The Law Society of the Northwest Territories

In Their Own Words

The 2010 Executive Election nominees were asked to provide the membership with a brief biography in their own words. This is what each candidate had to say.

Kelly McLaughlin

I am pleased to be nominated for a position on the Law Society Executive, and to have the opportunity to provide you with this short bio. Originally from Miramichi, New Brunswick, I moved to Fredericton for university in 1999. I attended St. Thomas University and received my Bachelor of Arts in 2003. I graduated from the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law in 2005, and was Valedictorian of my graduating class. I articled with a law firm in Fredericton and was called to the New Brunswick Bar in June 2006. I practiced with the same firm in the areas of civil litigation and administrative law until December 2007. In January 2008, I (along with my spouse and our two cats) relocated to Yellowknife where I now work as Legislative Counsel with the Government of the Northwest Territories, Department of Justice.

I have always worked hard to contribute to my surrounding community, and I continue to do so here. Professionally, I have volunteered with the Law Society Admissions Committee and the Recruitment and Retention Committee, and I was co-chair of the Social Committee in 2009. Personally, I volunteered two years of service as a member of the Board of Directors of the Yellowknife YWCA. I also do occasional fund raising work for causes that are important to me and to my family. In my spare time, I enjoy attending community events, gardening in the summertime at the Old Town Community Garden, skating in the wintertime, and pursuing my amateur photography hobby when I can.

Cayley J. Thomas

In my 22 years of practicing in the NWT, I have worked in the private sector and for both the Territorial and Federal Governments. I articled for legal aid in Iqaluit. In the late 1980’s I worked as an associate with Phillips and Wright. My legal career in the 1990’s was spent in the with the Territorial Department of Justice. I then worked for several years with Justice Canada (Civil Section). I currently practice law as a sole practitioner, in Yellowknife. As a trained arbitrator and mediator, a significant portion of my practice is devoted to Alternative Dispute Resolution. My legal practice currently focuses on employment and administrative law.

I am married and have five children (and a dog). My hobbies include; sitting in cold arenas, hauling hockey/skating/ski bags around, doing laundry, and trying to learn 5th grade mathematics.

Janice K. Walsh

I came to Yellowknife in May of 1998 for a summer job. That first summer I knew there was something different about Yellowknife and the people here... it is no surprise that I have become one of the YK statistics, you know the "came here for a summer and stayed for over 12 years" statistic. I articled with Peterson, Stang and Malakoe 2003-2004 and moved to the Public Prosecution Service (PPSC) in 2005. The north has given me the unique opportunity to practice in a field I am very passionate about and in doing so, be very successful. In 5 short years I have become a Senior Counsel with PPSC and have enjoyed every last minute of the experience.

I have been actively involved with the CBA from Law School until today. Most recently I concluded my final year as President of the CBA Northwest Territories Branch and remain committed to several committees including the Criminal Law Subsection. Even as a summer student I became very involved with the Law Society and its various important initiatives and committees. I have been a very vocal and visible member on many of their committees and special focus initiatives including the Trial Advocacy program which provides counsel from across the north access to an in depth, intensive, and practical professional development opportunity. I remain committed to representing the north and pursuing the objectives and goals of the Law Society.