Brian Hendrickson appointed as a Provincial Court judge in Moose Jaw

Brian Hendrickson, at the age of 62 and after more than 35 years as a lawyer, has been appointed as a judge to the Provincial Court in Moose Jaw. “It was a huge surprise, but really humbling,” Hendrickson said. “It’s a huge honour. I’m not just saying that. It is a huge honour.” Following the call to the bar, Hendrickson had a stream of well-wishers offering him congratulations. Judge Hendrickson received a law degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1981. He began his career as an articling clerk with the Court of Queen’s Bench, Chief Justice’s office in Regina. He went on to work as a lawyer with Rendek McCrank in Regina and then with the Ministry of Justice as a Prosecutor, Director of Sheriff’s Services, Senior Crown Prosecutor and most recently as the Regional Crown Prosecutor in Moose Jaw.

“Judge Hendrickson is an exceptional appointment to the bench,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Don Morgan. “He has made valuable contributions to the legal communi- ty in Saskatchewan for more than 35 years. His knowledge, experience and commitment to public service will certainly enhance the judicial system in our province.” Prospective judges apply for consideration by the eight-person Saskatchewan Judicial Council. The Judicial Council reviews and evaluates the applicants and the candidates receive a designation of “highly recommended”, “recommended” or “not recommended”. The list of the Council’s recommendations is provided to the Minister of Justice. When a new judge is required, the appointment is made from this list. Hendrickson first put his name forward to the Saskatchewan Judicial Council more than a decade ago. “My logic was, that around 50, that was a nice age to be thinking about such things. You’re in a nice position to hopefully be a judge of character, so I had applied before and had my name in for a few years,” Hendrickson said. While the judicial appointment didn’t come immediately, Hendrickson said that he was “perfectly content in practice for 30 years.”

not just saying that. It is a huge honour.”