Calgary, September 1, 2025 – Christopher Samuel of Edmonton begins his year-long term as the President of the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta Branch, which represents over 5,500 lawyers, justices, legal academics and law students in Alberta. He succeeds Robert D.L. Bassett of Calgary, who remains on the Board of Directors as Past President.
Christopher is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick Faculty of Law, and after clerking at the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta (as it was then known), he completed his articles at the Federal Department of Justice and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2011. He was a Crown Prosecutor in the Edmonton office of the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for many years where he maintained a trial and appellate practice, appearing at all levels of court in Alberta. In 2018, Christopher joined the University of Alberta Faculty of Law as the Director of Legal Research and Writing, where he teaches legal research, writing, advocacy and criminal law, and is responsible for coordinating the faculty’s competitive moot program.
A member of the Canadian Bar Association since his time in law school, Christopher has made countless contributions to CBA Alberta in his nearly 20 years of membership. He served on the Executive Committees of the Young Lawyers and Criminal Justice Sections both provincially and nationally. He was also a long-time Edmonton Law Day volunteer, an event that allowed him to demonstrate his passion for public legal education and access to justice. Outside the CBA, Christopher is an active community volunteer, having served on the Board of Directors of Rapid Fire Theatre, a local improvisational theatre company, various City of Edmonton municipal tribunals, and as the president of his community league.
“The Canadian Bar Association is essential in the role that it plays supporting legal professionals across Canada, and I am proud to serve as President of the Alberta Branch,” says Christopher. “As someone who is intimately involved in the development of the next generation of lawyers, ensuring that the future of the profession is welcoming, inclusive and a rewarding career choice is crucial. CBA Alberta is uniquely suited to provide mentorship, connections and tools that members need to be leaders in our profession and their communities.”
Christopher welcomes members contacting him, or any member of the Executive Committee, with questions, concern and feedback. He looks forward to connecting with law students, young lawyers and CBA Alberta members throughout his presidential year.
Christopher will be joined by fellow Executive Committee members Sarah Coderre (Vice-President), Kathy Briere (Treasurer), Tracey Stock, P.Eng, K.C. (Secretary) and Robert D.L. Bassett (Past President), and Board Directors Yoko Azumaya, Travis Bissett, Maddison Croden, Patricia Gonzalez, Jonathan Griffith, Sifa Serushago, Michael Thorne and Sierra Yanush.
About the Canadian Bar Association
The Canadian Bar Association is the largest professional association for lawyers, representing over 40,000 lawyers, justices, legal academics and law students across Canada, with over 5,500 members in Alberta. As the essential ally and advocate for our members, CBA Alberta promotes fair justice systems, facilitates effective law reform, and upholds equality in the legal profession and beyond.
Media Contact
Lee-Anne Hateley, Manager, Member Services & Communications
403-218-4310
communications@cba-alberta.org