossiere has served as the CEO and Managing Partner of TDS since 2017, where he also continues to practice Labour and Employment Law and is a trusted advisor to his clients and an advocate for their interests. Keith joined TDS as an articling student in 1993 and was called to the bar in 1994. As a young associate at the firm, Keith first practised as a litigator and credits his mentor, Bill Olson with taking great care in his development as a young lawyer. Keith gradually changed the focus of his practice to Labour and Employment Law and has gained significant experience in the area of police employment law and public sector labour relations. He was invited into partnership in 1999.
Keith was the recipient of the A. Montague Israels Q.C. prize from the Law Society of Manitoba. He has repeatedly been recommended as a leading practitioner in Winnipeg and named one of Canada’s 40 leading lawyers under 40 by Lexpert and one of Canada's top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in 2020 by Canadian Lawyer. He has served and continues to serve on several local non-profit Boards and donates his time and energy to a variety of charitable and community organizations. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at a number of different education programs in the area of labour law.
Leilani Kagan, Q.C.
Leilani Kagan has over 23 years of experience in Business Law at TDS, with a focus on corporate transactions and all aspects of income and commodity taxation. Her career at the firm began as a summer student in 1996 and was called to the bar 1999. She continued to build her practice as both a lawyer and mentor at the firm, reaching partner at the firm in 2005.
Leilani is a University of Manitoba Gold Medalist and was named one of Canada’s 40 leading lawyers under 40 by Lexpert. She has authored and presented papers on various tax and estate-planning topics, including several papers for the Law Society of Manitoba’s Continuing Legal Education program and the Canadian Tax Foundation. She continues to make a major impact in the community through her activities as a director and past president of The Dream Factory and director of Toba Centre for Children & Youth. She is also a member of the Engagement Committee of the Associates of the I.H. Asper School of Business and Co-Chair of the United Way’s major donor cabinet, and is a frequent lecturer and speaker for a variety of business and educational organizations.
Click here to read the Government of Manitoba’s official announcement.
Learn more about Queen’s Counsel on their website.
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