Calgary-based lawyer and Partner at Bennett Jones LLP, Blair Yorke-Slader, was inducted into the International Academy of Trial Lawyers this past Saturday in Chicago. His induction makes him the first ever Albertan to receive this honour.

The Academy is a group of elite trial lawyers representing both sides of the Bar:prosecutors and defense lawyers in criminal cases, and plaintiffs' and defense counsel in civil litigation. While the majority of the Fellows hail from the U.S., the Academy also includes lawyers from more than 30 countries. Fellowship is by invitation, and trial lawyers are invited to become Fellows only after a lengthy and extremely careful vetting process. As to U.S. Fellows, the Academy's bylaws limit Fellowship to 500 active trial lawyers under the age of 70.

"This induction is a testament to Blair's accomplishments as a highly skilled trial counsel", said Jeff Leon, a fellow Bennett Jones Partner and one of only 22 other Canadian Fellows of the Academy. "It's fitting that he is the first Albertan and is perfectly suited to be a part of this distinguished group", he adds.

Along with being Vice-Chairman of the firm, Yorke-Slader practises high-stakes corporate and commercial litigation with an active trial and appellate business and energy litigation practice, including contract, shareholder, partnership, securities, and trust disputes. As well, he appears before the Alberta Securities Commission and various other administrative tribunals. He also has broad arbitration experience as counsel and as an arbitrator.

Blair is a former CBC Radio legal commentator and a speaker and author on appellate advocacy for the Legal Education Society of Alberta. He was awarded the 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal for outstanding service to the people and province of Alberta.